Training
Training
Our profession is advancing rapidly and changing almost daily, posing new challenges to the supply management professional. As our industry evolves, so does professional training. We are the only supply management association that provides training in all areas of our supply management profession.
Please visit our Education Calendar for upcoming events!
We are in the process of updating our training portfolio. Below outlines the classes available on-site or via Zoom:
- "Defending Against Supplier Price Increases" (2 hours)
- "Best Practices in Collaborative Cost Reduction with Suppliers" (2 hours)
- "Effective Negotiations" - Several options
- "Principles of Legal Contracting" (4 hours)
- "Writing a Best Practice Statement of Work" (4 hours)
If you are interested in any of these classes or have other training needs, contact Randy Christoffersen, Executive Director, or 612.801.8796.
Don't forget our monthly Professional Development Meetings!
Upcoming Events
February
19
2026
MEMBER WEBINAR
Member Only
Member Orientation
MEMBER WEBINAR
Member Orientation
This webinar provides knowledge regarding the many benefits that come with being a part of the ISM community. Join us and learn about the essential tools, vibrant community, and exceptional learning that enhances your professional development. You'll also gain insight into the array of programs, services, and resources that are available to you through your membership.
February
25
2026
Chapter Webinar
ISM-Twin Cities: Extended Producer Responsibility
Chapter Webinar
ISM-Twin Cities: Extended Producer Responsibility
Extended Producer Responsibility (Epr) Is Coming – What Supply Chain Leaders Need To Know Now
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is no longer a niche sustainability or compliance topic. It directly impacts cost, supplier strategy, data systems, and operational risk, which places it squarely within the Supply Chain function. The goal of this session is to translate EPR from a regulatory concept into concrete implications for sourcing, packaging decisions, and supplier coordination.
We are pleased to announce that Marleigh White from Veritiv will be our featured speaker. Marleigh brings extensive knowledge and experience in this area. Below is an outline of the topics she will cover:
· What EPR Is—and Why It’s Expanding Now
o A practical overview of EPR in the U.S. and globally, focusing on confirmed requirements and timelines by state.
· Why EPR Is a Supply Chain Issue?
o Packaging design and material choices now directly affect compliance fees and cost-to-serve
o Supplier transparency and packaging data become mandatory
o Procurement teams will increasingly be asked to evaluate packaging through a regulatory and cost lens
o Poor coordination can lead to duplicate fees, compliance gaps, or missed reporting deadlines
· What Supply Chain Professionals Will Be Responsible For
o Data collection across suppliers and SKUs
o Packaging material standardization opportunities
o Contract language and supplier accountability
o Cross-functional coordination with legal, sustainability, and finance
· What’s Coming Next and How to Prepare
o Clear, actionable steps supply chain teams can take now to reduce risk and avoid last-minute scrambles.
Regardless of where your company is in its compliance journey, EPR is a subject you need to understand and take appropriate actions to be in compliance.
You will not want to miss this session. Register today!
March
03
2026
Chapter Meeting
ISM-Twin Cities: IT Sourcing Seminar
Chapter Meeting
ISM-Twin Cities: IT Sourcing Seminar
Dealing with Predatory Technology Vendors & Tips and Tricks for Negotiating and Contracting for Technology Spend
This class will be a combination of presentations, group discussion, and mini-breakout sessions to ensure all attendees get the most value from their investment. You will leave with practical tools and templates that you can put to work on your job immediately!
Whether you are seasoned in IT spend management, new to the category, or an internal IT customer, join us for this conversation-based session. Where we offer content, discussion, and idea sharing to help you take away a refreshed understanding of new ideas and techniques for your next negotiation. Your registration fee includes lunch and all training materials. This seminar will provide you with fully vetted best-practice tools and approaches to optimize your IT spend.
Who Should Attend?
Any procurement representative involved in IT spend and their key stakeholders! Especially helpful for IT resources who want to better partner with Procurement to achieve effective collaboration, mutual understanding, and better outcomes for all.
Course Summary
· Maintain Objectivity & Control
o Technology Sales Tactics and Techniques (and how to prepare for, and combat them)
o Understand how suppliers and sales reps make money to drive your strategy
o Build critical credibility with your internal customers for better outcomes
o Information is Power – Control who has it, and when, to fuel your negotiations
· Tips & Tricks for IT Spend – You only get one chance to craft a first contract!
o Using Use Cases to identify licensing exposure – before you buy
o Licensing metrics- understanding and contracting when a supplier has control
o Control costs through controlling deployment – audit proof your work
o Why traditional RFPs aren’t a great fit, consider business capability and product roadmaps
o How to negotiate and contract for long-term cost management vs. focusing on Day 1 costs
Location
Graco-Rogers Plant
20500 David Koch Ave
Rogers, MN 55374