Take advantage of the unique opportunities for continued education, professional growth, certifications, and a network of colleagues and friends that a NPI membership can provide.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Color Guard -Presentation of Colors
Welcome
Keynote-Jon Ralston
Award winning political and business journalist discussing Political Issues of the Day.
Though Jon Ralston has been digging up the dirt about Nevada politics and business for more than two decades, he hails from Buffalo, N.Y. Ralston holds a B.A. in English from Cornell University and a M.A. in journalism from University of Michigan. Shortly after his 1983 graduation, he came to Sin City as the night police reporter for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, later covering general assignment and county government before becoming a political reporter in 1986.
Ralston wrote for the Las Vegas Review-Journal for 15 years, the last seven as a freelance columnist.
In 1999, the Greenspun Media Group purchased his political newsletter The Ralston Report. Ralston currently publishes The Ralston Report on-line via RalstonFlash.com, a daily e-mail newsletter containing insider political and business information.
Weekly columns authored by the prolific pundit can also be found within the pages of In Business Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Sun. In addition to the print media, he is a frequent guest commentator on Las Vegas' CBS affiliate, Channel 8.
Ralston is also the host of "Face to Face," a political discussion program.
Awards garnered by Ralston include: Nevada State Press Association's Outstanding Young Journalist of the Year in 1986, Best Columnist of the Year in 1991 and 1992 and Best Non-Staff Columnist in 2000, 2001 and 2003. In 1996, Ralston was named one of Clark County's "Top 40 Under 40" by the Las Vegas Business Press.
In 2000, Ralston was named as an Influential Businessman in Southern Nevada by In Business Las Vegas.
9:45 -11:00am
Carlton N. Parker Award and Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Awards Ceremony
The Carlton N. Parker Award for Outstanding Service is the most prestigious award presented by the National Purchasing Institute (NPI). The criteria for receiving the award requires that the nominee must have made outstanding contributions to the development and progress of NPI and the public purchasing profession.
The Achievement of Excellence in Procurement® (AEP), established by the National Purchasing Institute in 1995, is designed to recognize organizational excellence in public procurement. This prestigious award is earned by those organizations that demonstrate excellence by obtaining a high score based on standardized criteria. The criteria are designed to measure innovation, professionalism, productivity, e-procurement, and leadership attributes of the procurement organization.
11:00 - 12:00 noon
"New Techniques for Purchasing to Save Money "
Don Woods, CEO
A new look at old procedures. Get out of the preverbal box to explore some new ideas then document the savings. For example – Can we save the construction contractor from paying taxes on items we will own after accepting the completed project? Can we really retrofit a building to make it energy efficient and use the savings to pay for the construction? How can you reduce all of the paperwork involved in monitoring any project including construction and be able to search it for the documentation needed for enforcement without it costing an arm and a leg.
"Proposal Evaluation Methodologies & Systems in Public Procurement "
Sam Adhikari
Proposal evaluation and best value vendor selection processes are complex and time consuming. However, public procurement agencies are using methodologies and systems that go far beyond Excel spreadsheet based models to save time, bring transparency, and audit trail in the process. This workshop explores such systems and methodologies through live demonstration and real world case studies such systems.
12:00 - 1:30pm
Lunch On Your Own
1:30 - 2:30pm
"Recycling and Social Responsibility "
Bramby A.Tollen, C.P.M., CPPO, CPSM
2:45 - 3:45pm
"Legal Aspects of Purchasing "
Tom Macas
"When No is Not an Option 'Say Yes' to Fixed Asset Leasing "
Duff Ernholtz
Your budget may be limited, but your needs aren’t going away. Whether you have a parking lot, construction need, athletic turf or technology project – fixed asset leasing might be the exact solution you need to take “no” out of the room. You can lease more than equipment. Find out how and leave with a plan.
4:00 - 5:00pm
"Achievement in Excellence Panel Discussion "
Moderators
Beth Fleming, C.P.M., CPPO
Kathleen Bender, C.P.M., CPPO
Panel Members
Penny Marchell , C.P.M., Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority
Sharrie Mayden, C.P.M., University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
Kathy Rainey, C.P.M., City of Las VEgas
Bramby Tollen, C.P.M., CPPO, CPSM, Clark County School District, Nevada
This panel discussion will benefit delegates who are beginning the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award application process as well as past awardees who want to improve on future applications. Delegates are invited to participate in the discussion about the required award criteria and will hear from experts on how to implement the procurement practices in their organizations. Input from participants will be presented to the AEP Committee for consideration as future application criteria. Don’t miss this interactive session and hear the strategies of those who are achieving procurement excellence in their organizations!
"Tweeting & Collaborating Toward Excellence "
Harold (Hal) E. Good, CPPO
Networking with others has never been more important. Social networking makes all kinds of possibilities “doable”. Cooperative and Group purchasing has come to the point we can “shop contracts” if we know what is available. Public Purchasing is by nature “collaborative” with other buying organizations. Meanwhile the vendor/contractor side becomes more competitive.
6:00–9:00pm
Presidential Banquet
The Presidential Banquet is a chance to dine and unwind in the beautiful Skyview Room on the top level at Bally’s with a spectacular view of Las Vegas at night. You won’t want to ‘have left the building’ until you catch the performance fit for a “King” - bring your camera for post-show photo opportunities!
Tuesday October 26
Breakfast On Your Own
8:00 – 9:30am
"Ethics Management "
Robert J. Nahabit, C.P.M.
Nahabit & Associates, Inc.
As a business representative of your organization, you have influence over daily business decisions. Whether you are responsible for purchasing decisions, selling price, or terms of a contract, your decisions will reflect upon you personally as well as your organization.
You must be constantly aware of the temptations presented to you (whether overtly or covertly), and rise above them. If you want to be a success in business (and in life), your business behavior must be above reproach and suspicion. It is a matter of choice, YOUR CHOICE.
No doubt, your company has an Ethics Policy to which you are to be held responsible. But, we believe that any company which simply has an Ethics Policy in a file somewhere, and asks its employees to review and sign it once a year, is remiss in their real responsibilities.
Learn the four basic elements that must be in place at any organization to make your Ethics Policy not only meaningful, but also enforceable. Most companies fall flat in this area. Don't wait - and find out too late! The good news is that we are here to help.
There are two backbones to our seminar: ISM's Principles and Standards of Purchasing Practice, and Good Solid Common Sense coming from the practical experience of our team (having more than 100 years of combined purchasing experience) that helped us assemble the contents of our presentation. Very practical info!
9:45 - 11:00am
Business Meeting and Presentation of Officers
Join us for a fast paced recap of NPI’s business, introduction of candidates and voting for the 2010-2011 Board of Directors. Lunch is served immediately following!
11:00 - 12:00 noon
"How to Do Business " for Suppliers and "How Bids and RFP's are Evaluated"
Panel discussion for Suppliers to learn on how each agency does business with vendors and to answer several most common questions.
"Specifications 101"
Sharon Hauht, CPSM, C.P.M.
It doesn’t matter where you work, it seems a common problem is the development of specifications for the solicitation of goods and services. Public agency using department staffs are typically not professional spec-writers and they look to Purchasing for assistance. We need to be prepared to help them put together specifications that are fair, non-proprietary, and complete and, in the end, will get the department the good or service they need, while not paying a fortune for items they don’t need. Attendees to this class will take home templates to use in helping their departments develop complete and useful specifications.
"Warehousing & Logistics "
Steve Staggs, C.P.M., CPPO
As budgets decrease and the supply chain functions have matured, Mr. Staggs will share the journey of moving from a traditional warehouse and logistics operation to a value added service operation.
12:00 – 1:00pm
Buyer/Supplier Roundtable Lunch
Procurement professionals and vendors are invited to enjoy lunch together preceding the opening of the Buyer/Supplier Expo. This informal networking time is a great ice-breaker for delegates and exhibitors before transitioning into the exhibit hall.
1:00 - 6:00pm
Products Exposition and Wine and Cheese Reception
The NPI Products Exposition will be busy and productive for you and the Exhibitors. The Products Exposition is a featured part of the Annual National Conference. No conference sessions are scheduled during Exposition hours to ensure you have adequate time to
participate and interact with the exhibiting suppliers.
Wednesday October 27
8:00 – 9:30am
"Achieving Excellence in Changing Times "
Punam Mathur
Vice President, Human Resources
NV Energy
Prior to joining NV Energy, Ms. Mathur was Senior Vice President, Corporate Diversity and Community Affairs and a Corporate Officer of MGM MIRAGE, a gaming entertainment company. She was Vice President of Corporate Diversity and Community Affairs of MGM MIRAGE from 2000-2005, and Director of Government Affairs and Community Relations for Mirage Resorts from 1996-2000. Prior to that she held various positions with the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce between 1990 and 1996, including Director of Marketing, Vice President of Marketing and Senior Vice President of Government Affairs. Ms. Mathur is Chairwoman of the Board of Three Square, a not-for-profit organization, and Executive Committee Co-Chair of NV Partnership for Inclusive Education. She serves on the UNLV Presidents Task Force on Diversity, Nevada State Colleges Diversity council and as a Board Member on the National Minority Supplier Development Council.
9:45– 10:45am
"Creative Thinking "
Dan Coleman
Most negotiators don’t fully cultivate the use and application of creative thinking processes, methods and tools – with their negotiation counterparts, and as a result, leave precious resources on the table. This presentation will outline a number of proactive and practical strategies that negotiators can implement to prime the pump and develop an abundance of ideas to increase the value of the pie for all parties.
"Technical Writing Tips for Purchasers "
Janet Hasty, CPPO, CTPM
This workshop provides tips on how to ensure your solicitation documents follow the 4 “C”s rule: clear, concise, competitive, and comprehensive. Includes a discussion of Netiquette – tips on the proper use of business email.
11:00-12:00 noon
"Lean Times Require Great Leadership "
Tim Schneider
Tough times don’t last but great leaders do. Lean Times Requires Great Leadership examines and explore the connection between organizations that survive and thrive during difficult times and the quality of their leadership. There are no mysteries here. The companies with the best leadership win.
Two primary dynamics are the focus of Lean Times Require Great Leadership. Those dynamics are the tough times themselves and the recovery from tough times. Difficult and lean times are no excuse for bunkering down or a trench mentality. They are an opportunity for great leadership to shine and earn their stripes. It is about being decisive, connecting with your team and looking at your organization in a different and more critical manner.
12:00-1:30pm
Installation of Officers followed by Lunch
Join us to celebrate the installation of the 2010-2011 officers and lunch.
1:45-2:45pm
"Dealing With Protests and the Media "
Sharon Hauht, CPSM, C.P.M.
Are you afraid of bid protests? Are you afraid of dealing with the media? Learn why bidders protest and how you can take preventative measures to avoid protests. When you get a bid protest, learn what steps to take resolve the protest and what to do when a protest cannot be resolved. Get a call from a reporter on one of your projects asking questions? Know how to react and what to do when a reporter calls. This session will give you some hints for dealing with those unpleasant situations which are inevitable.
3:00-4:30pm
"Negotiation With Creative Thinking "
Dan Coleman
Part II - Most negotiators don’t fully cultivate the use and application of creative thinking processes, methods and tools – with their negotiation counterparts, and as a result, leave precious resources on the table. This presentation will outline a number of proactive and practical strategies that negotiators can implement to prime the pump and develop an abundance of ideas to increase the value of the pie for all parties.
"Bob's M.A.G.I.C. Show " Managing to Have Fun....Motivation for the Manager
Bob Ashby
Have you ever been in a situation when your boss AND your co-workers AND your suppliers are all thwarting your every effort to produce good quality work? Not all of them you say, just one or two? If you are one of the lucky ones and have never been in this situation, well, congratulations. But if you are like the majority of us, those who have found it difficult to maintain our enthusiasm, drive and motivation when one or more of those mentioned are thwarting your every effort to produce the quality and quantity of work you expect out of yourself, then this workshop is for you.
This interactive workshop, with active participant interaction, will show you how to not just “survive” but to “thrive” by using M.A.G.I.C.
