RESILIENCE
October 13 - 14, 2020 | Virtual Event
Advancing Utilities in the Current Environment
Register Now
Utility Purchasing Management Group (UPMG) Annual Conference
ISM®'s Utility Purchasing Management Group (UPMG) Annual Conference is recognized as one of the premier educational events within the utility supply chain industry. Given the current environment and the impact to supply chain, this event will be focused on resilience. Working with our executive committee of utilities professionals, suppliers and thought leaders as well as our continued research data on the impact of COVID, we have put together a focused virtual event packed with education and yes, connection with other supply chain professionals and suppliers within the utilities industry.
COVID Impact on Utilities Industry
-
Commercial Reduction
Drop in commercial and industrial demand based on lockdowns. -
Operational Challenges
Although prepared for weather, COVID has introduced unprecedented challenges in safety and operational policies. -
Business Continuity
With an almost immediate teleworkforce, flaws appeared in telecommunications, collaborative tools and remote management policies and training.
UPMG Topics
NERC CIP-013
Based on the COVID outbreak, FERC has accepted a 3 month delay (October 1, 2020) on the compliance of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) critical infrastructure protection (CIP) standard that establishes new cybersecurity requirements for electric power and utility (P&U) companies to ensure, preserve, and prolong the reliability of the bulk electric system (BES). Focus will be on the recent compliance and the vision moving forward.
Supplier Risk
COVID has had an immediate impact on the global supply chain and has exposed vulnerabilities and lack of visibility into tier two and three suppliers. Like other industries, utilities are looking into supplier risk management as well as opportunities for innovation. Sessions will discuss research, trends and case studies involving supplier risk mitigation.
Managing Disruption
During times of such major disruption comes opportunities for reinvention and innovation on policies and practices to help circumvent risk in the future. Sessions wil focus on tools, research and real-world examples of next steps in developing resiliency in your risk management planning and practice.
COVID-19 Impacts
Sessions will be filled with research as well as attendee interactivity with thought leaders and utility peers to share out stories, actions and develop a think tank across the procurement practice for best next steps for the utilities industry.
Cybersecurity & Technology
With a remote workforce and an increase in cyber attacks, 70 percent of organizations are seeing the value of increasing their investments in cybersecurity solutions (Security Magazine). Sessions will discuss solutions and procurement tactics around cybersecurity solutions.
Talent Management
The pandemic caused an almost immediate remote workforce. Utilities organizations are faced with a potential reinvention of work practices. The challenges, however, can also become opportunities for recruitment and modernization to appeal to future generations. Sessions will discuss talent management amid the pandemic and case studies and tools to bring back to the office.
Day 1 Agenda
Keynote Speaker
Attendees will kickoff the event with an inspirational keynote speaker. Participate in an interactive question and answer session.
Session Review
Prior to breakout sessions kicking off, a newsreel overview plays giving the highlights of each session. Attendees can select which sessions they would like to attend and participate in "live" and the sessions they will be able to access on-demand following the close of the conference.
Breakout Sessions - Round 1
Round 1 offers up to 3 breakout sessions for attendees to participate in. Attend one session live and be able to view the others on-demand following the event.
Breakout Sessions - Round 2
Round 2 offers up to 3 breakout sessions for attendees to participate in. Attend one session live and be able to view the others on-demand following the event.
Exhibit Hall
Throughout the conference, visit the virtual exhibit hall. Set up one-on-one appointments, download material, view demonstrations and more. Suppliers will be presenting unique solutions specific to the utilities industry.
Reception
It's an event you won't want to miss. In a time when we all crave interaction, join us in this interactive reception and catch up with old friends and make new ones across the industry. It won't be your typical Zoom happy hour... but the rest is a surprise.
Day 2 Agenda
Networking Round Table Discussions
Three hot topic consecutive discussions kick off day 2. Attendees select one of the topics and participate in live, facilitated discussions with fellow industry peers and thought leaders.
Exhibit Hall
Throughout the conference, visit the virtual exhibit hall. Set up one-on-one appointments, download material, view demonstrations and more. Suppliers will be presenting unique solutions specific to the utilities industry.
Session Review
Prior to breakout sessions kicking off, a newsreel overview plays giving the highlights of each session. Attendees can select which sessions they would like to attend and participate in "live" and the sessions they will be able to access on-demand following the close of the conference.
Breakout Sessions - Round 1
Round 1 offers up to 3 breakout sessions for attendees to participate in. Attend one session live and be able to view the others on-demand following the event.
Breakout Sessions - Round 2
Round 2 offers up to 3 breakout sessions for attendees to participate in. Attend one session live and be able to view the others on-demand following the event.
Closing Keynote Speaker
End the conference on a high note with a compelling keynote speaker addressing the needs, challenges and opportunities ahead for attendees.
CURRENT PRICING: MEMBER $595
Now - August 14, 2020: $595
August 15 - October 13 , 2020: $795
* Registration includes 90 Day Access to recorded sessions following the close of the event.
CURRENT PRICING: NON-MEMBER $795
Now - August 14, 2020: $795
August 15 - October 13, 2020: $1,095
* Registration includes 90 Day Access to recorded sessions following the close of the event.
The Virtual Conference Experience
