Events

Management Forum [Top]

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 of 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 is held at Holy Cross Hogan Campus Center in Worcester, MA. Breakfast and lunch are provided. They start at 9:00 and end by 3:00.

Essentials of Purchasing [Top]

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, procard and many other topics. It is a great opportunity to talk to peers and build valuable business relationships.

The subsidized cost of $450 includes the 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 and snacks available throughout the building day and nights.

The Center has plenty of parking. For more information about the facilities please visit:
Babson Executive Conference Center

Buyer Forum [Top]

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 of 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 is held at Holy Cross Hogan Campus Center in Worcester, MA. Breakfast and lunch are provided. They start at 9:00 and end by 3:00.

Regional Fall Conference [Top]

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 of 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. In addition to the great speakers, there is also a vendor exhibit area which allows people to meet with over sixty vendors. It is a great chance build relationships and find out about the latest product from a broad spectrum of vendors. If that wasn’t enough, the 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 between North Conway, NH and Cape Cod, MA. The cost of the conference is $325 which includes all sessions, meals, access to the vendor exhibit area, and entertainment. The attendee is responsible for their hotel room and transportation to the conference.