ATHENS: Neuroscience, digital technology and new methods for generating consumer insights will be among the main topics of discussion at this week's 2010 ESOMAR Congress.

The Congress, entitled Odyssey 2010: The Changing Face of Market Research, runs from 13–15 September in Athens, Greece.

Some of the major subjects under consideration are how researchers can respond to emerging technologies, societal changes and the economic downturn.

Warc is reporting directly from the event all week, and the latest updates will be available here.

One keynote speaker is Shombit Sengupta, chairman of Shining Consulting and creator of the Emotional Surplus delivery model, which argues trust, functionality and emotion drive repeat purchase.

Another is Dr Paul Marsden, co-founder of Spheeris and BrainJuicer, and an expert in how digital communications influence audiences.

The Carphone Warehouse, Danone, Diageo, HSBC, Pernod Ricard and Procter & Gamble are among the brand owners that will be represented on panels at the event.

An international session, called "The Future of Privacy", will also assess the current debates surrounding data protection in market research.

Elsewhere, the 2010 Congress is hosting the second Young Researcher of the Year Award, recognising talented researchers under 30 years old.

More specifically, it seeks to honour executives dealing with challenging global issues, and this year's list covers AIDs/HIV, sustainable energy and the "digital divide".

Data sourced from ESOMAR; additional content by Warc staff