Unforgettable Experience at VAGP Spring Conference 2024: A Recap You Can't Miss!

By Chris Smith, MBA, PMP

Date: 03/20/2024

I just returned from the enchanting Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, where the VAGP Spring Conference 2024 unfolded over four spectacular days (March 17-20, 2024). It wasn't just a conference but a monumental gathering that propelled Procurement Forward, fostering unmatched collaboration among Public Procurement professionals.

We were all part of something extraordinary, engaging in meaningful dialogues, sharing innovative practices, and embracing the joy of learning together. The camaraderie was palpable, with every handshake and smile weaving us closer, creating new bonds, and rekindling old ones in the most heartwarming reunions.

A huge round of applause for the VAGP Board members, especially VAGP President Lisa Russell with fellow Board members: Andrea Philayaw, David Sandloop, Christine Joyce, Stephanie Brown, Alicia Smith, John Tigert, and not forgetting the dynamic duo of Conference Advisory Committee Organizing Co-Chairs, Stephanie Suter and Kelly Kinnear. Their dedication and hard work orchestrated a symphony of excellence that resonated throughout the conference.

Highlights were plentiful, from the charitable Rescue Mission serving project to engaging Meet & Greets; each moment was a thread in the vibrant tapestry of our conference. Educational sessions were a treasure trove of wisdom, offering fresh perspectives on navigating a multi-generational workforce, mastering public procurement strategies, and much more. We have dived deep into topics like risk management in construction, strategic sourcing, and even how to be a "Client of Choice."

The Presidential Reception and Awards Dinner was a night to remember, filled with celebration, recognition, and foot-tapping music that kept the energy sky-high. The vendor showcase was a hub of innovation and collaboration, offering invaluable insights into the latest trends and solutions.

And let's not forget the impact we made together – almost 1000 cans of food and a substantial sum of money raised for Feeding Southwest Virginia, illustrating the generous spirit of our community.

The VAGP Spring Conference 2024 at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center was a comprehensive and dynamic event packed with sessions and activities designed to advance the field of public procurement and foster meaningful professional connections. Here's a brief overview and summary of the various topics and material covered during the conference.

Unforgettable Experience at VAGP Spring Conference 2024: A Comprehensive Recap!

The VAGP Spring Conference 2024 at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center was not just an event; it was a cornerstone of knowledge, innovation, and community in the field of public procurement. Over the course of four transformative days, the conference covered an impressive array of topics designed to inspire and educate. Here's a deeper dive into some notable contributions and sessions that made this event truly exceptional:

·  Alexa Beavers' Insightful Contributions: Alexa Beavers from the Alexa Group captivated attendees with her session on maximizing value through strategic planning and sourcing. Her expertise offered innovative approaches and practical tools for enhancing procurement processes, providing attendees with strategies to achieve more impactful outcomes in their roles.

·  VITA's Strategic Sourcing Insights: Greg Scearce and James MacKenzie from VITA (Virginia Information Technologies Agency) delivered compelling presentations on strategic sourcing and insights, sharing their wealth of knowledge on IT procurement and strategic consulting. Their sessions underscored the importance of leveraging technology and data analytics in procurement strategies.

·  Innovating with Cooperative Procurement: Tyler McCall, the Program Manager of GOVMVMT, provided invaluable perspectives on "Doing More with Less via Cooperative Procurement." His session illustrated how procurement professionals could harness cooperative agreements to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and deliver greater value, emphasizing the importance of collaborative procurement strategies in today's challenging economic landscape.

·  Carrie Mathes' Standout Session: Among the many enriching presentations, "Can you relate - Expanding your sphere of influence," led by Carrie Mathes, stood out significantly. This session was a treasure trove of insights on how to broaden one's influence within the professional community and beyond. Carrie's engaging delivery and practical advice offered a rare and invaluable perspective on the power of relationships and influence in shaping successful careers and organizations. Her session was not just informative; it was transformative, providing attendees with the tools to build more meaningful and impactful connections.

·  Rescue Mission Serving Project: A community service initiative that provided attendees with the opportunity to give back to the local community, reinforcing the importance of social responsibility in procurement practices.

·  Networking Opportunities: Numerous meet-and-greets, along with the Presidential Reception and Awards Dinner, facilitated networking, enabling attendees to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones within the procurement community.

·  Navigating a Multi-Generational Workforce: Kristin Scroggin's session provided insights into effective communication and collaboration strategies across different age groups within the workforce, essential for today's diverse organizational environments.

·  Ethical Considerations: Laura Carini's discussion, "No Such Thing as Free Lunch," highlighted ethical considerations in public procurement, emphasizing the significance of integrity and transparency.

· Professional Development: Sessions like the one led by Lorie Newton focused on career advancement and professional growth, offering guidance on creating a personalized development roadmap.

· Strategic Sourcing &Risk Management: Experts like James MacKenzie, Greg Scearce, Chris Philips, and Ben Motley delved into best practices for strategic sourcing and risk management, particularly in construction and IT procurement.

·  Talent Management &Retention: Addressing the challenges of attracting and keeping top talent, sessions by Lee Ann Pope and Christina Lambino explored innovative strategies for talent management and retention.

·  Cooperative Purchasing: Kirsten Johnshoy and Dana Kahlhamer presented on utilizing cooperative purchasing agreements to leverage collective buying power and achieve better value for public entities.

·  Vendor Engagement: Various sessions, including a panel led by Victor Castillo, offered strategies for engaging vendors, conducting market research, and applying these insights to enhance leadership and procurement outcomes.

· Innovative Procurement Practices: Topics like leveraging cooperative procurement and exploring cloud solutions showcased modern approaches to achieving efficiency and effectiveness in procurement processes.

· Diversity & Inclusion: John Tigert's seminar on promoting supplier diversity underscored the importance of inclusive procurement practices and their impact on public sector organizations.

·  Charitable Contributions: The conference also emphasized community involvement, with significant contributions to Feeding Southwest Virginia, highlighting the procurement community's commitment to societal impact.

·  And More!: There was so much more; I apologize for what I failed to capture, as I could not clone myself and be involved in the numerous break-out sessions ongoing concurrently; I had to divide and concur and share and rely on notes from my VAGP friends and network.

The VAGP Spring Conference 2024 covered various topics, from technical procurement strategies and ethical considerations to professional development and community service. These sessions provided valuable knowledge and best practices and encouraged attendees to engage, collaborate, and innovate to advance the public procurement field. The conference seamlessly wove together these insightful sessions with ample networking opportunities, community service projects, and engaging discussions. From Alexa Beavers' strategic insights to Carrie Mathes' groundbreaking strategies for expanding one's influence, each moment of the conference was designed to empower and inspire.

As we reflect on the VAGP Spring Conference 2024, it's clear that the knowledge shared and connections forged have enriched our professional lives and equipped us to drive forward the future of public procurement with passion and purpose. Let's continue to build on this momentum, applying the golden insights from Carrie Mathes and all the distinguished speakers to our careers and organizations. Here's to carrying the spirit of VAGP 2024 into our everyday work and beyond!  As we bid farewell, let's carry the momentum forward, implementing the knowledge gained and nurturing the connections made. Until we meet again, let's continue championing Procurement Excellence and making our mark on the world. Here's to the memories made and the future we're building together – see you at the next VAGP event! 🌟

For those who missed the unparalleled experience of the VAGP Spring Conference 2024, fret not, as there are more invaluable opportunities on the horizon to engage, learn, and network within the vibrant community of public procurement professionals. Looking ahead, the NIGP Forum in Charlotte, NC, promises another enriching platform for growth and connection among industry peers. It's a prime occasion to delve into the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in procurement. Furthermore, the VAGP Fall Symposium in VA Beach, VA, set for October 2024, is yet another milestone event not to be missed. Both gatherings are perfect venues for procurement professionals to deepen their knowledge, expand their networks, and stay at the forefront of the field. So, start planning your participation now to ensure you are part of these pivotal events in the procurement community's calendar. Don't miss the chance to be inspired, make lasting connections, and propel your career to new heights!

About the Author

Chris Smith advocates for transformative change and innovation in global public procurement. With his insightful commentary and rigorous analysis, Chris seeks to challenge entrenched norms and foster a procurement ecosystem marked by transparency, ethical practice, and strategic insight. His dedication to enhancing public procurement resonates through his prolific writings and engagements, aiming to inspire and mobilize a community committed to excellence and ethical stewardship.

For those keen to join this dialogue and contribute to shaping future best practices, Chris invites you to connect and collaborate towards a dynamic, forward-looking procurement landscape.

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Lisa Calla-Russ, PHR, SHRM-CP Andrea Philyaw David Sandloop, MPA, CPPO, CPPB Christine Joyce Stephanie Brown, MBA, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Alicia Smith, CPPB John D. Tigert, MPA, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB Christopher Ruditys

Victor Castillo, M.B.A., CTCD, CPPO, NIGP-CPP Kristin Scroggin Laura Carini @Richard Caywood @James MacKenzie Greg Scearce Chris Phillips Ben Motley Lee Ann Pope Christine Lambino PMP, PHR Alexa Beavers, PMP, PCC Bob Cowell Jake Smithwick Lorie Newton, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB Chris Smith, MBA, PMP, VCA, VCARM Tyler McCall Carrie Mathes, MPA, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CFCM, C.P.M., CPPB Nic Perez John D. Tigert, MPA, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB Mike Minnix Stephanie Brown, MBA, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Stephanie Suter, CPPO, CPPB Kelly Kinnear, CPPB Alyssa Labiak @Amy Milliner @Kenny Crouch Ricky Bates, CPPB, VCO Wanda St. P. Tormey, VCA, VCO @Tammy Cramer @Susie Crump Carla Smith, CPPO, CPPB @Kari Claycomb Maiya Whelan Delores Adams @Elizabeth Dooley @Jenise Howard Opal Revels @Cindy Smith @Carolina Sorto

  Kisha Young, MBA, VCA Patricia Innocenti Anthony Hinds MBA, CPPB @Colleen Kenner Harry Smithson Kisha Allen Kisha J. Allen CPPO, CPPB @Kristen Hylton @Melva Kishpaugh @Jennifer Stieffenhofer @Susan Monaco J. Gary Via Christine Joyce Wendy Cole-Morris Jianchong Luo Kathy Stanley, NIGP-CPP, CPPB Stacy Seay, CPPB, VCO, VCA @Kennedy Williams Liza Grimshaw, CPPB, VCO, VCA Yaisa Goodwin MBA, MA Judi Whitt Vin Kamatchi, MPA, CPPB, NIGP-CPP, VCO Vin Kamatchi, MPA, CPPB, NIGP-CPP, VCO LaRonda Davis James, VCO, VCA ALISSA WEATHERS @Glynda Cassady Pamela Mackey @Theresa Harris @Janet Dudley @Joseph Patterson David Bakhshaee, CPPB @Torry Huff Carla Smith, CPPO, CPPB Greg Scearce Stephanie Suter, CPPO, CPPB Gina Mobley Sharon Mellenkamp