Procurement Professionals Get Their Kicks!
Procurement Professionals Get Their Kicks!
The National Purchasing Institute (NPI) travels to Tucson, AZ, for networking, educational opportunities, and fun in the Southern Arizona sun!
By Nathan Daou, CPPB
The City of Tucson, AZ, is proud to host the National Purchasing Institute’s (NPI) 38th Annual National Conference & Products Exposition in conjunction with the 11th Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement (AEP) Awards. The event will be held on August 29 to September 1 at the new JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort, located in Tucson Mountain Park.
NPI is the governmental affiliate of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) and is comprised of professional procurement personnel from across the country. NPI strives to facilitate professional relationships and development of its members through such activities as the Annual National Conference & Products Exposition. A highlight of the event is the presentation of NPI’s AEP Award, a national program to benchmark procurement organizations that exhibit excellence.
Speakers at this year’s conference provide varied experience that collectively covers many facets of the procurement profession. Keynote speaker, Ron Canham, President of Canham & Associates, will draw upon his 20 years of experience in government, healthcare, higher education, and the electronics industry to guide the audience to rethink attitude, change, leadership, and customer service.
“That’s not what I meant!” How often do we hear that phrase in both our personal and professional lives? Jim Mancuso, NPI’s second keynote speaker, will present “Developing Skills for More Effective Communication in Your Workplace” on Friday, September 1.
In addition to Ron and Jim’s sessions, look forward to workshops on the following topics:
n Achievement of Excellence in Procurement; Influence: Bringing the Best Out of Others; The Purchasing Manager and Organizational Politics; Using the Web to Add Value to the Procurement Process; Case Studies from the Dark Side; Strategic Sourcing–a Fit for Local Governments?–Perspectives from Vendors and Procurement Practitioners; It’s All About Attitude; Leading with Ownership Spirit; Making Your Workplace Team Productive and Hassle-Free; The Secrets of Amazing Organizations; The Debate on Privatization and the State of Alaska Case Study; and more.
The theme of the 2006 Conference is “Get Your Kicks in Tucson ’06” and Tucson invites you to do just that. NPI is planning a number of fun events, including a golf tournament, a welcome reception, a Mexican Fiesta, as well as a trip to Old Tucson Studios.
For information on lodging, workshops, and seminars, call NPI headquarters in Aliso Viejo, CA, at 800-246-7143, or visit: www.govinfo.bz/5966-306.
Don’t miss out on the great educational and networking opportunities afforded by this event. Register today and “Get Your Kicks in Tucson ’06!”
Editor’s Note: Nathan Daou, CPPB, is the Principal Contract Officer for the City of Tucson, AZ, Department of Procurement.
Conference Schedule At-A-Glance
Tuesday, August 29
- Conference Registration
- Golf Tournament, Starr Pass Country Club
- Welcome Reception and Mexican Fiesta
Wednesday, August 30
- Conference Registration
- Opening Ceremony and Breakfast
- Welcome to Tucson, Mayor Robert E. Walkup, City of Tucson
- Keynote Speaker, Ron Canham
- Presentation of Achievement of Excellence in Procurement (AEP) and Carlton N. Parker Awards
- Lunch (on your own)
- General Sessions
- Special Evening Event: A Night Out at Old Tucson Studios
Thursday, August 31
- General and Concurrent Sessions
- Products Exposition and Buffet Lunch
- Wine and Cheese Reception
Friday, September 1
- Full Day of General Sessions
- NPI Business Meeting and Installation of Officers