Vendor Briefing Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get my briefing request accepted?

All requests are evaluated with the same criteria. The analyst assigned the briefing weighs the company/organization requesting the briefing with current research needs and availability times. Thoroughly and completely filling out the request form will provide the analyst with the best information with which to make this decision. You should receive an accept or decline notification within five business days of submission. For the most up-to-date information on your briefing, view the status page (there is a link to the status page in your confirmation email).

What is the scheduling process for an accepted briefing?

The scheduling process begins once the assigned analyst accepts your briefing request. The assigned analyst will be in contact with the person listed as “Scheduler” on the request form. The quickest way to get your briefing scheduled is to be flexible during the scheduling process.

How can I get the most up-to-date information on my briefing?

Upon submission of your briefing request, you will receive a confirmation email, which will include a link to a status page that is updated as the accept/decline and scheduling process progresses.

How does Burton Group handle non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and other confidential information?

Burton Group policy discourages the use of NDAs. Analysts will keep strategic information confidential and embargo news pending an announcement or press release. Vendors should be specific about what information is embargoed, how long the embargo will last, and how the analyst will know that the embargo has been lifted. Information imparted during briefings is considered public, unless specifically cited as confidential.

May I request in-person briefings?

Face-to-face briefings are very infrequent and depend on travel arrangements and analyst acceptance. If you would like to request an in-person briefing, please note the special handling box on the briefing request form.

I have more than one topic; do I have to submit multiple requests?

Yes. You must submit a separate briefing request form for each topic that you would like to cover. By doing this, you will ensure that you are paired with the Burton Group analyst most closely aligned with each of your briefings.

Can I brief an entire team of analysts?

Lead times significantly increase when multiple analysts are requested. When a briefing is accepted, only one analyst is guaranteed to attend. Your briefing will be posted internally for all analysts to view. If an analyst different than your assigned analyst would like to attend, he or she will contact the assigned analyst and get the details. Your briefing information is archived for use by all Burton Group analysts.

Can I schedule a briefing with an analyst during Catalyst Conference?

No. Vendor briefings may not be scheduled during Catalyst Conference. Catalyst Conference is not an effective means for conducting vendor briefings. Also, analysts attending conferences are quite busy conducting presentations and client meetings. Analysts do not to have the time or bandwidth to properly devote their attention to a vendor briefing during Catalyst Conference.

Can I schedule a briefing with an analyst during a non-Burton Group event?

Analysts attending non-Burton Group events are usually quite busy conducting presentations and client meetings. Once an analyst accepts your briefing request you may speak with them about a non-Burton Group conference vendor briefing venue. Analysts are not required to accept a non-Burton Group conference event briefing.

Do your vendor clients get preferential treatment on briefings?

No. You may view the Burton Group vendor-neutrality information here. To ensure the integrity of the research process, client-requested briefings are processed in the same manner as non-client requests.

What is the difference between a vendor briefing and a client dialogue?

A vendor briefing may be requested by both Burton Group clients and non-clients. Vendor briefings are an opportunity for vendors to present their products, business plans and/or strategies to a Burton Group analyst. An analyst may ask clarification questions; however, vendors will not receive feedback.

Only Burton Group clients can request dialogues. Dialogues are generally related to Burton Group research. A dialogue is more of a discussion during which the client asks questions and/or presents information and the analyst responds; these sessions are highly interactive. There is a separate scheduling page on the client-side of burtongroup.com to facilitate dialogue scheduling.

Do you accept presentation files for the briefing?

Yes. Once your briefing has been accepted by the assigned analyst, you may upload any presentation files from the status page. Please upload your presentation from the briefing status page at least 2 business days prior to a scheduled briefing. You will receive a link to the status page in your briefing request confirmation email. Upon completion of your briefing, your slides will be available to all Burton Group analysts for review. This is very helpful for analysts that are interested in you as a vendor, but could not attend the briefing.