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

September

09

2026

Product Type Icon MEMBER WEBINAR
Member Only

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.

Online
Megan Hays

September

14

2026

Product Type Icon Chapter Meeting

ISM-Twin Cities: September Meeting - Leadership Lessons from the Sports World

“The Champion’s Code: Building Relationships Through Life Lessons of Integrity and Accountability from the Sports World to the Business World”

Ross' program is all about the DNA of what makes champions in sports so unique and how that relates to business. It’s based on a series of books he wrote in which he was able to interview more than 1,000 professional athletes and coaches who all had one thing in common — they were all members of championship teams.

In his research, he concluded that the same metrics and characteristics that were common among champions in sports were also common among peak performers in business. There are reasons certain teams win consistently, whereas others don't... and Ross explains why. It's based largely on the "Good to Great" concept of how the best companies are able to separate themselves from the rest of the pack through servant leadership, by creating a culture of excellence, by developing deeper relationships, and by giving extraordinary customer service.

Ross weaves sports stories about the DNA of champions, along with stories of companies that he has worked with around the world — and shares best practice ideas on ways to overcome disruption, while ultimately building stronger relationships.

At the core of his message is the simple fact that we like to do business with people who we trust, who we like, and who just “get it” — CHAMPIONS. In an engaging, provocative, and visually entertaining style,

Presentation Key Objectives

Ross will use inspirational stories and poignant life lessons from the world of sports to show attendees how to:

        Create a “culture of excellence” by giving extraordinary customer service...

        Generate momentum by utilizing the "currency of karma"...

        Follow their moral compasses to win "the right way," with respect, ethics, and integrity...

        Be better leaders and create more "buy-in" by embracing change and failure...

        Evolve from "order takers" to "trusted partners" by enhancing the quality of their relationships...and resolve materials issues before they impact production or customer delivery.

Who should attend?

This session is designed for supply chain leaders and anyone aspiring to lead. You will learn practical tips for successful leadership that you can apply at work and in your personal life. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear from a globally-renowned speaker!

As a special treat for our student attendees, Ross is going to talk about how he created his dream job by going old school and just doing things really differently….

Location
University of Minnesota, Hanson Hall
1925 4th Street S.
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Sponsor: 700 ISM—Twin Cities, Inc.
University of Minnesota, Hanson Hall
Ross Bernstein

September

16

2026

Product Type Icon Chapter Meeting

ISM-Twin Cities: Mitigating Price Increases & Collaborative Cost Reduction with Suppliers

Join ISM-Twin Cities for a seminar on mitigating supplier price increases & collaborative cost reduction with suppliers. The course will cover the topics below.

Defending Against Supplier Price Increases

        General principles for handling supplier price increase requests

        Tips on managing and mitigating tariffs

        Three-tier matrix of specific techniques to consider when developing your negotiation strategy (Price Increase Defense Tool) when a supplier increase is requested

        Case studies to apply the “Price Increase Defense Tool”

        Strategies to reduce & mitigate tariffs

Collaborative Cost Reduction With Suppliers

        Key Elements of Total Cost of Ownership

        20 Characteristics of a best-in-class cost reduction process

        Launching a successful cost reduction process with suppliers

        Cost reduction “checklist” for driving out cost of a part or assembly

        Case studies to apply the tools

Who Should Attend?

This seminar will be of benefit for all supply management personnel of all levels, from entry-level to senior supply management. The tools were developed with a focus on direct material cost reduction in manufacturing companies, but the techniques are universal and many can be applied in any company in any industry.

Comments from Previous Seminar Attendees

        Great information. Precise. Detailed. Clear. Good use of time. Encouraging. Thank you!

        Best ISM-Twin Cities seminar I have ever attended!

        Great presentation. Highly relevant to my area of work.

        Great presenter and great content!

        Great session, the handout was very useful.

A continental breakfast and break snacks will be served. Lunch is not included.

Location
Daikin Applied Headquarters
3033 Campus Drive
Plymouth, MN 55441

Sponsor: 700 ISM—Twin Cities, Inc.
Daikin Applied Headquarters