Days
- :
Hrs
- :
Min
- :
Sec
NAEP New England Tentative Agenda
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025 |
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM EST
|
Keynote: Moshe Cohen
Procurement negotiations are often challenging, but are even more so in today’s rapidly fluctuating environment. We’re going to look at some of the factors involved in procurement negotiations at these times, the impact of these challenges on the people engaged in these negotiations, and strategies for managing these challenges.
Speaker(s): Moshe Cohen
|
|
2025100709:0010:00 000 | TUE, OCT 7 | |||
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025 |
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM EST
|
From There to Here: Procurement Career Pathways
A Panel moderated by Brad Pryba (NAEP) with panelists Jim Wise (Northeastern), Lisa Westgate (LN Westgate LLC/Northeastern), Mary Dukakis (Tufts), and Michael LaGrassa (UMass Dartmouth) Speaker(s): Brad Pryba Jim Wise Lisa Westgate Mary Dukakis Michael LaGrassa
|
|
2025100715:1516:00 000 | TUE, OCT 7 | |||
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025 |
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM EST
|
|
|
2025100716:0016:30 000 | TUE, OCT 7 | |||
Wednesday, Oct 08, 2025 |
Wednesday, Oct 08, 2025
8:45 AM - 9:30 AM EST
|
Managing Your Procurement Spend: Two Common Methods and a Hybrid Approach
Join this session, presented by Bridgewater State College and UMass, to explore typical strategies for managing procurement spending and how it can be blended into a new comprehensive model. Bridgewater will outline their department-centered model, while UMass will describe its category management approach. The session will wrap with UMass sharing a case study on project-managing a commencement portfolio, which borrowed elements from their colleagues' system at Bridgewater to create a hybrid model. Gain valuable knowledge to optimize your procurement processes and make more informed spending decisions. Speaker(s): Michelle Reed William Mannix Kimberly Mailloux
|
|
2025100808:4509:30 000 | WED, OCT 8 | |||
Wednesday, Oct 08, 2025 |
Wednesday, Oct 08, 2025
9:40 AM - 10:35 AM EST
|
Play to Win- Crafting Your Contracts Playbook - A Contract Specialist’s Guide (Not Legal Advice)
In this workshop, we will explore essential contract terms and focus on creating a comprehensive "Playbook." This playbook serves as a clear roadmap for every section of your contract, helping you make your redlining (and contract negotiating) both consistent and effective. You'll decide what belongs in your contract and identify what should be excluded for precision, effectiveness and success.
Speaker(s): Pam Giordano
|
|
2025100809:4010:35 000 | WED, OCT 8 | |||
Wednesday, Oct 08, 2025 |
Wednesday, Oct 08, 2025
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM EST
|
Interviewing Best Practices: Insights from Both Sides of the Table- Sara Veilleux (UMass), Eric Swanson (Northeastern), William Mannix
Whether you're preparing for your next job interview or looking to improve your skills as a hiring manager, this session offers practical, actionable advice from both perspectives. Attendees will learn how to prepare effectively for interviews, anticipate common questions, and tailor resumes to highlight relevant strengths. Well also explore tips for answering behavioral and situational questions with confidence and clarity. From the interviewers side, the session covers how to structure interviews, select effective question formats, reduce implicit bias, and evaluate candidates objectively and consistently. Learn best practices, common mistakes to avoid, and lessons learned from real-world hiring scenarios. Whether you're navigating the job market or building your team, this session will provide tools to approach the interview process with professionalism, clarity, and fairness.
Speaker(s): Sara Veilleux Eric Swanson William T. Mannix
|
|
2025100810:4511:30 000 | WED, OCT 8 | |||
Wednesday, Oct 08, 2025 |
Wednesday, Oct 08, 2025
11:30 AM - 11:45 AM EST
|
|
|
2025100811:3011:45 000 | WED, OCT 8 | |||
Monday, Oct 06, 2025 |
Monday, Oct 06, 2025
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM EST
|
Procurement Meets AI: Tools and Techniques to Work Smarter Session-Catherine Kost, Wesleyan
Discover how automation and generative AI are transforming procurement in higher education. This session introduces hands-on tools like ChatGPT and explores how they can simplify routine tasks such as vendor communication, purchase justifications, and bid spec writing. You'll learn how to automate repetitive workflows, reduce processing time, and improve accuracy across purchasing operations. Whether you're just beginning your AI journey or seeking ways to enhance your current systems, this session offers practical insights, live demonstrations, and take-home resources to help your procurement team work smarter, not harder
Speaker(s): Catherine Kost Catherine Kost
|
|
2025100611:1512:00 000 | MON, OCT 6 | |||
Monday, Oct 06, 2025 |
Monday, Oct 06, 2025
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM EST
|
Localized Procurement as a Bridge Between Procurement and Sustainability Offices
This session explores both the theoretical and practical foundations of localized procurement within the broader framework of sustainable, responsible, and inclusive purchasing. Drawing from a rich body of academic research and real-world case studies, it examines how local procurement strategies can stimulate regional economic development and contribute to greenhouse gas reduction. Key challenges and opportunities will be discussed, with a focus on practical implementation. Local food purchasing will also be highlighted as a compelling example of sustainable procurement in action.
Speaker(s): Youngbok Ryu
|
|
2025100613:0013:45 000 | MON, OCT 6 | |||
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025 |
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM EST
|
Redlining Demystified: A Contract Specialist’s Guide (Not Legal Advice!)- Pam Giordano (UMass)
The goal of redlining is to identify terms in vendor contracts that don’t align with your organization’s interests. Not everything will be caught, but the obvious can be. This session will cover key things to look for in any contract and spend time redlining a sample to see what we can learn. Expect practical tips and insights to help better protect your institution.
Speaker(s): Pam Giordano
|
|
2025100713:1514:00 002 | TUE, OCT 7 | |||
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025 |
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM EST
|
The Procurement Professional’s AI Toolkit- Eric Swanson- Northeastern University
Ready to reclaim hours of your week? Discover how free AI tools are transforming daily procurement at institutions nationwide. This session reveals practical applications of leading AI platforms that procurement professionals are using right now to cut research time, streamline RFP development, and uncover hidden insights. Whether you're analyzing spend data, preparing for tough negotiations, or trying to stay on top of market intelligence, these accessible platforms can amplify your expertise without requiring new software purchases or IT support. You'll walk away with ready-to-use prompts, real examples, and the confidence to start implementing AI tools immediately - regardless of your current tech comfort level.
Speaker(s): Eric Swanson
|
|
2025100711:1512:00 000 | TUE, OCT 7 | |||
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025 |
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM EST
|
Science on a Budget: Tactics for Navigating NIH Cuts, Tariffs, and Tight Lab Spend
With tightening NIH budgets and rising costs from global tariffs, procurement professionals and researchers are under growing pressure to do more with less. This panel brings together procurement leaders and scientists from across the research landscape to share real-world strategies for controlling spend, reducing waste, and maintaining scientific momentum in challenging times. Topics will include creative sourcing tactics, collaborative budgeting between finance and research teams, and approaches to minimizing tail spend. Speaker(s): Steve Tolmie
|
|
2025100714:1515:00 000 | TUE, OCT 7 | |||
Monday, Oct 06, 2025 |
Monday, Oct 06, 2025
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
|
|
|
2025100608:0012:00 000 | MON, OCT 6 | |||
Monday, Oct 06, 2025 |
Monday, Oct 06, 2025
2:45 PM - 5:00 PM EST
|
|
|
2025100614:4517:00 000 | MON, OCT 6 | |||
Sunday, Oct 05, 2025 |
Sunday, Oct 05, 2025
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM EST
|
|
|
2025100517:3018:00 000 | SUN, OCT 5 | |||
Monday, Oct 06, 2025 |
Monday, Oct 06, 2025
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM EST
|
Mastering Supplier Hierarchies: Building and Managing Strategic Partnerships- Ed Cook
In today’s complex supply chains, effective Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. This session will guide attendees through the fundamental steps of installing and managing a supplier hierarchy, enabling better oversight and strategic sourcing. Participants will learn how to build a robust supplier base by categorizing suppliers into Strategic, Tactical, Operational, and Commodity groups, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. The session will further explore how to create a supplier hierarchy that ranks suppliers by importance, quality, and other critical factors, empowering institutions to prioritize resources and relationships effectively. Additionally, attendees will gain practical insights on identifying and researching new suppliers to continuously enhance their supply chain resilience and innovation capabilities. Whether you’re new to SRM or looking to refine your approach, this session offers a comprehensive framework to optimize supplier management and drive business success.
Speaker(s): Edward Cook
|
|
2025100611:1512:00 000 | MON, OCT 6 | |||
Monday, Oct 06, 2025 |
Monday, Oct 06, 2025
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM EST
|
UPST Launching into Change-Anna Zuev, Susan Cone, Christine Escobedo, Amanda Gordon, Kelsey McCauley (UMass)
Transforming UMass Procurement: Centralized, Automated, and Future-Ready How UMass leveraged data to unify Procurement Operations across multiple UMass campuses into one streamlined, centrally located Unified Procurement Services Team (UPST). By embracing cutting-edge AI for Accounts Payable processing and Supplier Onboarding, and implementing automation for everyday transactions, we continue to unlock new levels of efficiency and consistency. Key initiatives include: AI-driven AP and Supplier Onboarding faster, smarter, and more accurate Automation of routine processing to reduce manual effort and error Standardized forms and processes across campuses for seamless collaboration Shifting Bank Cards from personal to University liability to improve compliance and transparency Risk reduction through proactive assessments and controls This transformation wasnt just operational, its been strategic. We continue to build on a modern, scalable procurement model that drives value, reduces risk, and positions UMass for long-term success. UPST is BETTER. FASTER. CHEAPER.
Speaker(s): Anne Zuev Christine Escobedo Amanda Gordon Kelsey McCauley
|
|
2025100613:0013:45 000 | MON, OCT 6 | |||
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025 |
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM EST
|
Powering Projects with Purpose: Unlocking Success in driving change Through Governance and Sponsors- Mary Dukakis (Tufts)
In today’s dynamic project environments when driving change, the need for formal governance structures is more critical than ever—especially for complex, cross-functional, or high-impact initiatives. This session explores how to establish a robust governance process that includes essential components such as project charters, executive sponsorship, clear project leadership, and decision-making frameworks. Attendees will gain clarity on when formal governance is necessary—typically in high-risk, multi-stakeholder, or transformational projects—and when a lighter-touch approach may suffice. We’ll discuss how effective governance not only enhances accountability and alignment but also serves as a powerful tool for change management, ensuring stakeholders have buy-in and clarity of purpose throughout the project lifecycle. Real-world examples and proven tools will be introduced to help participants formalize roles, responsibilities, and objectives from the outset. Whether you're leading a strategic initiative or improving internal operations, this session will equip you with practical strategies and templates to implement or refine a governance process that supports project delivery and organizational change. Ideal for those who find themselves managing projects or initiatives, team leads, and/or change agents looking to elevate project outcomes.
Speaker(s): Mary Dukakis
|
|
2025100713:1514:00 003 | TUE, OCT 7 | |||
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025 |
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM EST
|
Unlock Savings: State Procurement Solutions for Higher Ed- Tatiana Henry and Kelly Minichello (MA OSD)
Learn how to stretch your budget with state-approved procurement solutions. From tech tools and classroom essentials to print services and surplus property programs, this will show you how to simplify purchasing and maximize resources. Perfect for educators, administrators, and library staff.
Speaker(s): Tatiana Henry Kelly Minichello
|
|
2025100711:1512:00 000 | TUE, OCT 7 | |||
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025 |
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM EST
|
Co-llaboration: Share your purchasing purpose
It’s not a typo. When you see “co” in any word, it means you can’ t do it alone. So, let’ s lean into the collaboration required in public procurement. Take charge of what you can control to foster a collaborative culture. As a procurement professional, you have a lot of demands, and your end-user teams don’t always share the same priorities. However, procuring the needs of your agency is challenging enough without this shared understanding. Join forces with your internal customers to become better buyers together. This session provides insights to sidestep common communication pitfalls and achieve mutual success. Speaker(s): Eric Karlstad
|
|
2025100714:1515:00 000 | TUE, OCT 7 | |||
Monday, Oct 06, 2025 |
Monday, Oct 06, 2025
8:50 AM - 9:00 AM EST
|
|
|
2025100608:5009:00 000 | MON, OCT 6 | |||
Monday, Oct 06, 2025 |
Monday, Oct 06, 2025
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM EST
|
Opening Keynote: Jenny Morse
Smooth Sailing: Workplace writing that doesn't drift, wobble, or sink. We have to write to do our jobs, but most of us don’t get trained on how to write for work. We rely on what we learned in school or write how we speak (even though writing and speaking are completely different types of communication). We might also try to imitate our coworkers, but they don’t necessarily know how to write for work either. We’re all lost and making everyone else’s job harder. The key is this: We have to write for how people *read*, which means writing messages that are skimmable and purpose-driven with formatting that makes it easy for the reader to find important information. Let’s make everyone’s professional lives better by writing messages that help us work less (faster, easier, more effectively), not more.
Speaker(s): Jenny Morse
Sponsored By MHEC |
|
2025100609:0010:00 000 | MON, OCT 6 | |||
Monday, Oct 06, 2025 |
Monday, Oct 06, 2025
10:15 AM - 11:00 AM EST
|
Business Writing Workshop: Jenny Morse
How to write messages that don't go overboard or underwater. You write a lot for work, but you're a professional who writes, not a professional writer. While most of your writing gets results, sometimes people misunderstand you or don't respond or respond in strange or incomplete ways. This session will help you think about and practice writing not just from your perspective but even more from the perspective of the person who reads your message. Because when we craft messages that are easy for other people to read, they respond the way we want and take the actions we expect. This workshop will give you five simple tricks that you can put into practice right away to ensure that your messages at work get read and acted on.
Speaker(s): Jenny Morse
|
|
2025100610:1511:00 000 | MON, OCT 6 | |||
Monday, Oct 06, 2025 |
Monday, Oct 06, 2025
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM EST
|
Transforming Procurement: From Cost Center to Strategic Revenue Driver- Jim Wise (Northeastern)
Join us for this dynamic advisory panel discussion as procurement leaders navigate the evolving landscape of higher education operations. With institutional budgets under unprecedented scrutiny and efficiency demands at an all-time high, procurement organizations find themselves uniquely positioned to drive transformational change across campus operations. This interactive session brings together procurement professionals, technology leaders, and senior administrators to explore how forward-thinking institutions are reimagining their procurement function. Rather than viewing procurement solely through the lens of cost reduction, we'll examine emerging strategies that position procurement as a catalyst for innovation, revenue generation, and operational excellence.
Speaker(s): Jim Wise Michael Henderson Michael Durkin Jennifer Pacheco
|
|
2025100614:0014:45 000 | MON, OCT 6 | |||
Sunday, Oct 05, 2025 |
Sunday, Oct 05, 2025
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST
|
|
|
2025100518:0020:00 000 | SUN, OCT 5 | |||
Monday, Oct 06, 2025 |
Monday, Oct 06, 2025
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM EST
|
Sponsored By RFxP |
|
2025100608:0008:45 000 | MON, OCT 6 | |||
Monday, Oct 06, 2025 |
Monday, Oct 06, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EST
|
Sponsored By RFxP |
|
2025100612:0013:00 000 | MON, OCT 6 | |||
Monday, Oct 06, 2025 |
Monday, Oct 06, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST
|
|
|
2025100618:0021:00 000 | MON, OCT 6 | |||
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025 |
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM EST
|
Sponsored By RFxP |
|
2025100708:0009:00 000 | TUE, OCT 7 | |||
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025 |
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM EST
|
Sponsored By RFxP |
|
2025100712:0013:15 000 | TUE, OCT 7 | |||
Wednesday, Oct 08, 2025 |
Wednesday, Oct 08, 2025
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM EST
|
Sponsored By RFxP |
|
2025100808:0008:45 000 | WED, OCT 8 | |||
Monday, Oct 06, 2025 |
Monday, Oct 06, 2025
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM EST
|
|
|
2025100610:0010:15 000 | MON, OCT 6 | |||
Monday, Oct 06, 2025 |
Monday, Oct 06, 2025
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM EST
|
|
|
2025100611:0011:15 000 | MON, OCT 6 | |||
Monday, Oct 06, 2025 |
Monday, Oct 06, 2025
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM EST
|
|
|
2025100613:4514:00 000 | MON, OCT 6 | |||
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025 |
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM EST
|
|
|
2025100710:0010:15 000 | TUE, OCT 7 | |||
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025 |
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM EST
|
|
|
2025100711:0011:15 000 | TUE, OCT 7 | |||
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025 |
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM EST
|
|
|
2025100714:0014:15 000 | TUE, OCT 7 | |||
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025 |
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM EST
|
|
|
2025100715:0015:15 000 | TUE, OCT 7 | |||
Wednesday, Oct 08, 2025 |
Wednesday, Oct 08, 2025
9:30 AM - 9:40 AM EST
|
|
|
2025100809:3009:40 000 | WED, OCT 8 | |||
Wednesday, Oct 08, 2025 |
Wednesday, Oct 08, 2025
10:35 AM - 10:45 AM EST
|
|
|
2025100810:3510:45 000 | WED, OCT 8 | |||
Sunday, Oct 05, 2025 |
Sunday, Oct 05, 2025
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM EST
|
|
|
2025100515:3018:00 000 | SUN, OCT 5 | |||
Monday, Oct 06, 2025 |
Monday, Oct 06, 2025
8:00 AM - 1:30 PM EST
|
|
|
2025100608:0013:30 000 | MON, OCT 6 | |||
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025 |
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM EST
|
|
|
2025100708:0010:00 000 | TUE, OCT 7 | |||
Monday, Oct 06, 2025 |
Monday, Oct 06, 2025
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM EST
|
|
|
2025100611:1512:00 000 | MON, OCT 6 | |||
Monday, Oct 06, 2025 |
Monday, Oct 06, 2025
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM EST
|
|
|
2025100613:0013:45 000 | MON, OCT 6 | |||
Monday, Oct 06, 2025 |
Monday, Oct 06, 2025
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST
|
Sponsored By ThermoFisher |
|
2025100616:0017:00 000 | MON, OCT 6 | |||
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025 |
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025
10:15 AM - 11:00 AM EST
|
Negotiations Workshop: Moshe Cohen
Building on the keynote, participants in this workshop will now engage in an experiential, interactive workshop to build their skills and hone their strategies. Challenging times require stronger approaches and improved skills to obtain greater value and better deals while managing conflict and maintaining relationships.
Speaker(s): Moshe Cohen
|
|
2025100710:1511:00 000 | TUE, OCT 7 | |||
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025 |
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM EST
|
|
|
2025100711:1512:00 000 | TUE, OCT 7 | |||
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025 |
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM EST
|
|
|
2025100713:1514:00 001 | TUE, OCT 7 | |||
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025 |
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM EST
|
|
|
2025100716:3017:30 000 | TUE, OCT 7 | |||
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025 |
Tuesday, Oct 07, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:30 PM EST
|
Host Event
Shuttles will begin loading at 6:00pm, with the last shuttle leaving at 6:15pm to transport attendees to Timber Axe & Bowl for the evening event. The shuttle will pick up and drop outside the main Lobby Entrance (look for the NAEP sign). Please make sure to arrive before the last shuttle departs at 6:15. A full conference pass or guest pass is required to attend. Please wear your conference badge to take the bus and enter the event. Pass upgrades and guest passes are available for purchase in advance of the event at the registration desk.
Return shuttles will be available starting at 8pm and will continue till 9:30pm. Pick up at Timber Axe & Bowl will be at the same spot as drop off.
|
|
2025100718:0021:30 000 | TUE, OCT 7 |