The Sheth Foundation and the Marketing Science Institute (MSI) are co-sponsoring two pre-conferences with ACR on Thursday, October 9th from 1 – 4:30 pm on important emerging topics in consumer behavior.

• Cravings, Coping, and Consequences: Navigating Vices, Virtues, and Indulgences in the Age of Generative AI, co-chaired by Martin Reimann (University of Arizona) and Christoph Hüller (University of Arizona)
• Frontiers in Consumer Privacy Research, co-chaired by Aaron Brough (Utah State University) and Alexander K. Moore (University of Illinois Chicago)

Each of the pre-conferences will be capped at 30-40 participants, balanced between faculty and doctoral students, with the goal of fostering dialogue and networking opportunities between scholars with shared research interests.

• The Sheth Foundation is sponsoring several $500 travel stipends (competitive) for students who are participating in the pre-conference.
• Attendees will be considered for opportunities to receive research funding or publish their working papers in MSI’s working paper series.

Registration for the pre-conferences is on a first-come, first-served basis, closing on June 2 at 5 pm EST.

Descriptions of each of the pre-conferences are below.

Cravings, Coping, and Consequences: Navigating Vices, Virtues, and Indulgences In the Age of Generative AI

Co-chairs Martin Reimann (University of Arizona) and Christoph Hüller (University of Arizona)

https://acrwebsite.org/events/acr25/sheth-msi-acr-pre-conference-cravings-coping-and-consequences/

In this pre-conference, co-sponsored by the Sheth Foundation and the Marketing Science Institute, get ready to explore how indulgence, vices versus virtues, compensatory consumption, and maladaptive behaviors collide in our ever-evolving, AI-supercharged marketplace. On one hand, intelligent algorithms stoke desires, shape judgments, and possibly propagate maladaptive behaviors through hyper-personalization and emotional triggers. On the other hand, the same technologies can be harnessed to potentially strengthen self-control, guide consumers toward healthier choices, and promote long-term consumer well-being. This tension will be at the heart of our discussions. Join leading scholars for a high-energy, forward-looking pre-conference that tackles one of the most urgent frontiers in consumer research.

Frontiers in Consumer Privacy Research

Co-chairs Aaron Brough (Utah State University) and Alexander K. Moore (University of Illinois Chicago)

https://acrwebsite.org/events/acr25/sheth-msi-acr-pre-conference-frontiers-in-consumer-privacy-research/

As data collection and usage become increasingly pervasive in our digital age, protecting consumer privacy has emerged as a critical concern for individual consumers, businesses, policymakers, and society at large. This pre-conference, co-sponsored by Sheth and MSI, will bring together invited experts as well as interested students and faculty to network, share ideas, and engage in thought-provoking discussions. The workshop aims to foster open dialogue and help participants generate innovative ideas on the multifaceted issues surrounding consumer privacy. Discussions will examine key topics like the current landscape of privacy regulations, emerging technologies, and best practices for safeguarding consumer data while fostering innovation in products and services.