FOR RELEASE: August 25, 2008

Media Contacts:
ISM Public Relations
Jean McHale
800/888-6276, extension 3143
jmchale@ism.ws

Lindsey Yentes
800/888-6276, extension 3087
lyentes@ism.ws

Explore lessons learned and real-world accomplishments at 9th Annual ISM Services Conference.

(Tempe, Ariz.) August 25, 2008 — Improve your global services procurement, add value within your travel management and connect better with suppliers when you attend "Building a Strong Services Procurement Strategy: Leadership, Sourcing and Global Perspectives," presented by Institute for Supply Management™ (ISM). The 9th Annual ISM Services Conference will be held December 4-5, 2008, in Phoenix.

This program is designed for supply management professionals who are responsible for not only acquiring services but also for developing the supply chain strategies that support the goals and objectives of the organization.

With more than 17 speakers, this program features top experts from organizations including Allstate Insurance Company, Colgate-Palmolive Company, The Dow Chemical Company, Johnson & Johnson, MeadWestvaco Corporation, Nike, Office Depot and more. General session highlights include:

• Services and Global Sourcing Journey
  Hear how Allstate Insurance Company has embarked on a new journey in its sourcing strategy: the expansion to global markets.
  
  
• Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) for Indirect Materials — Services
  Learn from a sourcing expert at MeadWestvaco Corporation on addressing the challenge of developing an SRM approach in the services space.
  
  
• E-Sourcing for Services
  Hear from a panel of supply practitioners who use e-sourcing tools to competitively bid services.
  
  
• The Hub Factor: Making Connections Count
  Learn how to network with anyone, anywhere, in any situation in this highly interactive session.
  
  
• Your Personal Leadership Guarantees Indirect Procurement Success
  A senior leader from Colgate-Palmolive Company will share real-world examples from Colgate to illustrate how to successfully implement an indirect procurement program.
  
  
• Developing Internal Credibility and Adding Value Through Strategic Sourcing
  In this program, a top leader from The Dow Chemical Company shares how strategic sourcing not only adds value but also improves internal partner engagement.

Concurrent sessions over the two-day period include:

• Lessons Learned After Five Years of Sourcing in a Services Business
• Effective Global Travel Management
• A New Approach to Global Staffing
• Software Contracting From Legal and Cost Perspectives
• Building the Procurement Superhero
• Selecting Cost-Effective Green Supply Chain Programs for Your Organization
• Developing Internal Credibility and Adding Value Through Strategic Sourcing

Cost is $795 (USD) for ISM members and $995 (USD) for nonmembers. Networking time is built into the schedule, and attendees will also have the opportunity to take breaks to visit the Select Supplier Showcase. All sessions are at The Ritz-Carlton, 2401 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. An ISM rate for accommodations at The Ritz-Carlton is offered until October 31, 2008.

For complete conference information, pre-conference offerings and registration information, go to www.ism.ws or call ISM Customer Service at 800/888-6276, extension 401. Check online for team discounts and pre-conference seminar savings.

As the largest supply management institute in the world, the mission of Institute for Supply Management™ (ISM) is to lead supply management. By executing and extending its mission through education, research, standards of excellence, influence building and information dissemination — including the renowned monthly ISM Report On Business® — ISM continues to extend the global impact of supply management. ISM is proud to recognize professional excellence in supply management with awards such as the ISM R. Gene Richter Awards for Leadership and Innovation in Supply Management and the J. Shipman Gold Medal Award. ISM's membership base includes more than 40,000 supply management professionals in 75 countries. Supply management professionals are responsible for trillions of dollars in the purchases of products and services annually. ISM is a member of the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM).

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