How to propose an analyst briefing
To submit a briefing, please log into your existing Forrester.com profile or create one and complete this form.
We will direct your request to the appropriate analyst(s).
Your completed form will be routed to the appropriate analyst(s) within one business day. Within five business days, we’ll let you know if your proposal has been accepted.
Forrester briefings are conducted in two ways:
- Conference call. Due to busy schedules and varying time zones, many vendors find that conference calls are the best way to brief a Forrester analyst. To ensure that your experience is optimal, please share your presentation with the analyst at least 48 hours prior to the call. You’re welcome to conduct a web conference, as well.
- In-person meeting at a Forrester office. In-person briefings are available if: 1) the analyst is located at that office and agrees to an in-person briefing; and 2) you are local to the Forrester office where the analyst is based. We do not recommend traveling for the sole purpose of a briefing, as our analysts’ schedules change frequently.
The analyst’s role during a briefing
Forrester analysts use briefings to learn about changes in markets, providers, and services. To increase their understanding of your business, the analyst will ask you clarifying questions. These questions can range from specifics about customer drivers and product features or functionality, to how the change reflects your company strategy and competitive positioning.
Briefing FAQs
Single analyst briefings generally take place within one month of approval. Submit your proposal as early as possible, particularly if you are trying to present to more than one analyst.
Please submit a separate online Briefing Form for each topic.
Typically, the Forrester analyst who is most relevant to your coverage area will attend the briefing. If your announcement is relevant to multiple analysts, we will also route your proposal to them. But only the lead analyst is guaranteed to attend.
Forrester analysts accept briefings that are relevant to their research agenda and based on their calendar availability. Generally, your announcement must align to the analyst’s coverage area, which you can view on our Analyst directory. Analysts may choose to defer until a date that more closely aligns to their agenda. Forrester does not consider a company’s status as a client when deciding whether to accept a briefing request.
It’s important that you understand why your briefing was declined and learn about your options:
- Analyst calendar availability. If your request was declined for this reason, we encourage you to resubmit your request in three to six months.
- Analyst timing. Sometimes the analyst is interested in your area but not currently researching it. You’re encouraged to propose a briefing again, when the timing better aligns to the analyst’s agenda.
- Lack of coverage. In the unlikely event that our analysts don’t cover your area, contact your Forrester account manager (login required) to discuss alternative ways that we can support your business. Not a client? Learn more about the benefits of partnering with Forrester.
Based on the lead analyst’s availability and current research focus, analyst briefings are allotted either 30 or 60 minutes.
If your proposal is accepted, we advise you to share your presentation or detailed agenda as soon as possible. Please send your materials to us at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled briefing.
Companies may choose between a Forrester-provided dial-in/VC or use their own. Be sure to share your presentation in advance, in case of connectivity issues. Please provide materials at least 48 hours ahead of the scheduled date.
Briefings are an opportunity for vendors to inform our analysts about trends in the marketplace and specific offerings. Most information gleaned in briefings is not specifically incorporated into Forrester’s research. However, if your presentation includes information that you do not want referenced in an analyst’s work, you are responsible for communicating this to the analyst prior to the briefing.
Forrester does not sign nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) in connection with briefings, but an analyst may individually honor a request not to write about certain information obtained in a briefing until a certain date (e.g. a release date). If your presentation includes information that you do not want referenced in an analyst’s work until a certain date, you are responsible for communicating this to the analyst prior to the briefing. You should not provide any information in a briefing that you feel uncomfortable providing without an NDA.
We don’t encourage you to request a briefing during Forrester or industry-sponsored events. Logistics make it difficult to ensure the value of your experience, as analysts are busy providing and attending presentations.
Analyst community briefings, or analyst days, are when vendors offer multiple analysts or firms the opportunity to attend a presentation that the vendor has already scheduled. We send these invitations to Forrester analysts in relevant coverage areas. Analysts will respond directly if they are available and interested in attending.
Briefings are an opportunity for your company to update Forrester about strategic developments such as new product releases or acquisitions. Analyst participation is based on their interest and availability. There is no fee for this service.
Analyst Inquiry is driven by a client’s question about our published research and can be delivered as a 30-minute call or email response. The analyst whose coverage best aligns to your question will help you put our research into practice and take the next step. This paid service is available only to Forrester clients with Analyst Inquiry access.