Mission and Vision
Our Mission
The Association for Consumer Research (ACR) was founded in 1969 by a small group of consumer behavior researchers whose informal meeting at the Ohio State University led to the vision of a yearly conference devoted to the study of consumer behavior. Today, ACR’s mission is to advance consumer research and facilitate the exchange of scholarly information among members of academia, industry, and government worldwide. One of the key functions of ACR is to facilitate the growth and advancement of the field of consumer research. ACR hosts and supports a number of conferences as well as reviews and publishes scholarly research publications.
Open Exchange and Anti-Discrimination
The Association for Consumer Research (ACR), as an organization dedicated to the understanding of consumers’ attitudes, behaviors, and needs, rejects discrimination of any sort, hate-filled speech, and policies that require and/or support such discrimination. ACR supports freedom of opinion and encourages open dialogue. However, ACR will not issue official statements on specific conflicts or political situations, beyond how conflicts/situations might directly impact our members’ abilities to attend and/or engage in ACR-sponsored activities. The absence of such statements does not signal a lack of conviction or empathy. Rather, it is with conviction and empathy that ACR aims to facilitate open exchange of scholarly ideas and diverse points of view, which is necessary to help its mission to advance consumer research.
Unravelling the Consumer Experience
The Association for Consumer Research (ACR) warmly invites you to engage in a dynamic dialogue exploring the human intricacies of consumer behavior. Founded on a shared passion for understanding the motivations and choices that drive individuals in the marketplace, ACR fosters a welcoming and interdisciplinary environment for both established scholars and budding researchers. Through vibrant conferences, esteemed publications, and engaging initiatives, we delve into the latest advances in consumer psychology, marketing science, and related fields. Join us as we translate fundamental knowledge into actionable insights, shaping better marketing strategies, informing public policy, and ultimately, elevating the consumer experience. Whether you’re a seasoned academic, a curious professional, or an enthusiastic student, ACR invites you to contribute your unique perspective and collaborate with colleagues who share your dedication to unlocking the secrets of the consumer mind.
On Conference Locations
When choosing conference locations for our annual Fall conference, ACR uses a wide range of selection criteria to ensure that as many of our members as possible can participate in person. These criteria include economic and logistical factors, such as food and lodging costs, accessibility from across the globe, and visa requirements for visitors. These criteria also include factors affecting the physical and psychological safety of our members, such as health care provision or whether a particular location has enacted discriminatory policies. ACR strives to optimize on all these dimensions but acknowledges that there are often tradeoffs to be made.
