ISM World 2025 Detailed Agenda

Sponsored by: Ivalua

This presentation (exclusive to ExecIn attendees) will supply in-depth analysis of major factors shaping economic outcomes, including interest rates, global conflict, wage dynamics, business confidence, and demographics. It will then turn toward a forecast for the coming year, highlighting the major risks that economic stakeholders will likely encounter.

Executives / Senior Leaders

Your vast supplier network requires a unified approach when it comes to automating purchasing activity. Come watch Cleo's Sr. Solutions Architect, Shane Hagen, as he walks through how Cleo automates your entire procurement process through technology such as EDI and supplier portals. You'll see how the Cleo platform empowers procurement teams by eliminating the need for any manual intervention - leading to a reduction in costs, improved efficiency, and mitigation of supply chain risks.

Learning Objectives:

• - Necessary technology, such as EDI and supplier portals, that facilitate automation and direct application integration
• - Fundamentals of a supplier enablement program and how to start building one today

• - Supplier scorecarding and tracking metrics that will increase supply chain visibility and compliance

Shane Hagen
Senior Solutions Architect
Cleo

Sponsored by: BDO

The pace of change impacting organizations has never been as intense as it is today. Procurement leaders play a key role in not only helping their teams navigate change but lead change across the organization. During this interactive session, explore proven change management behaviors and stakeholder engagement techniques to enable your change agenda to achieve its goals.

Ethical and moral decision-making is a cornerstone of effective procurement practices. This session examines the ethical landscape in procurement, addressing challenges such as conflicts of interest and bribery while exploring the consequences of unethical behavior. Attendees will learn about various ethical decision-making frameworks, including utilitarianism and deontology, with practical examples of their application in procurement scenarios.

The session also focuses on fostering an ethical procurement culture by emphasizing the role of leadership, clear policies, comprehensive training, and technology to mitigate risks. Real-world case studies will illustrate ethical dilemmas and underscore the professional responsibility of procurement practitioners to uphold high ethical standards.

Managers/Directors

Individual Contributors

Celebrate innovation and excellence as trailblazing organizations share their award-winning strategies and success stories.

Individual Contributors

Join a senior leader from Flex as they share insights from their ongoing digital maturity and transformation journey within a large supplier ecosystem and rapid advances in the technology landscape. This breakout session will delve into Flex's internal journey towards digital transformation, incorporating AI/ML in solutions and business processes, highlighting the strategic planning and implementation involved in collaborating with a diverse supplier base. Attendees will gain valuable experiences and lessons learned from Flex's journey, providing practical takeaways for managing and enhancing supplier relationships in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Executives / Senior Leaders

This interactive session helps leaders and practitioners evaluate their organization’s analytics maturity against market peers and best-in-class data dynasties. Drawing on IBM’s extensive experience with analytics clients, the session uncovers lessons learned and provides actionable insights to drive data transformation.

Attendees will gain a tangible scoring method to assess their organization’s capabilities, along with tailored recommendations for improvement. The session also features case studies of in-house initiatives, partnerships, and technology solutions, as well as methodologies for selecting the right technologies and partners to build a data-driven powerhouse.

Managers/Directors

Value Engineering is a proven methodology to enhance the value of products, services, or processes by analyzing their intended function relative to their cost. The approach focuses on identifying and eliminating unnecessary expenses without compromising quality or performance.

Attendees will explore key techniques, including should-cost modeling, competitive benchmarking, component teardowns, performance testing, product reviews, and material evaluations. These strategies provide practical tools for optimizing costs while maintaining high-quality outcomes.

Managers/Directors

Individual Contributors

Sponsored by: Synertrade

Learning Objectives:

This session focuses on overcoming the fear factor that often lurks behind an AI deployment. It's a continuous journey for improvement and automation. By the end of the session, you'll learn how to: *Overcome your team's fear of AI*Use skills development as a key lever and train talent into new higher value roles*Get more done using agentic AI*Build your own tech journey to implementing agentic AI
Speaker(s) to Add to Session ( should already be on the speakers page):
Roy Anderson | Supply Chain lecturer at Northeastern University | Northeastern University

Executives / Senior Leaders

Sponsored by: BDO

Generative AI, agentic AI, advanced workflow orchestration, and more!  Join this interactive discussion with representatives from leading procurement tech providers and your peers about where procurement tech is going, the features you’d like to see most from your tech stack, and how to navigate data quality and security issues across the next wave of procurement tech transformation. 

Join us for an intimate, 30-minute discussion with Daniela Osio. Not your typical presentation. It's a chance to connect directly with experienced professionals, learn about their career journeys, and gain valuable insights to propel your own career forward.

In this small-group setting, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and build relationships with like-minded individuals. Join this informal and impactful conversation. Space is limited.

Managers/Directors

Individual Contributors

Join us for an insightful session led by Sanford Hodes, SVP, Chief Procurement and Corporate Development Officer at Ryder System, where we delve into the transformative world of warehouse automation and robotics. Discover the latest commercially available technologies and explore what Ryder is currently using, piloting, investing in, and tracking. This session will feature engaging videos showcasing the cutting-edge technology deployed by Ryder, along with a glimpse into the future innovations on the horizon. Gain valuable insights into the rapidly growing landscape of warehouse automation and understand how these advancements can enhance efficiency and productivity in your operations. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Ryder's extensive experience and expertise in this dynamic field.

Executives / Senior Leaders

This session explores the intersection of supplier diversity and sustainability, offering actionable strategies for procurement professionals to align these essential objectives. Attendees will learn how to incorporate diverse suppliers into sustainable procurement practices, balancing corporate goals with ethical sourcing.

The discussion will provide practical tools and approaches for building long-term, mutually beneficial supplier relationships that drive corporate responsibility. Participants will leave with insights to enhance their procurement strategies while advancing both diversity and sustainability initiatives.

Managers/Directors

Individual Contributors

Bath & Body Works recently onshored key component production from China to Ohio, achieving significant supply chain benefits. By moving packaging production closer to final production sites, the company reduced shipping costs, shortened lead times, and improved speed to market and reliability.

This session will highlight how these changes enhanced quality control and allowed greater flexibility to meet evolving customer demands. Attendees will gain actionable insights into the benefits and considerations of onshoring to improve supply chain efficiency.

Executives/Senior Leaders

Managers/Directors

Sponsored by: Synertrade

Learning Objectives:

This presentation examines the defining traits of high-performing procurement organizations and evaluates how they align with established CPO best practices. It highlights key attributes such as strategic supplier engagement, advanced technology adoption, and sustainability initiatives. By comparing these characteristics against CPO benchmarks, the session provides insights into achieving excellence in procurement and driving organizational value.

Chris Sawchuk
Principal
The Hackett Group

Sponsored by: Levelpath

Artificial Intelligence now significantly influences procurement practices and strategic decision-making among Chief Procurement Officers. This session draws on direct experiences from procurement executives who have effectively implemented AI into their operations. Attendees will gain insights into practical outcomes, including employee efficiency, considerable cost savings, improved operational accuracy, enhanced supplier relationships, and proactive management of procurement risks. Real-world examples will illustrate clear strategies that procurement professionals can immediately apply to leverage AI and achieve measurable results in 2025 and beyond.

Learning Objectives:

• - Understand how AI is transforming procurement practices and strategic decision-making for Chief Procurement Officers
• - Apply real-world AI use cases and strategies that procurement professionals can implement for impactful results in 2025 and beyond
• - Explore strategies to enhance supplier relationships and proactively manage procurement risks using AI
• - Identify measurable benefits of AI implementation, including increased employee efficiency, cost savings, and improved operational accuracy

Stan Garber
President and Co-founder
Levelpath

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the negotiation landscape, offering new possibilities and challenges. This session explores the role of AI in negotiation, focusing on its efficiency in streamlining processes compared to traditional human-driven methods. Attendees will gain insights from an experiment comparing AI-assisted negotiations with face-to-face approaches, showcasing AI's ability to deliver faster and more structured outcomes.

The discussion also addresses the benefits and limitations of AI in negotiations. While AI enhances efficiency and planning, it also comes with constraints that must be navigated. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to integrate AI effectively into negotiation strategies.

Executives/Senior Leaders

Managers/Directors

Leaders and ExecIn attendees are encouraged to attend this roundtable discussion. Featuring ISM Board of Directors members and thought leaders, this session will focus on the current disruptions and many of the supply and demand challenges and impacts currently affecting the profession. Gain insights from some of the best and the brightest leaders in the business and engage in some freeform networking. Do not miss this enlightening discussion and the opportunity to learn more from one another regarding strategies to navigate these turbulent times. 

Executives / Senior Leaders

Sponsored by: BDO

Pressure to reduce costs is escalating rapidly, but procurement and supply chain management groups also need to ensure supply chain continuity, safeguard the viability of key suppliers and retain the ability to pivot if and as these uncertain times end and demand rebounds. Join leading procurement practitioners and negotiation advisors as we review six strategies for negotiating during uncertain times in this interactive workshop.

This future of business trade has now arrived at our doorstep. According to a recent Global Trade report from Boston Consulting Group, companies must evaluate how geopolitical shifts will alter their supply chains, go-to-market strategies, and capital allocation.
Ask yourself: Is your organization ready to manage these changes?
In the face of today's unparalleled disruptions and volatility, this may be a generational opportunity to really change our supply chains. Companies must find a way to do it all - a way to enhance their resiliency and effectiveness while finding strategies to control costs, mitigate taxes and reduce risk.

Learning Objectives:

• - Enhance companies resiliency and effectiveness
• - Find strategies to control costs
• - Reduce risk with Coupa direct spend management

Geopolitical shifts, market changes, and macroeconomic challenges are reshaping supply chain resilience. This session explores key impacts such as labor disruptions, geopolitical tensions, extreme weather, and supplier financial health, along with the role of interest rate changes in shaping outcomes.

Attendees will gain insights into challenges facing private suppliers, private credit and equity firms, and banks—critical sources of capital for suppliers. Learn how macroeconomic factors disproportionately affect private companies and discover strategies to mitigate these risks and enhance resilience.

Executives / Senior Leaders

Celebrate innovation and excellence as trailblazing organizations share their award-winning strategies and success stories.

Individual Contributors

This session highlights the diverse perspectives of supply chain professionals from various cultural, generational, and career backgrounds, offering valuable insights for professionals at all stages of their careers. Attendees will learn from experts who bring unique experiences and lessons to the discussion, providing practical strategies for navigating today’s complex supply chain landscape.

In a world where adaptability is key, this panel will equip participants with multidimensional approaches to thrive in an ever-changing environment. The session will be moderated by Lori Sisk, CPSM, Lifetime C.P.M.

Managers/Directors

Individual Contributors

Supplier diversity is not only a corporate responsibility but also a strategic advantage in today’s market. This session highlights the crucial role of Disadvantaged, Minority, and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (DMWBE) certification in unlocking the full potential of supplier diversity programs. Attendees will learn how certification strengthens program performance by ensuring inclusivity and fostering innovation.

The discussion will provide actionable insights into leveraging DMWBE certification to drive measurable impact, create opportunities, and build a robust supply chain. Participants will leave with strategies to enhance their supplier diversity efforts and achieve meaningful business outcomes.

Managers / Directors

We all hit career crossroads and there isn't always a map to tell us which way to go. Join the ISM Talent Management Committee for a lively debate on critical career decisions. Hear from industry experts as they present compelling arguments on topics like MBA vs. Specialized Degree/Certification and seeking a Generalist vs. Specialist Role. You'll have the opportunity to participate in the debate, ask questions, and vote on the best career path for your career.

Managers/Directors

Individual Contributors

Sponsored by: Synertrade

Learning Objectives:

This presentation delves into the transformative power of AI in supplier management, focusing on optimizing supplier innovation and mitigating risks. By leveraging AI-driven insights, organizations can foster creative supplier solutions and ensure a resilient, stable supply chain, redefining how supplier relationships are managed in today's dynamic environment. You will discover how AI can be utilized to foster supplier innovation by identifying new opportunities for collaboration and streamlining processes. You will also gain insights into leveraging Ai-driven tools to assess, predict, and mitigate supplier risks, ensuring greater resilience in the supply chain.

Chris Sawchuk
Principal
The Hackett Group

Marine Corps Officer training prepares leaders to face chaos and accomplish critical missions—a mindset increasingly relevant in today’s complex supply chain environment. This session draws parallels between military leadership principles and corporate challenges, offering actionable insights for cultivating selfless leadership in supply chain teams.

Attendees will explore how instilling values of agility, compassion, and resilience can drive team motivation, retain top talent, and prepare leaders to tackle tomorrow’s toughest supply chain challenges. Participants will leave equipped with tools to inspire their teams to confidently "run towards the fire" and excel in the face of uncertainty.

Managers / Directors

Join us for an intimate, 30-minute discussion with Charlotte de Brabandt. Not your typical presentation. It's a chance to connect directly with experienced professionals, learn about their career journeys, and gain valuable insights to propel your own career forward.

In this small group setting, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and build relationships with like-minded individuals. Join this informal and impactful conversation. Space is limited.

Managers/Directors

Individual Contributors

Sponsored by: Synertrade

A demonstration on the strategic usage of AI, real-time insights, and user-centric experience in Supplier Engagement to empower procurement teams. Experience how this focused approach leads to greater efficiency, better decision-making, and elevate procurement to a more strategic role within the organization.

Learning Objectives:

• - Aligning AI with procurement goals
• - Accelerating processes with AI
• -Making data-driven decisions in real time

Sponsored by: Synertrade

Learning Objectives:

Combining the knowledge and skills of both vendor and advocate, this session will show you how to move your procurement from manual to a mission-driven and value focused outcome, by implementing agentic AI in your organization. If you're looking to get ahead then this is the ideal session to inspire your next steps in implementing AI agents in your procurement organization.

Roy Anderson
Supply Chain lecturer at Northeastern University
Northeastern University

Join us for an intimate, 30-minute discussion with Scott Anderson. Not your typical presentation. It's a chance to connect directly with experienced professionals, learn about their career journeys, and gain valuable insights to propel your own career forward.

In this small group setting, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and build relationships with like-minded individuals. Join this informal and impactful conversation. Space is limited.

Managers/Directors

Individual Contributors

Sponsored by: BDO

An uncertain policy landscape and growth in anti-ESG sentiment has led many companies to rethink their ESG programs and the way those cascade into procurement and supply chain practices.  Explore what peers and leading companies are doing, how procurement mandates have changed, and where procurement activities and regulatory requirements are likely to intersect in the future, in this interactive discussion led by sustainability leaders.

Sponsored by: Ironclad

Contracts are at the heart of every supplier relationship. Join this session to learn how Ironclad's AI-powered CLM helps procurement and supply chain teams accelerate negotiations, reduce risk, and streamline supplier onboarding-while maintaining compliance and maximizing efficiency.

Learning Objectives:

• - Understand how AI can automate and accelerate key stages of the contract lifecycle
• - Discover strategies for reducing contract risk and ensuring compliance
• - Learn how to streamline supplier onboarding and improve cross-functional collaboration

Heran Medhin
Sr. Enterprise Solutions Engineer
Ironclad

• - Revisit the disruptions over the past 4-6 years and impacts to global supply chains and Procurement teams
• - Discuss how the role of Procurement was required to evolve over that time
• - Discuss the role of process, op model and technology during that time in enabling transformation
• - Share perspectives on the future of Procurement.
• - Share lessons learned in Procurement leadership over our tenures which we believe are crucial for long term success

Executives / Senior Leaders

Join us for an insightful session led by a seasoned Chief Procurement Officer, where we will explore the essential steps to establish a robust global procurement agenda from the ground up. This session will cover key strategies for aligning procurement goals with organizational objectives, navigating the complexities of international supply chains, and leveraging technology to drive efficiency and transparency.

Attendees will gain practical insights into developing a cohesive procurement framework that fosters collaboration, mitigates risks, and delivers sustainable value across the enterprise. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to refine your existing procurement processes, this session will provide the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in today's dynamic global market.

Executives / Senior Leaders

We have all heard the lore of the win/win combination when valued suppliers spend time and money to innovate products and services to meet your elevated expectations, strategic goals and profitability. But does it really work? Join this engaging panel discussion with members of ISM's own Strategic Sourcing & SRM Committee to learn what works, and what doesn't, from some of the world's most experienced supplier innovators.

Managers/Directors

Geopolitical factors are reshaping the future of global supply chains, impacting sourcing, logistics, trade, and investment strategies. This session examines key trends such as de-risking, reshoring, nearshoring, and "friendshoring," along with the emergence of varied globalization models. Attendees will gain insights into operational challenges, government responses, and how trade policies and tariffs in the US, EU, and China influence supply chain dynamics.

The discussion will also cover the upcoming review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), potential outcomes, and the implications of geopolitical shocks on supply chain cost and performance. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of emerging mitigation strategies and the long-term outlook for global supply chains.

Executives / Senior Leaders

Daniel Snyder’s journey through conquering testicular cancer three times before the age of 33 is a testament to the power of strategic sourcing. By applying business procurement principles—thorough research, supplier evaluation, risk management, and cost-benefit analysis—he navigated the complex healthcare landscape, selecting the best treatments, top doctors, and premier medical facilities.

This session shares how these life-saving sourcing decisions became the most critical of his life, offering a unique perspective on applying procurement strategies to personal and professional challenges. Attendees will be inspired by his story and gain insights into making thoughtful, strategic decisions under pressure.

Managers/Directors

Individual Contributors

End the day with inspiration! Meet this year's J. Shipman Gold Medal Award winner and gain insights from closing keynote speaker Secretary Gina M. Raimondo, former U.S. Secretary of Commerce and 75th Governor of Rhode Island. Emcee Steve Clemons will explore the economic forces shaping supply management, emerging challenges, and the innovations driving global business forward.

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A special reception for all ISM Volunteers, this event has become a tradition of raising a glass and celebrating those who give back to the profession--from our event volunteers, committee and council members, chapter volunteers and more. We couldn't do all that we do without these amazing people. #WeAreISM

Volunteers

"They say it's your birthday! It's my birthday too, yeah..."

Come celebrate our community as ISM closes out the conference with our 110th birthday bash poolside. Signature cocktails, food, birthday cake... and a surprise experience for us all to celebrate the "we" in "We Are ISM"! Wear your ISM colors or gear... party hats will be provided.

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