Procurement Professionals Get Their Kicks!

The National Purchasing Institute (NPI) travels to Tucson, AZ, for networking, educational opportunities, and fun in the Southern Arizona sun!

By Nathan Daou, CPPB

The City of Tucson, AZ, is proud to host the National Purchasing Institute's (NPI) 38th Annual National Conference & Products Exposition in conjunction with the 11th Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement (AEP) Awards. The event will be held on August 29 to September 1 at the new JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort, located in Tucson Mountain Park.

NPI is the governmental affiliate of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) and is comprised of professional procurement personnel from across the country. NPI strives to facilitate professional relationships and development of its members through such activities as the Annual National Conference & Products Exposition. A highlight of the event is the presentation of NPI's AEP Award, a national program to benchmark procurement organizations that exhibit excellence.

Speakers at this year's conference provide varied experience that collectively covers many facets of the procurement profession. Keynote speaker, Ron Canham, President of Canham & Associates, will draw upon his 20 years of experience in government, healthcare, higher education, and the electronics industry to guide the audience to rethink attitude, change, leadership, and customer service.

In addition to Ron's sessions, look forward to workshops on the following topics:

• Achievement of Excellence in Procurement; Influence: Bringing the Best Out of Others; The Purchasing Manager and Organizational Politics; Using the Web to Add Value to the Procurement Process; Case Studies from the Dark Side; Strategic Sourcing–a Fit for Local Governments?–Perspectives from Vendors and Procurement Practitioners; It's All About Attitude; Leading with Ownership Spirit; Making Your Workplace Team Productive and Hassle-Free; The Secrets of Amazing Organizations; The Debate on Privatization and the State of Alaska Case Study; and more.

The theme of the 2006 Conference is "Get Your Kicks in Tucson '06" and Tucson invites you to do just that. NPI is planning a number of fun events. A golf tournament will be held Tuesday, August 29 at the Starr Pass Country Club and Spa with 27 holes of Arnold Palmer Signature Golf for a true Sonoran desert golf experience.

For information on the Starr Pass Resort, visit: www.govinfo.bz/5960-270.

Following the Welcome Reception on Tuesday, August 29, the Conference kicks off with a Mexican Fiesta featuring Sonoran cuisine, Mariachis, and folkloric dancers.

Attendees and guests are invited to travel back in time during a trip to Old Tucson Studios, a working film studio with credits that include some of Hollywood's biggest Westerns. Retrace the boot steps of favorite stars in this 1880s Western town and enjoy dinner and a show on Wednesday, August 30 at Old Tucson Studios. For studio information, visit: www.govinfo.bz/5960-271.

Plan a few extra days to enjoy Southern Arizona's many attractions, including the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Kartchner Caverns, the Pima Air and Space Museum, and Historic Tombstone.

For more information about the National Purchasing Institute's 38th Annual National Conference & Products Exposition and the 11th Annual Presentation of the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Awards, contact NPI headquarters in Aliso Viejo, CA at 800-246-7143, or visit: www.govinfo.bz/5960-272.

Don't miss out on the great educational and networking opportunities afforded by this event. Register today and "Get Your Kicks in Tucson '06!"

Editor's Note: Nathan Daou, CPPB, is the Principal Contract Officer for the City of Tucson, AZ, Department of Procurement.

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For more information and registration forms, visit NPI’s web site at: www.govinfo.bz/5960-272.