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
March
24
2026
MEMBER WEBINAR
Member Only
Creating Resilience and Sustainability: Navigating the Impact of Tariffs and Disruption
MEMBER WEBINAR
Creating Resilience and Sustainability: Navigating the Impact of Tariffs and Disruption
In this interactive presentation, trusted trade authority Tom Cook discusses the uncertainty and disruption in today’s global supply chain, outlining the solutions available for tariff mitigation and risk and spend management. The focus includes alternative sourcing, nearshoring, drawback, Foreign-Trade Zones, tariff engineering, tariff classification reviews, freight options, freight consolidation, Incoterms, and robust demand planning. Learn how to apply a “landed cost” approach to managing cost and risk: assessing and analyzing all costs related to the supply chain, from acquisition, freight, customs clearance, duties and taxes, to inland freight, warehousing, and distribution.
Learning objectives include:
April
16
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.
April
21
2026
Chapter Meeting
ISM-Twin Cities: AI in Materials Management
Chapter Meeting
ISM-Twin Cities: AI in Materials Management
Seeing Shortages Before They Hit: AI in Materials Management
Most materials issues don’t start as emergencies; they start as weak signals that get lost in the noise of daily execution. This session examines how the application of AI to support proactive materials management issue resolution is changing how risks are detected, prioritized, and addressed, helping supply chain teams surface problems earlier, focus on the decisions that truly matter, and stay ahead of shortages and excess before they disrupt production.
We are pleased to welcome Nicolas Moreno-Cely, Senior Director of Materials Planning and Operational Excellence at Daikin and Richard Lebovitz, Chief Strategy Officer at LeanDNA as featured speakers for this session. Together, they will combine industry research and real-world experience to examine how supply chain teams are applying AI to proactively identify, prioritize, and resolve materials issues before they impact production or customer delivery.
Presentation Outline
The Materials Management Problem Hiding in Plain Sight
A look at why materials issues surface too late - how disconnected signals and manual prioritization slow response and increase supply execution risk
Applying AI to Proactive Materials Management Issue Resolution
How the application of AI is changing the way materials issues are detected, ranked, and addressed - shifting teams from reacting to disruptions to resolving root causes earlier.
What the Data Is Revealing Across Global Manufacturers
Richard will share insights from a recent study of global manufacturing leaders, highlighting where materials management breaks down and where teams are gaining an advantage.
Execution in Practice: Materials Management at Daikin
A moderated discussion with Nico on how Daikin approaches materials planning and execution - focusing on the signals they pay attention to, how decisions are made, and the impact on inventory, production flow, and delivery performance.
Audience Q&A
An open discussion with attendees to explore challenges, lessons learned, and practical takeaways that can be applied across manufacturing environments.
Who should attend?
This session is designed for supply chain and operations practitioners and leaders looking to strengthen supply chain execution, improve decision-making on the factory floor, and connect day-to-day materials management to broader business outcomes. If any of these challenges sound familiar, you will not want to miss this session!
Location
Daikin Applied
3033 Campus Drive
Plymouth, MN 55441