ISM World 2025 Detailed Agenda

Grab a refreshment. Say hello to old friends and new. Grab your badge and ease into kicking off a great conference experience.

All

Experience the proven negotiation strategies used by 45% of the Fortune 500. Negotiating With Suppliers™ (NWS) is a dynamic, high-energy session designed to equip procurement professionals with practical approaches to reducing costs, optimizing supplier relationships, and enhancing organizational teamwork.

Through engaging negotiation simulations, participants will build a “gut-level” understanding of key principles and behaviors used by top performers. Attendees will leave with actionable techniques to reduce cycle times, manage inventory more profitably, improve quality, and boost supplier responsiveness. This session offers an impactful introduction to mastering supplier negotiations.

Managers/Directors

Speaker(s): Shawn Malone

Managers/Directors

Speaker(s): Patrick Marlow

Environmentally responsible and ethically sourced goods and services have become table stakes no matter what type of organization you are - corporation, government, or university. Learn about the benefits of addressing the environmental, social, and economic sustainability impacts from your spend. Understand the major components of a meaningful sustainable procurement program which addresses issues such as climate change, toxins, and labor rights while uplifting local economies and building supply chain resilience. HANDS-ON: Measure and benchmark your organization’s progress towards sustainable purchasing excellence and receive insights into addressing challenges. 

Managers/Directors

Speaker(s): Kris Spriano, Katie Saha

Global events are evolving rapidly, making it challenging for supply chain professionals to stay ahead. This session uses Summer 2025’s most relevant news headlines to highlight immediate actions and best practices for navigating international trade compliance risks.

Attendees will gain actionable insights on key topics, including supplier and customer vetting, import compliance, export controls, economic sanctions, anti-boycott measures, and anti-corruption strategies. Walk away with practical tools to address current challenges and safeguard your organization in an ever-changing global landscape.

Managers/Directors

Speaker(s): Jonathan Todd

Hosted by the Women’s Supply Management Community, this panel discussion explores key topics around navigating transitions that impact both men and women in the supply chain management profession. Gain real-world insights and practical strategies from a diverse group of industry leaders as they share their experiences and advice on managing personal and professional complexities, including organizational change, stepping into new roles, making bold career pivots, and balancing professional growth with personal life changes.

Managers / Directors

Speaker(s): Shami Anand

Invitation-only and VIP pass exclusive networking event. 

Executives / Senior Leaders

Back by popular demand, this information (and networking) event is designed for first-timers and solo attendees to learn more on how to navigate the conference and make a friend or two in the process. 

Audience: First Time Attendees

Join the Women's Supply Management Community for a kickoff networking session before the conference Welcome Party. Meet and connect with community members you'll see and interact with throughout the remainder of ISM World. 

Key Learnings:  

• Insight into geopolitical impacts on critical supply chains
• If supply chain sustainability and resilience can be managed as “one”
• Examples of the interconnected nature of risks in the operating environment
• How data is a key input for managing interconnected supply chain risks

Audience: Womens Community

Kickoff ISM World with our first insightful keynote - to be announced!

All

Speaker(s): Thomas W. Derry

Exclusive to ExecIn attendees, get a behind-the-scenes opportunity for a question and answer session with ISM's Opening Keynote. 

Executives / Senior Leaders

Leaking sensitive information to suppliers is a common negotiation pitfall that can significantly impact your company’s leverage. This session explores the concept of backdoor selling, how it undermines your negotiation position, and actionable strategies to prevent it while maintaining strong supplier relationships.

Presented from the perspective of a professionally trained salesperson who has used backdoor selling to close hundreds of millions of dollars in deals, attendees will gain a unique insider’s view. Learn how to protect your organization from these tactics and strengthen your negotiation outcomes.

Managers / Directors

Speaker(s): Erich Rifenburgh

2024 has been a year where Procurement’s priority shifted significantly to cost reduction in an effort to enable their organizations concerns over broader economic health, but it has also been a year where broad-based awareness of the impact of Generative AI on the procurement operating model became more entrenched.  Looking forward to 2025, how will procurement teams prepare for success?   Join this session to gain insights into Hackett’s recently published 2025 Procurement Key Priorities research covering the following areas…

• Key trends that will have a transformational impact on the procurement agenda over the next five years.
• 2025 key objectives and transformation plans for procurement organizations.
• Projected changes in procurement workloads, staffing levels, operating budgets and technology spending.
• Expected trends in procurement including operating model and analytics.
• The use of generative AI and technology to enable procurement capabilities.

Executives/Senior Leaders

Speaker(s): Chris Sawchuk

Many procurement professionals encounter fleet management or mobility sourcing for the first time without fully understanding its significant impact on strategic organizational goals. This session explores how fleet and mobility initiatives contribute to decarbonization, employee safety, supplier diversity, and digital transformation.

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the strategic value fleet management brings to supply chain operations and leave equipped with knowledge to approach these exercises with greater confidence and effectiveness.

Managers/Directors

Speaker(s): Philip Chow

Many companies unknowingly leave significant savings on the table due to misunderstandings, misconceptions, and a lack of shared language around procurement and financial decisions. This session dives into why organizations often opt for lower-value alternatives and fail to invest in their highest ROI functions, despite clear benefits.

Through engaging discussions and relatable examples presented in a simple and enjoyable format, attendees will uncover the barriers to achieving optimal procurement savings. Participants will leave with fresh perspectives and actionable ideas to align financial strategies with high-value procurement opportunities.

Executives / Senior Leaders

Speaker(s): Ryan  Bradford

Join us for an intimate, 30-minute discussion with industry leaders. 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

Exclusive to ExecIn attendees, this roundtable discussion will dive into hot topics and concerns identified and facilitated by ISM's Thought Leadership Council. This includes discussion on the current and future state of the profession, talent challenges, geopolitical risks, digital transformation, AI, and more. Collaborate and share learnings with an elite group of peers in this freeform set of table topics and networking. 

Executives / Senior Leaders

The State of the Procurement Profession 2025 survey offers invaluable insights into the evolving procurement landscape. Last year’s findings revealed a positive economic climate and an optimistic outlook, with companies fostering entrepreneurial mindsets in procurement achieving higher performance, overcoming digitalization challenges, and boosting employee satisfaction. However, many procurement organizations continued to fall short of their digitalization targets, with progress slipping further compared to the previous year.

This year’s survey promises equally relevant and actionable insights. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of current trends, challenges, and opportunities in procurement, helping them navigate the year ahead with confidence and clarity.

Executives/Senior Leaders

Speaker(s): Ruth Schültken, Ph.D., Christoph Bode, Ph.D.

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

Speaker(s): Lenora Sevillian 

California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) mandate for zero-emission trucks is set to reshape fleet procurement, presenting both challenges and opportunities. With electric trucks required to make up 50% of all heavy-duty truck sales by 2035—and all new trucks zero-emission by 2027—supply chain disruptions and economic impacts are anticipated well in advance. A prebuy surge in 2025-2026, coupled with rising diesel truck costs, underscores the urgency for proactive planning.

This session equips attendees with strategies for multi-year procurement planning, aligning with OEM trends, and leveraging data to evaluate EV viability. Participants will learn how to create ESG roadmaps that transition fleets from diesel to alternative fuels while mitigating supply chain and cost risks.

Executives / Senior Leaders

Speaker(s): Brian  Antonellis

Join us for an intimate, 30-minute discussion with industry leaders. 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

Join us for this exclusive luncheon program to meet the most recent class of Richter Scholars. It's a great opportunity to network and hear from top talent emerging from supply chain academic programs and learn more about the talent of the future.

Executives / Senior Leaders

Speaker(s): Elizabeth Richter, CPSM, CSCP

Join the final four student teams as part of the final round of the annual ISM International Student Case Competition as they present their creative and compelling solutions to this year’s case. The competition gives students an opportunity to gain real-world case solving experience within supply management while also applying their knowledge and diverse perspectives to a solution.

Of the final four teams, the top three will receive a financial reward among other benefits from ISM. Attendees will be able to view case details and vote for their top selections within the conference mobile app, and input will be compiled along with votes from a panel of judges. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, June 3. 

Executives/Senior Leaders

SPEAKER(S): Judith (Judy) Whipple, Ph.D.

Executives / Senior Leaders

Speaker(s): Camille Batiste

A trusted supply chain is critical for success in Aerospace and Defense, but risks such as counterfeit parts and challenges in sourcing electronic components threaten operational reliability. These issues can disrupt your ability to meet customer needs and maintain performance standards.

This session will provide insights into gaining visibility into part information, navigating contractual obligations and rights, and implementing risk mitigation strategies. Attendees will walk away with actionable approaches to safeguard their supply chain against counterfeit risks and sourcing vulnerabilities.

Individual Contributors

Speaker(s): Sarah Baire, Danielle Albright

Benchmarks can be your guiding light—or your blind spot. But which benchmarks truly add value, and which ones risk leading you astray? This session will explore all types of procurement benchmarking, examining price comparisons, spend levels, potential savings, and team resourcing.

Attendees will discover which benchmarks are most useful in different scenarios, learn to avoid common pitfalls, and explore the best sources for actionable insights. If you’ve ever questioned the relevance of your benchmarks, this session will provide the clarity needed to drive smarter, data-backed decisions.

Managers/Directors

Speaker(s): Tyler Vigen

Join us for an intimate, 30-minute discussion with industry leaders. 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

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

Speaker(s): Sheena Thomas

This panel discussion, led by the ISM-New Jersey Chapter, brings together life sciences supply management professionals and a trade association leader to share best practices. The session explores how adopting an industry-specific lens to supply management capabilities and practices can enhance impact and effectiveness, providing valuable insights for attendees.

With New Jersey’s 130-year tradition of leadership in life sciences—home to 13 of the largest global biopharmaceutical companies and known as the "Medicine Chest of the World"—ISM-NJ members bring deep expertise in a sector renowned for innovation and global impact. Attendees will gain practical strategies and learn from experiences unique to this transformative industry.

Managers/Directors

Speaker(s): John Perez

Join us for an intimate, 30-minute discussion with industry leaders. 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

To kickoff the ISM Awards Gala, registered gala attendees can enjoy a networking cocktail reception.

Audience: Ticketed Attendees

The ISM Awards Gala is a celebration of both our individual and organizational award winners. Join this year's award season winners from the ISM 30 Under 30 Rising Supply Chain Stars, the J. Shipman Gold Medal Award, the R. Gene Richter Scholarship Program as well as the organizational winners of the ISM Supply Chain Trailblazer awards. You will be among the best of the best to network and celebrate amazing contributions to supply chain excellence.

This supply management celebration is a can’t miss event kicking off ISM World 2025. Don’t miss your chance to network and celebrate with the best in supply chain.

Audience: Ticketed Attendees

Speaker(s): Thomas W. Derry

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

Speaker(s): Anirban Basu, Ph.D.

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

Speaker(s): Laura Beth Hirt-Sharpe

In today’s digital landscape, the gap between technology investment and user adoption often limits ROI. This session delves into how Digital Adoption Platforms (DAPs) can bridge this gap, improving efficiency and reducing costs in procurement and supply chain management. Attendees will learn how DAPs drive quicker technology adoption, enhance system utilization, and maximize financial returns.

The session also addresses the leadership and cultural changes required to fully integrate DAPs, empowering organizations to remain competitive and innovative. Participants will leave with practical strategies to harness the full potential of DAPs in their operations.

Executives/Senior Leaders

Speaker(s): Amanda Prochaska

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

Speaker(s): Mike Guymon

Join us for an intimate, 30-minute discussion with industry leaders. 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

Speaker(s): Miguel Gonzalez

Executives / Senior Leaders

Speaker(s): John Hughes, Kristin Bahnsen

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

Speaker(s): Brandon Hummons

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

Speaker(s): James Gellert, Bindiya Vakil

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

Speaker(s): Andrew Dudley, Susanna Zhu

Developing talent within supply chain organizations is essential for scaling capabilities, ensuring continuity, and retaining employees. This session explores the principles and programs implemented by Microsoft Cloud Supply Chain to build a robust talent pipeline and enrich professional development across all career stages.

Attendees will gain insights into strategies for supporting employees, from Early in Career professionals to senior leaders and people managers. The session offers actionable takeaways to help organizations create comprehensive talent development programs that foster growth, engagement, and long-term success.

Executives / Senior Leaders

Speaker(s): Chuck Graham

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

Speaker(s): Keld Jensen

Join us for an intimate, 30-minute discussion with industry leaders. 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

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

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.

Individual Contributors

Speaker(s): Zach Abdulnour, Grace Zacharek, Jay Glanton, Lori Sisk, CPSM

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
• Generalist vs. Specialist Roles
• In Office vs. Virtual

You'll have the opportunity to participate in the debate, ask questions, and vote on the best career path.

Managers / Directors

Strategic business partnering plays a critical role in driving organizational success. This session explores how to build and sustain partnerships that align with business goals and deliver value. Attendees will gain insights into developing trust, fostering collaboration, and leveraging stakeholder relationships to achieve shared objectives.

The session will also cover strategies for breaking down silos, integrating procurement with stakeholders, and co-creating value through mutual trust and shared goals. Participants will walk away with actionable techniques to transform their approach to business partnering and cultivate exceptional stakeholder relationships.

Managers/Directors

Speaker(s): Jami Bliss, Mohammed Deria

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

Speaker(s): Ryan McCool

This session delves into U.S. Steel's groundbreaking transformation of its iron ore mining operations in Minnesota, highlighting the integration of talent, advanced data analytics, predictive modeling, and automation in the supply chain. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, U.S. Steel is revolutionizing one of the nation’s oldest industries.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into how these innovations are reshaping mining operations to be safer, more agile, and more sustainable. This session offers a unique perspective for supply management professionals looking to drive similar advancements in their own organizations.

Managers / Directors

Speaker(s): Grace Zacharek, John Gordon

Efficient Contractor Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) management is vital in the Oil & Gas Industry, where the majority of operations rely on contractors. This session highlights the importance of robust Contractor HSE Management during both pre- and post-award phases, emphasizing its role in preventing major accidents and improving overall HSE performance.

Attendees will gain insights into how procurement and supply chain functions contribute to achieving HSE objectives and enhancing safety outcomes. The session provides actionable strategies for integrating HSE considerations into contractor management processes to support safer and more effective operations.

Managers/Directors

Speaker(s): Khalid Al Barwani

• 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

Speaker(s): Bill Dempsey, Joe Canaday

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

Speaker(s): Fernanda Kroup

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

Speaker(s): Daniel Snyder

Join us for an intimate, 30-minute discussion with industry leaders. 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

End the day with inspiration! This session will include meeting this year’s J. Shipman Gold Medal Award winner. We will close with a discussion with our finale keynote speaker - to be announced.

All

Speaker(s): Thomas W. Derry

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

Audience: Volunteers

Speaker(s): Thomas W. Derry

End the day with inspiration! This session will include meeting this year’s J. Shipman Gold Medal Award winner. We will close with a discussion with our finale keynote speaker - to be announced.

Executives / Senior Leaders

Speaker(s): Jonathan Lee, Aurea Jimenez