Briefings enable technology and service providers to update Forrester about their firm’s strategic developments such as new product releases or acquisitions. There is no fee for a briefing, and briefing requests are considered independently from a company’s status as a Forrester client.
How long is the scheduling process?
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.
What if I have multiple topics?
Please submit a separate online Briefing Form for each topic.
How does Forrester determine which briefings to accept and decline?
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 and their work-in-progress, which you can preview on our Planned Research page. 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.
What if my proposal is declined?
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. Visit our Planned Research page for updated information.
- Lack of coverage. In the unlikely event that our analysts don’t cover your area, contact your Forrester account manager to discuss alternative ways that we can support your business. Not a client? Learn more about the benefits of partnering with Forrester.
What materials should I prepare?
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.
What is the technology format for a 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.
Are analyst briefings confidential?
Briefings are an opportunity for vendors to inform our analysts about trends in the marketplace and specific offerings. Although most information gleaned in briefings are not specifically incorporated into Forrester’s research, we cannot completely restrict our ability to write about relevant information discussed. In general, 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.
Can I schedule a briefing during Forrester or industry conferences?
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.
What are analyst days and community briefings?
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.
What’s the difference between a briefing and other Forrester engagements?
As noted, briefings enable technology and service providers to update Forrester about their firm’s strategic developments such as new product releases or acquisitions. By contrast:
- Inquiry Sessions are engagements with a Forrester analyst, either scheduled as a 30-minute phone call or delivered via an email response. Inquiry Sessions are designed to address questions based on an analyst’s research and areas of expertise. Inquiry Sessions are only available to Forrester clients with Inquiry Session access. For more information about Inquiry Sessions, see our Inquiry Session FAQs.
- Advisory and Consulting engagements are designed for more detailed interaction with Forrester experts. They are considered a part of Forrester’s Consulting Services. They may be used to get an analyst’s feedback on a company’s strategy, messaging or go to market approach.
Can I use briefings to get feedback on my messaging?
No. Analysts expect that you will be presenting to them during a briefing. Briefings may not be used to get feedback on messaging, marketing, materials, or thought leadership studies. If you need feedback on these materials, please consider Forrester’s Consulting Services.
Can I schedule a briefing in connection with another Forrester engagement?
No. Briefings may not be scheduled in coordination with our inquiry, advisory, or consulting services. For example, we will not schedule a briefing to prepare an analyst for an inquiry or advisory session.