We host several networking and skill development events throughout the year. The most popular event is the Annual Fall Conference.
Here is a sampling of some of the events we hold throughout the year. Click on an event for more information:
Events
This event consists of a day of various topics that are geared toward Buyers, Purchasing Agents and Contract Managers who work in a higher education environment. Although, all levels of purchasing professionals are welcome. The sessions cover current topics that purchasing professionals regularly encounter or need to be aware of. For example, some past topics were: customer service, importance of certificates of insurance, how to deal with difficult people, and negotiations. It is also a great vehicle to talk to peers and build valuable business relationships. This event is free of charge and runs from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Breakfast and lunch are provided.
This event consists of a day of various topics that are geared to Managers and Directors involved in the purchasing profession in a higher education work environment. Although, all levels of purchasing professionals are welcome. The topics covered are based on current issues that our profession is facing. There are always lively discussions and various perspectives that are shared. For example, some past topics were: antitrust and bid rigging, temperaments impact on being a great manager, defining cost savings, legal issues, and performance measurements. It is also a great vehicle to talk to your peers and build valuable business relationships. This event is free of charge and runs from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Breakfast and lunch are provided.
This event provides two days of training seminars and networking opportunities. These sessions are targeted at people that are new to Purchasing or experienced purchasing professionals who are new to the higher education work environment. The sessions cover a broad range of topics including but not limited to the RFP, ethics, e-commerce, contract management, consortia, p-card and many other topics. It is a great opportunity to talk to peers and build valuable business relationships.
The subsidized cost fees include: all sessions, two nights lodging and all meals. The event is held at Babson Center for Executive Education and is an extraordinary facility. Located on Babson's wooded campus in Wellesley, the Center includes classrooms, amphitheaters, and deluxe guest rooms, all packed with high-tech features. The gourmet quality food is provided by generous buffets and meals served in a dining room that looks out to the woods. Snacks are available throughout the building day and night.
This is our biggest event of the year that attracts many purchasing professionals from all over New England. It is so popular, it attracts peers from other regions. The conference spans four days and is packed with important and relevant information. Our agenda is designed through our member feedback initiatives provided at our various programs. For example, some past topics were: strategic procurement, negotiate to win, building a diverse vendor base, disaster management, project management and RFP from a vendor’s perspective. We always have an incredible Keynote Speaker, but in addition to the great speakers, there is a vendor exhibit area which allows people to meet with over sixty vendors. It is a great medium to build relationships and find the latest product in the market from the broad spectrum of vendors.
Meals are always exceptional and the hotel staff are always accommodating. We provide nightly entertainment which presents our attendees with an atmosphere of fun, friendship, and community.
The event is held at sites that alternate each year. In the past, the event has been held in North Conway, NH and Cape Cod, MA. The conference costs include: all sessions, meals, access to the vendor exhibit area, and entertainment. The attendee is responsible for their hotel room and transportation to the conference.