I am planning a visit to a friend in the Las Vegas area and thought I would attend the MSPA Conference. I have a couple questions.

1. They state the conference runs from June 24-26. I haven't seen an actual schedule of events so does anyone who has attended this conference before know if the Friday start date will be anything more than registration?

2. Is anyone else planning to attend? If so, PM me as I would love to meet you.

I'm going too. I also need a schedule for the conference. I was going to drive but have recently decided to fly since no one wants to tag along while my purpose is to mainly attend the conference.

Have you found a schedule yet? I just looked on their site and again I don't see any times listed. I sent an email and will post if I receive any info. I want to book my plane reservations but don't know what to select for arrival and departure times.

I was planning on going but then my brother decided that would be the perfect week to visit.

Las Vegas at the end of June? Not a summer destination for me.

Schedule was posted this morning. It's on their website now.

I can not find the schedule on their website. Do I have to register before I can see it? I wanted to look at the events before making a decision.

I'm not sure. Here is the info: [www.mspa-na.org]. The format did not come across since this forum is text based, but this should give you a better idea of what's available. I am pre-registered so I was sent an email to this Agenda page this morning.

Agenda

Print
All events, sessions and speakers are tentative and subject to change
Friday, June 24
6:30 pm – 7:20 pm Mystery Shopping 101 (This session is open to the public for free - contact MSPA-NA headquarters for details at mspa@hqtrs.com)
Rich Bradley, ath Power Consulting

This comprehensive overview of the industry history and current status/opportunities is especially designed for brand new independent contractors and those who may have heard about mystery shopping, but not taken an assignment yet. We will talk about how mystery shopping started, what clients and MSPs have as expectations of mystery shoppers and how to distinguish legitimate companies from scams and frauds. Veteran mystery shoppers are welcome to attend; however most experienced shoppers will likely already have a substantial understanding of the material being presented here.

7:30 pm – 9:30 pm Opening Night Networking Reception
This Grand Opening Networking Reception will be your chance to get to know your fellow shoppers and dozens of Mystery Shopping Providers (MSPs). The MSPA North America Board of Directors and other companies will be in attendance. There is no other place where you can get this much quality face time with the industry’s leaders than at ShopperFest! Don't miss the kick-off to a great weekend!

Saturday, June 25
8:30 am – 9:00 am Your Association and You
Mike Mershimer, HS Brands International

9:00 am – 9:50 am
Veteran Shopper Track Maximizing Your Profits & Minimizing Your Expenses as an IC
Adrienne Dobson, Customer Impact

9:00 am - 9:50 am
New Shopper Track First Year Shopper Toolkit: From Gigs to Scams - 5 Things You Need to Know

10:00 am - 10:55 am
Veteran Shopper Track Stop Feeling Taxed - How to Get the Most Out of Legitimate Business Deductions
Ronald Perry
Sue Stevenson

10:00 am - 10:55 am
New Shopper Track Setting Yourself Up in Business
Mike Mershimer, HS Brands International

11:00 am - 11:55 am
Veteran Shopper Track Merchandising - More Opportunities for ICs

11:00 am - 11:55 am
New Shopper Track New Shopper Forum
Lety Gonzalez, QSI Specialists
Angela Megasko, Market Viewpoint
Doug Rector, Northwest Loss Prevention Consultants
Paul Ryan, Secret Shopper / Sights on Service, Inc.

12:00 pm – 1:20 pm Lunch with the MSPs / Shoppers' Choice Awards

1:30 pm – 2:20 pm MSP Roundtable - Whaddya Wanna Know?
Guy Caron, BARE International
Stan Hart, Alta360 Research, Inc.
Mike Mershimer, HS Brands International
Cameron Watt, In-Touch Insight Systems

2:30 pm – 3:20 pm
Veteran Shopper Track Shopping Las Vegas (and the Rest of Nevada)
Donald Evans, Elite CX Solutions
Lety Gonzalez, QSI Specialists
Kevin Ingram
Joey Lidgett, Elite CX Solutions

2:30 pm – 3:20 pm
New Shopper Track The Mystery Shopping Scheduler - Finding Ways to Connect with Your New BFF
Angela Megasko, Market Viewpoint

3:30 pm – 4:20 pm MSP Roundtable - Landing the Highest Paying Gigs
Adrienne Dobson, Customer Impact
David Hartley, Elite CX Solutions

4:30 pm – 5:00 pm Closing Remarks
Rich Bradley, ath Power Consulting

5:00 pm – 7:30 pm Open Networking

7:30 pm – 8:30 pm The Rat Pack is Back!
(Additional fee of $55 for show ONLY)
(Additional fee of $75 for dinner & show)

In its 18th smash hit year, The Rat Pack is Back comes to the Copa Room at the Tuscany Casino. Frank, Sammy and Dean perform the classics hits and unforgettable group sets showcasing exactly why Las Vegas was (and continues to be) the hippest place on earth. Their cool vintage charm and stage demeanor truly create a spiritual reincarnation of the original Vegas legends.

If you choose show only - dinner is on your own.
If you choose dinner and show - dinner will be before the show at an eligible restaurant.
9:00 pm Solving the Mysteries of the Mystery Shopping Providers Game

This free optional activity is full of mystery...will you be able to uncover it?
Sunday, June 26
MSPA-NA University Certification Courses

9:00 am – 12:00 pm Track One (Video Shopping I and Video Shopping II), Track Two (Professional Industry Writing and Professional Responsibility and Ethics) or Track Three (TBD)

MSPA-NA University develops general and specific curriculum in order to strengthen our industry shopper pool. It is completely voluntary, but does become a part of our MSPA record for providers to see who has taken certifications. It is the association’s intention to offer in-person certification at least once a year, while developing on-line versions and exploring the cost/benefits of additional on-site seminars throughout the year.
9:00 am – 10:25 am
Track One Video Shopping I – On Site Certification - $50

More industries and MSP companies are requesting and embracing hidden video shopping. There are logistics and legalities to be aware of to both protect your own interests and to help you provide the best possible video shop results that you can, and thereby earn you more work at some of the industry’s highest pay rates.

MSPA-NA Video Shopping-I covers the basics of conducting hidden video mystery shops, particularly in the industries of new homes, multi-family (apartment) homes, automotive and education. You’ll learn about client expectations, camera positioning, common errors and the laws surrounding the recording and use of hidden video. Passage of a written exam is required to become certified.
9:00 am – 10:25 am
Track Two Professional Responsibility and Ethics On-Site Certification - $25

Serious independent contractors who complete mystery shopping realize that the final output of their work product can impact many people…from themselves to the workers at the mystery shopping provider companies…to the lives of the employees of the ultimate clients, themselves. Being a model representative for the industry involves being set up properly in business, knowing the legal and industry accepted standards in place, and having a clear sense of the ethics expected by all. This course is a comprehensive review of all these factors. Students must pass an exam to be certified in Professional Responsibility and Ethics. This course is an MSPA-NA Common Core Course, and certification in this course is required before taking MSPA-NA advanced courses (Video Shopping I & Video Shopping II are exempt from this requirement).
9:00 am – 10:25 am
Track Three TBD On-Site Certification - $25

10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Track One Video Shopping II – On Site Certification - $50
(Prerequisite: Video Shopping I)

More industries and MSP companies are requesting and embracing hidden video shopping. There are logistics and legalities to be aware of to both protect your own interests and to help you provide the best possible video shop results that you can, and thereby earn you more work at some of the industry’s highest pay rates.

MSPA-NA Video Shopping-II is a practical hands-on lab in which students role play and experiment with hidden video equipment in order to master the use of, and receive feedback on, their demonstrated handling of the equipment. Students must pass another exam to become MSPA-NA Video-II certified.
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Track Two Professional Industry Writing On-Site Certification - $25

Well-written and descriptive reports are the keys to a successful mystery shop. This is important for two reasons. Your precise and intentional use of vocabulary helps to convey your exact impression during your shop. Secondly, the use of proper English and grammar cuts down on the time that mystery shopping provider edits and proofreaders have to put into your report once submitted. Those companies are looking to use most frequently the independent contractors who submit the best reports needing the least amount of editing because it breeds confidence in the submission of the report to the client and it saves the MSP money in reduced editing and proofreading time. This is your chance to stand out as a certified Professional Industry Writer by completing this course and passing the corresponding exam. Editors and proofreaders spend the bulk of their time fixing the same typical errors: generic writing, improper choice of vocabulary and inconsistency in writing. Join us for a crash course in attacking these areas and then demonstrate your understanding by passing the course exam for certification in this class. This course is an MSPA-NA Common Core Course, and certification in this course is required before taking MSPA-NA advanced courses (Video Shopping I & Video Shopping II are exempt from this requirement).
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Track Three TBD On-Site Certification - $25
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Certification Awards and Lunch

So everything on day 2 is paid separately from the Day 1 sessions? Who is teaching the video sessions on Day 2?

Wow, they do charge for everything on the second day. That is expensive, not to mention travel and the hotel cost. I think I am going to go to the free shopper reunion and pay for just video shopping on the second day. Video shopping pros is offering it for cheap

Please remember that you do not have to take the educational courses. Shopperfest is put on by MSPA and the presenters are owners of mystery shopping companies and not shoppers. During the years I learned that shoppers want to network with those in the industry, so that is the basis of Shopperfest. As an owner of NWLPC I have had the privilege of meeting shoppers face to face and when I see someone I meet requesting a shop I do take note (not saying they get the shop). One of the sessions is a panel of owners, not schedulers, editors or shoppers) where you can ask any question.
I have also been asked questions by shoppers at Shopperfest casuing me to change the way we do certain things. Shoppers want input.
Many advantages of attending Shopperfest and I hope to see you in Vegas!

@Sybil2 wrote:

Las Vegas at the end of June? Not a summer destination for me.

Ya'll realize in June it gets 113 degrees right?

Well, there is always the alternative of a November LV conference.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/09/2016 01:20PM by walesmaven.

@dcrector wrote:

Please remember that you do not have to take the educational courses. Shopperfest is put on by MSPA and the presenters are owners of mystery shopping companies and not shoppers. During the years I learned that shoppers want to network with those in the industry, so that is the basis of Shopperfest. As an owner of NWLPC I have had the privilege of meeting shoppers face to face and when I see someone I meet requesting a shop I do take note (not saying they get the shop). One of the sessions is a panel of owners, not schedulers, editors or shoppers) where you can ask any question.
I have also been asked questions by shoppers at Shopperfest casuing me to change the way we do certain things. Shoppers want input.
Many advantages of attending Shopperfest and I hope to see you in Vegas!

Sounds like you are saying the company owners are the only ones qualified to be presenters. Is there something wrong with schedulers, editors and shoppers presenting in your opinion?

Perhaps they could add a class in how to use the quote function.

That would be good too, sorry I am still learning my way

Ha! I'm just yanking your chain. Many people seem to have trouble with it.

When you hit quote you can place you cursor at the very end of the text, including the /quote] part, hit enter a couple of times, and then type your response. When you post it will all be in a single post with your reply under the quoted text.

Thank you

@Msaddict wrote:

Sounds like you are saying the company owners are the only ones qualified to be presenters. Is there something wrong with schedulers, editors and shoppers presenting in your opinion?

Different conferences are run by different agencies/groups and each have their own focus. ShopperFest is run by the MSPA so their focus is on the MSC owners as speakers and interacting with the shoppers. Many schedulers and editors are independent contractors just like us shoppers so many of them do not have the financial means or the ability to leave families behind to even attend a conference.

It is not a good idea to try to tell the owners of MSCs or the MSPA how to run their business or conference. If you don't like their teaching and networking options, pick another conference to attend. Variety is the spice of life.

Whoa! I did not tell anybody how to do anything. I asked his opinion based on his post. Gee golly good wrench cannot even ask a question I guess

Please sound alarm when backing up.

@Msaddict wrote:

Gee golly good wrench cannot even ask a question I guess

You must realize that the question was combative.

This is an organization of mystery shopping company owners, and obviously their opinion is going to be that the companies themselves are generally better equipped to train shoppers on how to perform their shops than other shoppers.

Yes; there are obviously things that shoppers can teach each other, but if you were taking a class and trying to get the best grade possible, would you rather be tutored by other students, or the teacher of the class? Obviously the teacher would be expected to have the greatest insight into the grading and subject matter.

It was not meant to be combative but claritive. I would rather be trained by the people who do the work and not someone who delegates the work. How many company owners do mystery shopping, scheduling or editing on a daily basis? Sure we all have our preferences and that is fine. I don't like the assumption that company owners are the only leaders in mystery shopping and know more than us. I may have not understood his post since sometimes what we read is not what is really meant.

@SteveSoCal wrote:

Yes; there are obviously things that shoppers can teach each other, but if you were taking a class and trying to get the best grade possible, would you rather be tutored by other students, or the teacher of the class? Obviously the teacher would be expected to have the greatest insight into the grading and subject matter.

I think the better analogy is would you rather be taught by people who passed the test or people who created the test?

@Msaddict

Actually more companies than not were started by shoppers and more schedulers than not shop.

I'd rather be taught by people who grade the test.

@bgriffin wrote:

I think the better analogy is would you rather be taught by people who passed the test or people who created the test?

How do we even know if they passed the test?

Shoppers can claim all the experience in the world. I know a gold certified shopper that was an inspiration to many up-and-coming shoppers. When I was an editor, I would dread getting submissions from that person. They were terrible....

I would rather be paid for my work than worry about who created the test, who passed the test or who is cheating on the test.

Exactly, this is why I want to learn from the editors. Those certifications mean nothing, anyone can pass that MSPA certification

And I am not knocking the certifications, I just want to learn from those who are doing the work regularly and up to date on things we run into