Welcome to the West Region

September 14–17, 2025 | Salt Lake City, UT

Welcome to the West Region Conference, where the spirit of innovation meets the scenic beauty of Salt Lake City. This gathering of educational procurement professionals from across the West offers an energizing space to connect, collaborate, and share practical solutions that elevate our work across institutions of all sizes. Whether you're joining us for the first time or returning for another year of insight and inspiration, you'll find engaging education, vibrant discussion, and a true sense of community.

As you explore the exhibit hall and join sessions led by industry thought leaders, you’ll gain fresh perspectives and build partnerships that last well beyond the conference. We’re excited to bring together procurement professionals, suppliers, and thought leaders in one of the West’s most inviting cities. Get ready for a productive, engaging, and memorable experience.

 

Keynote Speakers

The Bucket List Life – Create More Experiences, Share More Stories, and Live More Fulfilled with Kenyon Salo

Join Kenyon Salo—known as the “James Bond of Speaking”—for a high-energy, interactive journey into The Bucket List Life. With humor, heart, and unforgettable stories, Kenyon shares his three simple but powerful principles for living with purpose: create more experiences, share more stories, and live more fulfilled by helping others. Through engaging visuals, moving personal moments, and audience participation, you’ll break free from comfort zones, deepen your connections, and discover the power of turning everyday moments into lasting memories.

Tailored to resonate with every personality type, this keynote blends inspiration with practical tools you can apply immediately, both personally and professionally. Whether you’re driven by achievement, connection, peace, or excitement, Kenyon’s dynamic approach will leave you energized, empowered, and ready to design a life that excites you every single day. You’ll walk away with actionable steps to fuel your goals, strengthen your relationships, and create a legacy of meaning and joy—long after the event is over.
 

Population Resilience with Nicole Weis from University of Colorado, Colorado Springs    

As the world is more exposed to stress and trauma than ever before, it is critical to understand the impact these experiences have on our health and wellness. Learn about this impact, and the crucial role social support, self-efficacy, and other key skills play in the development of strength and resilience!

Session Highlights

Navigating the Changing Federal Landscape: A Collaborative Workshop for Higher Education Procurement 
Cristal Swain, Senior Director, Procurement & Sourcing, University of Colorado

Defining and Socializing the Value Proposition of Your Procurement Team 
Erika Sharp, Director of Procurement and Asset Mgmt., Touro University Nevada

Running the Show: How to Plan and Execute an Efficient Supplier Review 
Hilary Steinman, Senior Category Manager, University of California Office of the President

Effective Communication in System Change Management 
Jadee Hill, Manager, Purchasing Card, University of Utah

From Rhetoric to Reality: Organizational Readiness and AI Adoption in Procurement 
Ed Mills, Asst. Vice President / Chief Procurement Officer, University of Colorado

Attendee Rates

NAEP Members must be current and in good standing to receive the member rate. Early bird deadline is July 14, 2025, following this date regular pricing will apply. Guest passes are available for the Welcome Reception and the Hosted Event only and are priced individually. 

 

 

Category	Early Bird ends 7/14	Regular Rate	Single Day
NAEP Member	$300	$350	$120
Nonmember	$510	$560	$195

*Guest passes are available for invited non-industry guests of educational institution attendees (ex: spouse) at $50 per evening event.

Learn More

 

Exhibit & Sponsor Opportunities

Showcase Your Solutions. Grow Your Reach. Support the Procurement Community.

NAEP Regional Conferences bring together procurement leaders and decision-makers from colleges and universities across the region for learning, networking, and collaboration. As an exhibitor or sponsor, you’ll have a unique opportunity to:

• Engage directly with higher ed procurement professionals in an intimate, focused setting
• Highlight your products, services, and expertise to an audience seeking innovative solutions
• Build meaningful connections that can lead to lasting partnerships
• Increase brand visibility through targeted recognition and promotional opportunities

 

Whether you choose to exhibit, sponsor, or both, your participation demonstrates your commitment to supporting the higher education procurement community while positioning your organization for growth.

Learn More