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.

ITPS Agenda 2024

ITPS Faculty 2024

Robert Wright

ICN

Principal

Scott Thomas

Humana Inc.

Strategic Contracts Attorney

Christine Stoltz

ABC Supply

IT Vendor Contract Lead

Joani Scott

First Advantage

Direct of Procurement

Stephanie Akerley

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

Corporate Procurement Program Manager

Brian Walsh

Judicial Council Of California

Manager, IT Administration

Michael Porter

State of Tennessee
Commodity Specialist

Doreen Loska, PH.D.

Trane Technologies
Organizational Leadership

Katie McEwen

The Procurement Girl

Influencer

Cynthia Farren

Cynthia Farren Consulting

Maxim Zakharchenko

Indirect Strategic Sourcing

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation

Sarepta Ridgeway

RSM US LLP
Director, Strategic Sourcing

Suzanne Siu

The City of Apopka
Procurement Administrator

Registration - SAVE $200 when you register and pay before July 31, 2024

Benefits of Attendance

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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

Sponsors

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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 Stolz

ABC Supply Co.

Christine Stolz leads IT Contracts and Vendor Management for ABC Supply Co. Technology is a true passion of Stolz’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.

Michael Porter

State of Tennessee

Michael Porter is a results-oriented professional with expertise in relationship building, customer care, business management, analytics, and leadership. He thrives in leveraging his skills and experience to drive success within an innovative team. Michael is passionate about finding the best products and services through effective supply chain management processes. With a proven track record, he brings a strategic and collaborative approach to optimize operations and deliver exceptional results. If you’re seeking a dedicated professional to enhance your supply chain operations, connect with Michael to explore synergies and opportunities.

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.

Katie McEwen

The Procurement Girl

Katie McEwen, founder of The Procurement Girl and a motivational coach, is a Kentucky native turned Ohio influencer who combines her love for Faith, family, procurement, and music into a dynamic career. Raised in a lively household reminiscent of a real-life “Steel Magnolias,” Katie has cultivated a unique approach to procurement, focusing on community building and long-term impact. Her agency champions underrepresented procurement technologies and services, helping them break through industry noise. Katie is dedicated to reinvigorating procurement professionals, emphasizing the importance of their work beyond the need for external validation. Through her work, Katie aims to transform procurement’s image, proving its value effortlessly and fostering a supportive community for industry professionals.

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.