Helping IT Sourcing
Pros Do Better Deals

ITPS Information Technology Procurement Summit

27th Annual Summit — October 3-4, 2024

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Join us this year at the 27th annual IT Procurement Summit in sunny Orlando, FL this autumn. It is the extraordinary event of the year for IT Procurement Professionals and others that are part of the contracting process.

Benefits of Attendance

Develop relationships with your peers

Build professional confidence

Get best practices

Improve your negotiation techniques

Gain leverage with your suppliers

Learn strategic global principles

Reduce your risk

Learn how to streamline processes

Sharpen your skills

Join us this October at the premier IT Procurement Conference!

Connect with global IT procurement professionals and learn from the industry’s leading minds. Our conference offers a packed agenda designed to enhance your skills and knowledge in IT procurement, including:
  • Key insights on cybersecurity, data governance, and AI applications.
  • Advanced strategies for managing SaaS agreements and cloud services.
  • Hands-on sessions on negotiation, vendor performance, and contract management.

What to Expect:

  • Expert-Led Sessions: Learn about building robust RPPs, mastering Microsoft CoPilot, elevating cloud excellence, and more.
  • Interactive Breakouts: Engage in focused discussions on optimizing supplier relationships and digital transformation challenges.
  • Networking Opportunities: Participate in breakfast roundtables and industry breakouts to share experiences and strategies with peers.

Special Features:

  • Live negotiation simulations and case studies on SLAs.
  • Panels on creating leverage with suppliers and managing international agreements.

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills or expand your professional network, our annual conference is the essential event for IT procurement professionals.

Join us to gain invaluable insights and advance your career in IT procurement.
Register now and be a part of shaping the future of IT procurement.

Are you responsible for negotiating vendor contracts or managing supplier relationships for your organization? The 27th Annual IT Procurement Summit is a must-attend event for IT procurement professionals, offering unparalleled collaboration opportunities and exclusive insights into the latest industry trends.

Key Benefits

  • Develop meaningful industry relationships with peers and vendors.
  • Follow industry best practices to enhance your negotiation tactics.
  • Negotiate successfully with suppliers through strategic interventions.
  • Improve efficiencies in IT procurement, vendor management, and contract management.
  • Reduce organizational risks and streamline processes.
  • Build supply chain efficiencies through strategic sourcing and mediation.
  • Identify best practices for cloud migration, data privacy, and data security.

Unique Opportunities

Panel Discussions Gain effective tactics to leverage supplier and vendor relationships.
Presentations Learn to negotiate cross-border agreements with local and international vendors.
Networking Develop stronger vendor and supply chain management programs.
Foundations Newcomers and others looking for core concepts, we added a specialized session track just for you.


Join us to gain new insights and strategies to overcome challenges in IT procurement. The ITPS is essential for anyone looking to improve efficiency and productivity in their department. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to advance your career as a successful IT procurement professional.

ITPS Agenda 2024

ITPS Topics 2024

The Art of the Possible

  • Uncover the latest advancements in IT procurement technology and processes, and understand their potential impact.
  • Learn practical strategies for implementing innovative solutions that can significantly enhance procurement efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Gain insights into managing change within your procurement teams to foster acceptance and enthusiasm for new approaches.

The Importance of AI in IT Procurement

  • Explore specific AI tools that are changing the landscape of procurement by enhancing data analytics and decision-making processes
  • Discuss the integration of AI into existing procurement systems to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.
  • Examine ethical considerations and best practices for implementing AI in procurement to ensure transparency and fairness.

Spend Analysis: A Guide to Procurement Excellence

  • What is spend analysis and why is it important
  • How to conduct spend analysis in three phases
  • What are the benefits of spend analysis
  • What is the difference between spend analytics and spend analysis

Foundations:  Sourcing

  • Identify key digital tools that streamline procurement processes and how they can be applied to your organization.
  • Learn about the challenges and solutions related to adopting new digital technologies in procurement.
  • Understand how to secure digital procurement operations against cybersecurity threats and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

SLAs in Action

  • Master the drafting of SLAs, including defining clear and measurable performance metrics.
  • Learn negotiation strategies to ensure that SLAs are realistic and mutually beneficial.
  • Explore effective techniques for monitoring compliance and managing SLA breaches to maintain vendor accountability.

Advanced Strategies for SaaS Agreements  CAUCUS Campfire

  • Discuss advanced strategies for negotiating and managing SaaS agreements.
  • Share and learn best practices for optimizing contract terms and vendor relationships.
  • Engage in a collaborative environment to address challenges and gain practical insights.

Foundations: Contract Management

  • Understand the core principles and best practices of contract management.
  • Learn strategies for effective contract drafting, negotiation, and performance monitoring.
  • Explore methods for managing risk and resolving disputes in IT procurement contracts.

Becoming an IT Procurement Rockstar

  • Develop key skills to become a top performer in IT procurement.
  • Learn advanced negotiation and relationship management techniques.
  • Gain inspiration from success stories of procurement leaders.

Elevating Cloud Excellence with SAM

  • Understand the role of SAM in managing cloud investments.
  • Learn best practices for compliance and optimization.
  • Explore real-world applications and success stories.

Building Better RFPs Panel Discussion

  • Learn from industry experts about crafting effective and compelling RFPs.
  • Discover best practices for defining clear requirements and leveraging technology.
  • Engage with the panel to gain insights and solutions to common RFP challenges.

Foundations: Vendor Management

  • Understand the core principles and best practices of effective vendor management.
  • Learn strategies for selecting, onboarding, and evaluating vendor performance.
  • Explore techniques for setting expectations, resolving conflicts, and fostering collaboration.

Getting the Most from Your Membership

  • Identify ways to maximize the benefits of your CAUCUS membership.
  • Learn how to leverage networking and exclusive resources.
  • Explore strategies for active participation and community growth.

Rise and Shine Roundtables

  • Engage in dynamic discussions on current IT procurement topics.
  • Network with peers and industry experts in an informal setting.
  • Share insights, experiences, and best practices to drive your professional growth.

Industry Crosstalk: Opportunities and Challenges in IT Procurement in 2024

  • Explore emerging trends and regulatory changes in IT procurement.
  • Discuss innovative solutions and industry challenges.
  • Engage with peers and experts in a collaborative environment.

Data Governance for Microsoft CoPilot Mastery

  • Understand data governance principles with Microsoft CoPilot.
  • Learn best practices for data integrity and compliance.
  • Explore strategies for risk management within the CoPilot framework.

Foundations:  Finance

  • Understand financial principles in IT procurement.
  • Learn budgeting, cost analysis, and financial planning techniques.
  • Align procurement strategies with organizational financial goals.

Transforming the RFX Process with AI

  • Discover AI tools that enhance the RFX process.
  • Learn strategies for integrating AI into procurement.
  • Explore case studies of successful AI implementation.

Leading Teams with Purpose

  • Develop key leadership skills for procurement teams.
  • Learn strategies for effective communication and team building.
  • Cultivate a positive and high-performing team culture.

Strategies for Effective Contract Remedies  CAUCUS Campfire

  • Discuss strategies for addressing and resolving contract breaches and disputes.
  • Learn about effective remedies, including penalties, incentives, and alternative dispute resolution methods.
  • Collaborate with peers to share experiences and best practices in contract management.

Foundations: Legal

  • Understand key legal considerations in IT procurement.
  • Learn best practices for contract law and compliance.
  • Explore strategies for dispute resolution and risk management.

The Art of the Deal: Live Negotiation Simulation

  • Robert Wright and Scott Thomas 
  • Participate in a live negotiation simulation.
  • Practice and refine your negotiation tactics.
  • Receive feedback and insights from negotiation experts.

Marketing the Value of Procurement

  • Highlight procurement’s value to your organization.
  • Enhance  procurement’s visibility and
  • secure executive support.
  • Communicate strategic importance of procurement and its impact on business outcomes.
  • Gain confidence and drive successful
  • outcomes for your organization..

Fostering Competitive Bids Through Team Collaboration

  • Explore strategies for fostering team collaboration in procurement.
  • Learn techniques for effective communication and stakeholder engagement.
  • Drive competitive bidding processes through collaborative efforts.

Improving Vendor Performance through KPIs

  • Understand the role of KPIs in vendor performance management.
  • Learn how to define, measure, and manage KPIs.
  • Explore strategies for continuous improvement and issue resolution.

Making the Most of the Moment

  • Recap key insights and strategies discussed during the conference.
  • Discover how to stay focused and seize on lessons learned throughout the event.
  • Gain confidence and drive successful outcomes for your organization.

ITPS Faculty 2024

Robert Wright

ICN

Principal

Scott Thomas

Humana Inc.

Strategic Contracts Attorney

Christine Stulz

ABC Supply

IT Vendor Contract Lead

Joani Scott

First Advantage

Direct of Procurement

Stephanie Akerley

Columbia Association

Corporate Procurement Program Manager

Brian Walsh

Judicial Council Of California

Manager, IT Administration

Doreen Loska, PH.D.

Trane Technologies
Organizational Leadership

Cynthia Farren

Cynthia Farren Consulting

Maxim Zakharchenko

Indirect Strategic Sourcing

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation

Sarepta Ridgeway

RSM US LLP
Director, Strategic Sourcing

Jonathan Jordan

Registration - IT Procurement Summit

Benefits of Attendance

  • Learn to develop meaningful industry relationships with peers and vendors
  • Follow industry best practices and improve negotiation tactics
  • Negotiate successfully with suppliers through strategic interventions
  • Develop excellent efficiencies in IT procurement, vendor management, contract management and more
  • Learn to reduce any risks to your organization and streamline processes
  • Build supply chain efficiencies through strategic sourcing and mediatingIdentify best practices for migrating to the cloud, data privacy, data security and much more

Signup

 
$ 1995
  •  
Register

Location

HIlton Orlando Lake Buena Vista

1751 Hotel Plaza Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL, 32830

Standard room single/double $199 with a resort fee of $30. The resort fee includes

  • High speed internet in the room
  • Shuttle transfer to theme parks
  • Movie Rentals
  • Two 16 oz. Starbucks Coffee
  • Two 16.9 oz. bottles of water
  • $5 discount on one attraction ticket sold at the concierge desk

What People Say

ITPS provides an amazing opportunity to network and discuss current topics with procurement professionals from every industry. Both the speakers and attendees provide insight and expertise related to scenarios that we are all facing while offering best in class examples of how to navigate through them. I highly recommend this conference!
Teri Abbo
Oakland University
Year over year, this is a world class conference with an excellent faculty of speakers delivering very timely topics. With the ever-changing world of IT, there is always something new at each conference event. The breakout sessions each tailor themselves nicely for novice IT Procurement Professionals up to the experienced level. I have found the networking amongst peers to be invaluable. This is a one-of-a-kind niche event, packed full of useful information, all delivered by peers in a short couple days.
Mike Gonce
Eastman Chemical
ITPS offers a unique opportunity to not only attend presentations and workshops on topics vitally important to our role in IT Procurement, but also a chance to network with our peers. That network has proved to be invaluable for advice, sharing experiences, etc. Being a member of Caucus also gives me access to learn from and share with my peers throughout the year, extending the ITPS experience.
Cynthia Meyer
SPX

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ICN has been in the business of helping technology users do better and safer deals with vendors for more than forty five years.

ABOUT ICN

  • Private Workshops
  • Public Workshops
  • Differentiators
  • People
  • Diverse Experience

CONSULTING

  • Cloud Contract and Negotiation Services
  • IT Procurement Negotiations
  • Vendor Management Program Assistance
  • RFP Leadership and Advisory
  • SLA Best Practices
  • Mergers, Reorganizations, and Divestiture Assistance

OUR CLASSES

  • Cloud Contracting
  • Contracts Lab
  • Do Better Deals Workshop
  • IT Contracting Boot Camp
  • Negotiating Requirements
  • NEGOTIATIONS Power - Process - Principles
  • RFP Lab: Forms - Training - Templates
  • SLA Lab
  • Statements of Work Done Right
  • Software Workshop
  • Taming the Maintenance Monster
  • Total Vendor Management

CLASS SCHEDULE

CONTACT US

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Robert Wright

ICN

Principal

Robert Wright is a highly experienced technology contracts negotiator with a strong focus on managing real risks and maximizing financial savings. With over 20 years of expertise, he is adept at drafting and negotiating various agreements, including software licenses, SaaS/cloud licenses, consulting services, statements of work, and non-disclosure agreements. Robert is entrusted with closing “high-risk/high-reward” deals valued from $500K to $5MM, recognized by executive leadership. He excels in implementing process improvements to enhance speed-to-value in the contracting and negotiating process.

Scott Thomas

Humana Inc.

Scott Thomas is a highly experienced procurement executive with over 20 years of expertise in managing complex sourcing and supply chain operations. Known for his proven track record in cost savings, risk mitigation, and supplier optimization, Scott is driven by a passion for delivering value in procurement. As the Contract Management Lead at Humana, he spearheads the development and execution of procurement strategies across diverse categories, including logistics, IT, and raw materials. Scott is a down-to-earth and collaborative leader, fostering continuous improvement and empowering his team for success. With multiple degrees, he possesses the knowledge and expertise to tackle any procurement challenge.

Christine Stulz

ABC Supply Co.

Christine Stulz leads IT Contracts and Vendor Management for ABC Supply Co. Technology is a true passion of Stulz’s and she is a strong advocate of diversity and inclusion in tech.   Over the past decade, Christine has served as a senior project manager at Cabela’s, Kohl’s, Claire’s and Walgreens, enabling retail technology both front-of-house and back-of-house. In 2021, she assumed responsibility for ABC Supply’s Contracting and Vendor Management function, handling everything from small purchases to enterprise contracts. Christine is a member of the CAUCUS Executive Advisory Committee.

Joani Scott

First Advantage

With extensive experience in global strategic sourcing, vendor management, and procurement transformation, Joani Scott serves as the Procurement Director, Operations at First Advantage. Reporting to the VP of Global Procurement, she plays a key role in all strategic procurement activities, collaborating closely with Operations teams. Joani has a successful track record of implementing category-specific best practices for cost reduction, spend management, and budget optimization. She shares her valuable expertise gained from leading collaborative spend management initiatives, technical projects, procurement transformations, and organizational development. Joani’s contributions extend beyond her role as she serves as Co-Chair on the CEAC Advisory Board and holds leadership positions in local Women in Business chapters.

Stephanie Akerley

The Maryland-National Capital Park
And Planning Commission

Stephanie Akerley is a seasoned Corporate Procurement Program Manager with over 27 years of experience in public procurement. For the past 14 years, she has excelled in handling all aspects of IT procurement for The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Stephanie’s love for IT procurement lies in its ever-changing nature, where each transaction brings new insights. She has honed her skills through ICN’s classes and seminars, even contributing to content development and teaching others. As a presenter, Stephanie aims to expand her network and enhance her knowledge base among peers in the field.

Brian Walsh

Judicial Council of California

Brian has been in procurement for nearly twenty years in both the private and public sectors. He is currently the manager of IT Administration at the Judicial Council of California (JCC), overseeing IT Budgets, Contracts, Administrative Support and Human Resources. Prior to his current role, Brian oversaw the JCC Non-Facilities Contracts unit, working with two thousand agreements per year with an estimated total value exceeding $550M. In addition to his years of IT procurements, Brian has sourced materials for hundreds of retail store construction projects; developed and implemented procurement plans for startups; and negotiated a multi-million dollar invoice and claim management system agreement for the one of the largest workers compensation carriers in the U.S.

Doreen Loska, PH.D.

Trane Technologies

Dr. Doreen Loska is a versatile global business leader with extensive experience in supply chain management, project management, and change management. With a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, she is dedicated to developing equitable solutions and implementing effective programs and strategies for diverse individuals, teams, and organizations. Known for her collaborative and data-driven approach, Doreen excels in neuro-leadership, analytics, innovation, sustainability, and creating reliable workplace environments. As an advocate for community and inclusivity, she shares her research on neuroleadership and the connection between worker engagement and workplace environments, inspiring audiences and teams alike.

Cynthia Farren

Cynthia Farren Consulting

Cynthia Farren is the president of Cynthia Farren Consulting, a national firm renowned for its expertise in IT compliance and Software Asset Management (SAM). With a strategic focus on cost reduction, risk management, and competitive advantage through effective software asset management, Cynthia has successfully partnered with business units to align technology implementations with corporate strategies. A distinguished business visionary, she is adept at identifying future directions for companies and deploying the right technologies to support those goals. Her specialties include SAM, volume licensing agreements, bulk purchasing negotiations, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, and a range of other critical business functions, making her a pivotal asset in navigating complex business transformations and technology integrations.

Saepta Ridgeway

RSM US LLP

Sarepta Ridgeway is an accomplished IT Procurement and Strategic Manager, specializing in strategic sourcing, process improvement, and risk mitigation. With expertise in contracts drafting and negotiation, cost avoidance, value engineering, warehousing, logistics, and change management, she brings a diverse skill set to her role. Sarepta is known for her proficiency in optimizing business processes, including developing purchasing policies and procedures, conducting procurement training, and managing asset management databases. She has achieved significant cost savings and avoidance milestones, successfully led major negotiations, and contributed to technological advancements. Sarepta also serves as a company representative in international contract tariff and e-procurement matters. Additionally, she shares her knowledge as an adjunct college professor.

Jonathan Jordan

ICN

Principal

Jonathan Jordan, in addition to being a social neuroscientist, is also a certified executive coach, and a popular international speaker. In 2011 he was engaged to deliver brain-based training to the staff of the United States Senate. Jordan, who is originally from Ireland, was admitted into the Society for Neuroscience several years ago and has authored numerous articles about brain training and business enhancement. He previously served as an executive with the McDonald’s Corporation worldwide and is currently president of Global Change Management, Inc., a boutique business and personal development firm. In a recent interview Jonathan stated, “All success, either personal or business, starts in your brain. Our approach to brain training is proven to result in even greater success.”