RIVA Webinars - Registration closes the day prior to the webinar. Registration Fee: $125 per person
RIVA Webinar - Date: TBD, 2021
In order to receive your Certificate of Completion for the below courses, you must complete and participate in all modules on each day of class.
RIVA 195V PQR, "PQR - Principles of Qualitative Research"
RIVA RIVA 195V, Principles of Qualitative Market Research, is an intensive and interactive self-paced training course that is intended to provide researchers that use qualitative techniques in marketing, research, or meetings with a strong foundation in the underpinnings of qualitative research.
Ongoing (Self-paced) - Virtual - Register Online
RIVA 199,"Project Management & Screener Development"
RIVA 199 has been developed to help qualitative researchers to refine the administrative skills that make a project successful.
TBD, 2022 Virtual - Register Online
RIVA 201,"Fundamentals of Moderating"
RIVA 201 provides an experiential training environment for students to learn about focus groups and their context of qualitative marketing research. Upcoming dates are below, please click on RIVA 201 link for additional training dates. Please note: All RIVA 201 courses (in-person and virtual) are 4-days in length.
June 27-30, 2022 Virtual - registration closes 6/18/22 - WAITLIST ONLY Register Online
July 18-21, 2022 In-Person - WAITLIST ONLY Register Online
August 1-4, 2022 Virtual - registration closes 7/25/22 - 3 OPEN SEATS Register Online
August 22-25, 2022 In-Person - WAITLIST ONLY Register Online
September 12-15, 2022 Virtual - registration closes 9/2/22 - 3 OPEN SEATS Register Online
September 26-29, 2022 In-Person - WAITLIST ONLY Register Online
October 10-13, 2022 Virtual - registration closes 10/1/22 - Register Online
October 24-27, 2022 In-Person - WAITLIST ONLY 2 Register Online
November 7-10, 2022 In-Person - Register Online
November 14-17, 2022 Virtual - registration closes 11/5/22 - Register Online
December 5-8, 2022 In-Person - 4 OPEN SEATS Register Online
December 12-15, 2022 Virtual - registration closes 12/3/22 - Register Online
RIVA 202,"Skill Acceleration"
RIVA 202 course provides an experiential training environment for working and experienced moderators who have not taken RIVA 201.
August 8-11, 2022 Virtual registration closes 7/30/22 - WAITLIST ONLY Register Online
RIVA 204,"All About Ethnography"
This course focuses on the skills needed in order to get unfiltered responses in "real time" with interviews in a home, business, or social setting.
September 12-14, 2022 In-Person - Register Online
RIVA 205 Virtual Course,"Moderating: Kid & Teen Qualitative Sessions"
This course is being offered directly through Pam Goldfarb Liss at LitBrains-Igniting Ideas!, pam@litbrains.com, www.LiBrains.com.
RIVA 207 Virtual,"Fundamentals of IDI Moderating"
Fundamentals of IDI Moderating, has been specially developed for qualitative researchers who are looking how to conduct one-on-one interviews with individuals.
June 27-30, 2022 In-Person - 3 OPEN SEATS Register Online
August 29-September 1, 2022 Virtual - registration closes 8/20/22 - Register Online
RIVA 221 Virtual Course,"Principles of User Experience Research and Testing"
Principles of User Experience Research and Testing leverages many of the skills qualitative researchers already have [e.g., building rapport, probing for clarity, getting below top-of-mind responses]. This 2-day in person class will show seasoned QRCs what they need to know to start incorporating usability research into their skill set.
Virtual Class - TBD - Register Online
RIVA 241,"Qualitative Analysis & Reporting"
Qualitative Analysis & Reporting has been revamped and is now a 4-day training. This course provides an experiential training format in which students can learn how to analyze and report findings from any one of the 19 different qualitative methodologies. Students will receive techniques and individual trainer feedback on how to capture the wealth of diverse qualitative data and turn it into clear, concise, written insights for their clients. This three day course requires the use of laptop computers both in class and for homework. Taught by one of the founders - Naomi Henderson
October 3-6, 2022 In-Person - Register Online
RIVA 275 In-Person, Beyond Probes – Using Interventions and Projective Techniques to Get Below Top-of-Mind Answers "
A 3-day experiential course for seasoned moderators offers a training environment for students who seek to build more complex and non-traditional moderating styles through special tools and techniques.
TBD, 2022 In-Person Register Online
RIVA 303,"Advanced Moderating"
The course provides advanced moderators with a review of current skills with feedback and coaching to reach higher levels of research.
July 11-14, 2022 Virtual - Registration Closes 7/2/22 - Register Online
Qualitative Market Research (QLMR) formally began in the 1930s with focus groups for Proctor & Gamble. The role of QLMR has grown exponentially in nearly eight decades and the principles about it continue to emerge.
Course Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites for this course.
This intensive, asynchronous (self-paced) online training will be provided through the Learning Management platform Auzmor – taught by RIVA Co-Founder and CEO, Naomi Henderson. The course is intended to introduce key principles and provide individuals with an understanding of the types of Qualitative Market Research (QLMR) and its applications. This course is designed to be taken at times that work for the learner and, if taken all at once, would cover about 4 hours.
Upon completion of this course, graduates will be able to:
1. Define Qualitative Market Research [QLMR]
2. Differentiate between QLMR and QTMR [Quantitative]
3. Determine the best uses of QLMR
4. Differentiate between facilitating, ideating, brainstorming, and ideating
5. Define qualities of a Master Moderator
6. Describe the benefits and drawbacks of vested moderators
7. Outline the four stages of a Qualitative Research Event [QRE]
8. Understand the key elements of a QRE
9. Clarify different methodologies under the QLMR banner [QRE’s]
This course is not intended to train individuals how to become new or better moderators, nor is it intended to train individuals how to conduct QREs. While some materials will be related to moderating, the intent of this course is to provide the groundwork understanding of the underpinnings of QLMR and its uses.
The learning modules include: video demonstrations, lectures, assigned readings from the RIVA 195V: Principles of Qualitative Market Research Workbook, and quizzes. The course workbook will be sent via FedEx or USPS to you upon receipt of registration and payment in full.
This course is designed for individuals who are:
A successful qualitative research project is more than just a good focus group or interview. Having the right respondents and staying on top of all the steps in the project have a great impact on whether the project flows smoothly with a minimum of difficulty or whether problems arise that put the project under stress.
Course Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites for this course.
RIVA 199 has been developed to help qualitative researchers refine the administrative skills that make a project successful. In some companies, the moderator is responsible for all parts of the study from proposal to final report, and some companies assign a portion of these duties to others in the organization, rather than the moderator.
This one day course is designed to support those individuals who have the responsibility for managing a qualitative research study, developing the screener for recruiting respondents, and even those who manage those who do. Using examples from students' own projects, as well as a RIVA textbook and handouts, students will deconstruct these examples to sort the elements that work from these that may not be producing desired results.
After taking this course, graduates will be able to:
RIVA 201 provides an experiential training environment for students to learn about focus groups and their context of qualitative marketing research. The focus of the course is on designing a clear research purpose statement, preparation of a clear and workable individualized guide, and executing and honing skills to conduct lively focus groups with respondents. Students will hone their skills through repeated tasks that build on one another, constant feedback, and coaching. Additionally, students take away a textbook full of examples and practical tips from actual research projects.. Please note: All RIVA 201 courses (in-person and virtual) are 4-days in length.
Course Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites for this course.
After taking this course, graduates will be able to:
• Lead groups as a professional, even if it's your first group
• Develop an appropriate comfort level for conducting group interviews
• Develop individualized introductory group ground rules & guidelines
• Craft appropriate questions for gathering qualitative data
• Practice techniques to organize desired data into a Moderator's Guide
• Quickly build rapport with respondents
• Discuss ways to probe for more than top-of-mind responses
• Manage time during groups and keep the group process flowing
• Develop techniques to elicit respondent behavior beyond: "So, Mary, what do you think?"
• Differentiate between an "expert moderator" vs a "topic expert"
• Moderate groups effectively and ethically with their own customers and fellow employees
• Produce a foundation of a toolbox filled with special moderator techniques and how to use them
• Define the role of ethics in qualitative research
• Command the room while being the youngest person on the research team
• Demonstrate ability to run a focus group study
How Students are Assessed: RIVA courses are designed using the concept of 360 degrees of learning for students. This process starts with students receiving assignments to complete both prior to and while in class and before departure. Within class times, RIVA uses multiple approaches to assess what has been learned, primarily by determining how students apply the learning to their work in their organizations. To realize that goal, Students are expected to exhibit what they have learned through their writing (screeners, guides, reports), or by demonstrations of best practices of moderating and delivery of specific techniques such as rapport building, creative problem solving and projective techniques. Trainers use in depth feedback forms while observing students and provide both written and oral feedback during their course time. As well, students are encouraged to check in with a RIVA trainer after the course is completed and certificates issued if they have new or emerging needs so that their learning does not stop with a final goodbye when class is formally ended.
This course provides an experiential training environment for working and experienced moderators who have not taken RIVA 201. The course provides moderators with insights into areas that are working well and those that are not. The focus of this class is to review current moderating skills and to provide insight into moving current skills to a higher level. The thrust of the course is on trainer coaching and feedback on moderating styles and techniques. Students will also take away a textbook full of invaluable information derived from live research projects.
Course Prerequisites:
Must not have taken RIVA 201 and needs the written permission from the Executive Director.
After taking this course, graduates will be able to:
• Integrate feedback on their moderating techniques and styles through practice sessions
• Build rapid rapport with respondents
• Clarify tips and techniques on appropriate, individualized introductory group ground rules & guidelines
• Improve techniques to organize desired data into a Moderator's Guide
• Craft efficient questions for gathering deeper data
• Gauge the impact of their questions and know how to adjust them to get desired data
• Discuss ways to probe for more than top-of-mind responses
• Utilize techniques to elicit respondent behavior beyond: "So, John, why do you say that?"
• Develop strategies and skills for dealing with "difficult" respondents
• Integrate feedback on the use of interventions and metaphorical techniques
• Define the role of ethics in qualitative research
• Moderate groups effectively and ethically with their own customers and fellow employees
• Distinguish their strengths and insights into areas for improvement
• Demonstrate the integration of feedback to run a focus group study
How Students are Assessed: RIVA courses are designed using the concept of 360 degrees of learning for students. This process starts with students receiving assignments to complete both prior to and while in class and before departure. Within class times, RIVA uses multiple approaches to assess what has been learned, primarily by determining how students apply the learning to their work in their organizations. To realize that goal, Students are expected to exhibit what they have learned through their writing (screeners, guides, reports), or by demonstrations of best practices of moderating and delivery of specific techniques such as rapport building, creative problem solving and projective techniques. Trainers use in depth feedback forms while observing students and provide both written and oral feedback during their course time. As well, students are encouraged to check in with a RIVA trainer after the course is completed and certificates issued if they have new or emerging needs so that their learning does not stop with a final goodbye when class is formally ended.
Qualitative market research has many avenues to collect data from respondents. One way to get unfiltered responses in "real time" is to conduct an interview in a home, business or social setting. Ethnographic research goes where the respondent is and combines market research questions with tools from anthropology and sociology, allowing researchers to gather data "in the moment" in which an action or activity is taking place.
This experiential RIVA course, part of the foundation series at the RIVA Training Institute, provides information on the Art & Science of Ethnography and allows opportunities to practice skills, not only in class but also in the real life settings of consumers. It is an intensive 3-day class with a trainer and coach. Pre-requisites: Either a graduate of RIVA 201, 202 or the approval of the Training Director.
Course Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites for this course.
After taking this course, graduates will be able to:
• Define the various types of ethnography research models
• Employ the steps for effective ethnographic interviews
• Summarize the four stages of ethnographic interviews
• Explain the importance of the interview protocol
• Define role of note taking, video/audio recordings, and in-home logistics
• Determine the best number of research members to take to an individual interview and the role of each person on the team
• Conduct ethnography projects within a clear set of ethical guidelines
• Identify tools, tips and techniques for setting up an ethnographic project, conducting a project and determine what data should be analyzed for reporting purposes
How Students are Assessed: RIVA courses are designed using the concept of 360 degrees of learning for students. This process starts with students receiving assignments to complete both prior to and while in class and before departure. Within class times, RIVA uses multiple approaches to assess what has been learned, primarily by determining how students apply the learning to their work in their organizations. To realize that goal, Students are expected to exhibit what they have learned through their writing (screeners, guides, reports), or by demonstrations of best practices of moderating and delivery of specific techniques such as rapport building, creative problem solving and projective techniques. Trainers use in depth feedback forms while observing students and provide both written and oral feedback during their course time. As well, students are encouraged to check in with a RIVA trainer after the course is completed and certificates issued if they have new or emerging needs so that their learning does not stop with a final goodbye when class is formally ended.
RIVA 205, Moderating: Kid & Teen Qualitative Sessions is no longer being offered through RIVA. Instead it is being offered directly through the trainer Pam Goldfarb Liss. Please contact Pam at LitBrains-Igniting Ideas!, pam@litbrains.com, www.LiBrains.com.
This course will count towards the prerequisites for RIVA’s Master ModeratorTM Certificate Program. Please contact Amber Tedesco at 301-770-6456x101 or Amber@RIVAinc.com for more information.
If you are a graduate of RIVA 205, Moderating: Kid & Teen Qualitative Sessions and are looking to have this course count towards RIVA’s Master ModeratorTM Certificate Program it will still count.
In today’s digital world, User Experience (UX) research & testing plays a fundamental role in conceptualizing and refining all types of interactive products and services, from e-mail aps to ride sharing services. This course introduces students to the language and skills of User Experience, building on capabilities qualitative researchers already have [e.g., designing and managing qualitative research projects, building rapport, probing for clarity, getting below top-of-mind responses, and facilitating stakeholder discussions].
Students will be introduced to the language and process of User Experience through the Design Thinking framework [Research – Define – Ideate – Prototype - Testing]. They will gain an overview of how to leverage their qualitative skills in the early stages of product development [Research – Define – Ideate – Prototype]. The key focus of this class however is on the final Design Thinking phase – Testing, because learning how to set up a solid usability test is the quickest route to becoming a User Experience Researcher.
Students will gain an understanding of the best practices in usability testing as well as when and how to apply this method in their own work. Usability testing skills include UX research techniques such as persona creation, task analysis, how to understand a user’s mental model, remote and in-person card sorting. Each student will have the opportunity to design and moderate their own usability study with an outside participant using the class case study.
Course Prerequisites:
Moderators who have taken RIVA 201, 202, or 303; or have received the approval of RIVA's Training Director, Amber Tedesco. It is expected that participants in this class have been moderators for a period of time and want to upgrade their skills.
After taking this course, graduates will:
• Differentiate approaches on how to run a usability study from start to finish: understand the steps for planning, moderating, data collection, identifying and reporting usability issues
• Develop techniques on recruiting for a usability study, using personas to identify key participant characteristics
• Identify which UX Research approach to use at different points in the product development lifecycle (e.g., concept, early prototype, released product)
• Recruit for UX Research and usability studies
• Perform a heuristic review to identify usability issues
• Define how to do a task analysis
• Determine when to do in-person, remote, or automated usability testing
• Work successfully with diverse stakeholders in a User Experience Research project
• Integrate UX Research/usability with other qualitative research methods
• Utalize ways to leverage their qualitative research skills in UX
• Use the language of User Experience with more confidence
Students will receive a comprehensive workbook, example test plans script, recruiting screeners, and usability report template to adapt for use in their own practice. We will cover methods for usability testing digital and physical products and services. The course material includes a list of UX terminology and a detailed bibliography with information on where to learn more about usability testing user experience research so that they can incorporate these techniques into their own qualitative practice. Before the class, all students are required to do a pre-work exercise to learn Mural and fundamental UX concepts.
How Students are Assessed: RIVA courses are designed using the concept of 360 degrees of learning for students. This process starts with students receiving assignments to complete both prior to and while in class and before departure. Within class times, RIVA uses multiple approaches to assess what has been learned, primarily by determining how students apply the learning to their work in their organizations. To realize that goal, Students are expected to exhibit what they have learned through their writing (screeners, guides, reports), or by demonstrations of best practices of moderating and delivery of specific techniques such as rapport building, creative problem solving and projective techniques. Trainers use in depth feedback forms while observing students and provide both written and oral feedback during their course time. As well, students are encouraged to check in with a RIVA trainer after the course is completed and certificates issued if they have new or emerging needs so that their learning does not stop with a final goodbye when class is formally ended.
This experiential course, for seasoned moderators, offers a training environment for students who seek to build more complex and non-traditional moderating styles through special tools and techniques.
It is a three-day course that concentrates on teaching the philosophies behind interventions, and "projective techniques," as well as metaphorical techniques used in focus groups to access deeper data. Additionally, this course provides experiential demonstrations of multiple techniques by trainer.
Participants will receive written materials in a workbook to take home and use as a resource as well as a list of recommended readings to build a continuing knowledge base.
Course Objective:
To give students a deep, rich repertoire across a broad scope of interventions and projective techniques, and a context for using them appropriately.
Course Prerequisites:
Moderators who have taken RIVA 201, 202, or 303; or have received the approval of RIVA's Executive Training Director, Amber Tedesco. It is expected that participants in this class have been moderators for a period of time and want to upgrade their skills.
After taking this course, graduates will be able to:
• Describe various methods used in qualitative research - focus groups, IDIs, as well as other qualitative research sessions beyond traditional probes
• Define the objectives of various interventions and projective techniques
• Learn the do’s and don’ts for various interventions and projective techniques
• Review the basic format of most below top-of-mind methods (e.g., set up, variations, debriefing) and how to apply them to meet specific client objectives
• Prepare the design and development a package of techniques to meet research goals and receive expert feedback and coaching via in class “recorded mocks”
• Build on a repertoire of useful techniques by creating their own to fit their unique qualitative research needs
• Develop alternative techniques to elicit respondent behavior beyond: "So, Bob, what do you think?
• Demonstrate skills to break through a non-productive qualitative research session with challenging respondents
• Discover how to present interventions and projective techniques to ensure support of clients when in the research design stage
• Define the role of ethics of these methods in qualitative research
•Evaluate the information and skills needed to adapt, create, and modify methods to meet ever-changing needs
How Students are Assessed: RIVA courses are designed using the concept of 360 degrees of learning for students. This process starts with students receiving assignments to complete both prior to and while in class and before departure. Within class times, RIVA uses multiple approaches to assess what has been learned, primarily by determining how students apply the learning to their work in their organizations. To realize that goal, Students are expected to exhibit what they have learned through their writing (screeners, guides, reports), or by demonstrations of best practices of moderating and delivery of specific techniques such as rapport building, creative problem solving and projective techniques. Trainers use in depth feedback forms while observing students and provide both written and oral feedback during their course time. As well, students are encouraged to check in with a RIVA trainer after the course is completed and certificates issued if they have new or emerging needs so that their learning does not stop with a final goodbye when class is formally ended.
Day 3:
This course is only for Master Moderator Candidates who are enrolled in the Master Modertor Program and have met all other requirements to take the Master Moderator Exam.
Designed for highly experienced moderators and researchers, this 3-day course provides an experiential training environment for students to critically observe and model masterful moderating techniques. Founders of the RIVA Training Institute, Naomi R. Henderson and Jo Ann Hairston who together have conducted close to 10,000 focus groups, teach this capstone course. Students will have opportunities to critically observe a variety of trained moderators, in person and on tape, view a group conducted by a Master Moderator with consumer respondents, plus get feedback of their own moderating work. In addition to the unique experience of learning special tools and techniques from moderators who are renowned in their specialty areas, students will also learn through collegial sharing and solution-finding of challenges in the current research industry. A review of mastery level qualitative research skills and knowledge will work to prepare participants for the written and practicum examination for RIVA's Master Moderator TM Certificate.
After taking this course, graduates will be able to:
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• Establish their critical observation of styles of other experienced moderators and apply learning to their own work
• Incorporate feedback on their own style and skills
• Integrate ways fellow researchers have tackled research and project challenges
• Demonstrate techniques for not settling for surface data
• Show alternative techniques to elicit appropriate respondent behavior
• Utilize techniques to gracefully handle challenging respondent situations
• Formulate a benchmark to model their own skills and to use when evaluating other moderators
• Explain a deep understanding of research ethics
• Demonstrate knowledge, understanding of the skills, and ability to lead a QRE session at the level of a RIVA Training Institute Master Moderator.
How Students are Assessed: RIVA courses are designed using the concept of 360 degrees of learning for students. This process starts with students receiving assignments to complete both prior to and while in class and before departure. Within class times, RIVA uses multiple approaches to assess what has been learned, primarily by determining how students apply the learning to their work in their organizations. To realize that goal, Students are expected to exhibit what they have learned through their writing (screeners, guides, reports), or by demonstrations of best practices of moderating and delivery of specific techniques such as rapport building, creative problem solving and projective techniques. Trainers use in depth feedback forms while observing students and provide both written and oral feedback during their course time. As well, students are encouraged to check in with a RIVA trainer after the course is completed and certificates issued if they have new or emerging needs so that their learning does not stop with a final goodbye when class is formally ended.
RIVA 501 is a practical 4-day course, rather than a course based on theory or academics. RIVA's promise to graduates of this course is that you will be equipped with practical and actionable steps in order to facilitate a meeting and learn the techniques to move the needle from problem to solution as a session leader.
Course Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites for this course.
After taking this course, graduates will be able to:
• Differentiate between giving a speech, moderating, brainstorming, or ideation session
• Discuss the importance of pre-group planning in order to make a facilitation effective
• Build an environment that ensures a successful outcome
• Utilize key tools that enhance the facilitation process
• Determine how to keep track of the data generated in a facilitated session
• Explain the importance of ground-rules and buy-in by participants
• Describe the impact of personal style on outcomes
• Handle challenging personalities
• Handle group dynamics
• Manage tangents and timelines
• Identify your individual style of facilitation
• Craft questions to support input to the problem solving process
• Build rapport and maintain it for hours or days
• Demonstrate ability to run a facilitation
How Students are Assessed: RIVA courses are designed using the concept of 360 degrees of learning for students. This process starts with students receiving assignments to complete both prior to and while in class and before departure. Within class times, RIVA uses multiple approaches to assess what has been learned, primarily by determining how students apply the learning to their work in their organizations. To realize that goal, Students are expected to exhibit what they have learned through their writing (screeners, guides, reports), or by demonstrations of best practices of moderating and delivery of specific techniques such as rapport building, creative problem solving and projective techniques. Trainers use in depth feedback forms while observing students and provide both written and oral feedback during their course time. As well, students are encouraged to check in with a RIVA trainer after the course is completed and certificates issued if they have new or emerging needs so that their learning does not stop with a final goodbye when class is formally ended.
RIVA offers an opportunity for qualitative researchers to enhance their skills via webinars. Our webinars provide insights on a variety of qualitative market research trends, concerns, tips, and techniques. The live 90 minute format allows for the honing of particular skills, and an opportunity to interact with our RTI Founders or trainers online. They will be bringing more than 50 years of combined experience and insights from over 10,000 focus groups. You will find the benefits of this small investment will be immediate in your qualitative career.
Experience what sets RIVA apart from other training programs - enroll today!
RIVA Coaching services offer RIVA alumni an opportunity to continue building skills and getting professional feedback after your class - from your own home or office. Coaching services are also available to people who have very specific training needs that are not addressed in our public courses.
You and your RIVA Coach set regular telephone appointments to talk about the issues that are important to you. Appointments are typically 30 minutes in length or at a schedule that works for your convenience. They are usually held weekly, but this is based on your needs at the time. In addition to your live meetings, your RIVA Coach can review your work via videotape and documents you send.
There are many ways RIVA Coaching clients may benefit and the beauty is that it is tailored to what you need. These benefits include:
• Having the expertise of a Master Moderator as a mentor and coach to support you in achieving success
• Working with a plan that meets your needs for flexibility both in time and space. You and your coach can make appointments for daytime or evening, schedule your meetings for while you are in your office, at home, or on the road
• Selecting a coach from a qualified list of RIVA Coaches and finding a fit for your needs, both in compatible personalities and your coach's industry expertise
• Making a commitment that fits your budget and needs
• Taking advantage of discounts for longer term coaching relationships
• Knowing that all RIVA coaches are also RIVA Trainers so they know the RIVA Method
• Using your coaching time effectively to problem-solve your specific areas of interest
• Using down-time in your work to sharpen your skills and expertise
• Knowing your time with your RIVA Coach is private and the two of you are the only ones privy to your conversations
• Using a "coaching package" that will qualify as a RIVA course for those who want to use this one-on-one time as one of the course requirements for their Master Moderator Certificate.
For additional information please contact Amber Tedesco at Amber@RIVAinc.com/301.770.6456 x101 or Register Online
For over 30 years, the RIVA Training Institute has been described as the "gold standard" in moderator training. RIVA classes are renowned for their experiential training conducted by skilled master moderators/trainers with over 15 years in the industry. We also have a high trainer to student ratio that supports RIVA's dedication to giving students individualized coaching that they need. Let us bring our customized training to you.
The RIVA Training Institute offers customized courses that can be conducted in-house at your office location, a facility close to you, or at our training office in Rockville, MD.
Sample training courses include:
• Fundamentals of Moderating
• Skill Acceleration
• Kid/Teen Moderating
• Cognitive Interviewing
• The Art & Science of Effective Probing
• Facilitation
• One on One Interviewing
• Ethnography
• Advanced
Why choose a custom course?
• Customized to fit your specific needs.
• Save time and dollars on employee travel by having our instructors come to you. Provides for a solid return on your training investment
• Each custom client is assigned a dedicated team of training professionals who assist with logistic management and class support
• Ensures that all staff learns the same material at the same time.
• Fosters teambuilding within your organization and/or department
• Boosts morale and illustrates to your staff that their training needs are important to you
• Gain instant credibility with your clients. RIVA is recognized for being the elite organization for qualitative training.
We are eager to discuss your custom training needs.
Contact Amber Tedesco at Amber@RIVAinc.com or 301-770-6456 x. 101.
A partial list of our custom clients:
• AstraZeneca
• Booz Allen Hamilton
• Boston Scientific/Guident
• Capital One Bank
• Centex Homes
• Freddie Mac
• General Mills
• In-Sync
• Internal Revenue Service
• John Deere
• Kraft
• Levi
• Lextant
• Medtronic
• Newell Rubbermaid
• Nissan
• Novartis
• Pfizer
• Social Security Administration
• Sterling Rice Group
• Walt Disney
RIVA's Tuition Policy: There is a $500 non-refundable deposit that is included in the course tuition. Payment is due in full at time of registration. If you are paying by company check or wire, your full payment must be received by the registration close date. If you are paying by company Purchase Order (PO), terms are net 30-days. Please email your PO form to Training@RIVAinc.com within 5 business days of your registration. All training classes are to be paid in full prior to the start of class, unless we have received a PO and the appropriate paperwork.
If circumstances cause you to cancel or transfer out of a course 22 days or less before the start of class, all monies paid are forfeited unless you have an eligible replacement from your network to attend the date for which you are registered.
RIVA understands that schedules may cause you to transfer from one class to another. Should you need to transfer to another class, there will be a $100 transfer fee.
**Any monies returned to a credit card will incur a 4% cancellation fee.
If you are a RIVA Training Institute graduate and would like to request a copy of your student records, you can contact RIVA one three ways:
• Email us: training@RIVAinc.com
• Call us at 301-770-6456
When you make your request, please provide your full name at the time you took a RIVA Training course, the company name you were with when you took the course, approximate date of when you took the RIVA course, the course information you require, and an email address where the records can be sent.
If you are an employer looking for records on an employee, you must ask that employee to submit a formal written request to release the information to you.
It is the policy of VISAR Corporation dba RIVA Training Institute to ensure an equal learning opportunity to all students without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or express, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristics. All individuals involved in continuing education/training will not be subject to discrimination by any staff members or trainers of RIVA Training Institute.
As things slowly begin to move into the new normal, RIVA wants you to know that we are doing everything we can to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and visitors to our offices. When you visit RIVA, here are steps we have implemented in order to help keep you safe and healthy in our offices. We have done the following.
• Included additional hand sanitizer bottles in all common areas that RIVA visitors use.
• Increased sanitizing and cleaning during the course – wiping down all common areas, tables, chairs, and appliances with disinfectant wipes.
• Provided RIVA students with their own bag of sanitized pens, markers, and highlighters to use in the course.
• Replaced our dishes with disposable cups, utensils, and plates to be discarded after use.
• Provided masks and gloves for staff, students, and guests upon entry to RIVA if you don’t have one. If you already have one, please bring it with you.
• Moved to a plan that all snacks will be packaged [chips, cookies, trail mix, breakfast bars, etc.] and, if lunches are offered, they will be individually prepared orders from local restaurants.
• Limited the number of staff in the offices during class sessions.
• Set up our training room to best comply with social distancing efforts, maintaining 6ft distance mandates.
• Implemented a “Temperature Check” on all persons that enter the office each day so that everyone is safe.
• Asked students to complete questionnaire prior to the course related to COVID-19.
• Implemented a policy in which staff will be unable to touch any student’s computer. We will be able to assist/walk through any issues students are experiencing, but cannot do it for you.
Our office building has also increased efforts to ensure that common “touch points” in the building are sanitized at frequent intervals. They have posted informational flyers on how to best follow social distancing guidelines, including limiting elevator capacity. Like RIVA, the building is following the CDC guidelines in order to keep tenants and visitors safe and healthy.
RIVA has continued to follow direction from Maryland’s Governor Hogan, the State of Maryland, and the CDC in order to be best prepared to welcome you back to our office. As the situation continues to evolve, RIVA will respond accordingly.
All public courses are held at RIVA Headquarters located just outside Washington, DC in Rockville, MD. This location is accessible to all three DC area airports (Reagan National, Washington Dulles, and BWI) as well as Union Station. Additionally, RIVA is located directly adjacent to the Twinbrook Metro Station.
Street Address:
1201 Seven Locks Road, Suite 360 Rockville, MD 20854, 301-770-6456
Area Hotels
Hilton Washington DC/Rockville Executive Meeting Center
1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852 Phone: 301-468-1100
The Hilton Washington DC/Rockville, welcomes you to experience first class service and amenities when visiting RIVA for training. Located on Rockville Pike just a few miles from RIVA Training Institute. The Hilton Rockville is a full service Hotel with many new upgrades to their rooms, restaurant/lounge, fitness facility, business center, free Wi-Fi, and a Starbucks onsite. To make reservations please click here. When booking be sure to take advantage of the RIVA Corporate Discount and free parking by using account #2663840.
EVEN Hotel Rockville
1775 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852 Phone: 855.TRY.EVEN
Located on Rockville Pike just a few miles from RIVA Training Institute. EVEN Hotel is the newest IHG brand focused on fitness. Offering in-room fitness zones for private workouts and the largest fitness center you will find in any hotel. The restaurant has healthy food and beverage options including made to order smoothies and Grab “n: Go meals. Be sure to take advantage of the 16% RIVA Corporate Discount off the Best Flex Rate and free parking by using account # 100301075 Rate Code: RIVA TRAINING INSTIT.
Cambria Hotel & Suites
196 East Montgomery Avenue, Rockville, MD, 20850, US PH: (301) 294-2200
Enjoy a unique experience among hotels in Rockville, MD, when you book a stay at the Cambria hotel & suites Rockville. Our hotel is just 2.5 miles from RIVA headquarters and only two blocks away from the Metrorail, providing access to Washington, D.C. and beyond. Located in the heart of Rockville Town Square, Cambria offers numerous dining and entertainment options within easy walking distance. Amenities include oversized rooms that feel like an upgrade, an onsite bistro and full-service bar, and an indoor heated pool.
Bethesda North Marriott
5701 Marinelli Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20852, Phone: 301-822-9200
Located just one Metro Stop south of RIVA, this hotel is also very easy to commute to and from. The Marriott is a new, contemporary hotel with excellent amenities.
As things slowly begin to move into the new normal, RIVA wants you to know that we are doing everything we can to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and visitors to our offices. When you visit RIVA, here are steps we have implemented in order to help keep you safe and healthy in our offices. We have done the following.
• Included additional hand sanitizer bottles in all common areas that RIVA visitors use.
• Increased sanitizing and cleaning during the course – wiping down all common areas, tables, chairs, and appliances with disinfectant wipes.
• Provided RIVA students with their own bag of sanitized pens, markers, and highlighters to use in the course.
• Replaced our dishes with disposable cups, utensils, and plates to be discarded after use.
• Provided masks and gloves for staff, students, and guests upon entry to RIVA if you don’t have one. If you already have one, please bring it with you.
• Moved to a plan that all snacks will be packaged [chips, cookies, trail mix, breakfast bars, etc.] and, if lunches are offered, they will be individually prepared orders from local restaurants.
• Limited the number of staff in the offices during class sessions.
• Set up our training room to best comply with social distancing efforts, maintaining 6ft distance mandates.
• Implemented a “Temperature Check” on all persons that enter the office each day so that everyone is safe.
• Asked students to complete questionnaire prior to the course related to COVID-19.
• Implemented a policy in which staff will be unable to touch any student’s computer. We will be able to assist/walk through any issues students are experiencing, but cannot do it for you.
Our office building has also increased efforts to ensure that common “touch points” in the building are sanitized at frequent intervals. They have posted informational flyers on how to best follow social distancing guidelines, including limiting elevator capacity. Like RIVA, the building is following the CDC guidelines in order to keep tenants and visitors safe and healthy.
RIVA has continued to follow direction from Maryland’s Governor Hogan, the State of Maryland, and the CDC in order to be best prepared to welcome you back to our office. As the situation continues to evolve, RIVA will respond accordingly.