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July 23, 2025
By the time I attended my first NIGP Forum in 2014, I had been involved in NIGP for a few years and was serving as vice-president of my local chapter, RMGPA. Since I was heavily involved at the local level, my supervisor at the time encouraged me to attend Forum to expand my network.
That first forum was eye-opening. The environment was a little overwhelming but incredibly exciting. I was determined to make the most of the experience. I jumped in headfirst, volunteering for the Quality Control Team and attending the first-timers event. Those initial connections laid the groundwork to help me navigate the large conference and remain engaged the whole time.
Finding My Network
The power of NIGP Forum isn't just in the educational sessions—it's in the incredible network of professionals from all across North America. I quickly learned that procurement isn't about working in isolation, it’s about building connections across the regions that NIGP serves. There are some 18,000 members out there doing the same work you’re doing; Forum lets you connect with people and figure out that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. I have made connections with colleagues from South Carolina, Florida, Connecticut, and Illinois who I likely would not have met otherwise.
There are a lot of ways to network at Forum. One that I found particularly meaningful was participating in volunteer events. At that first Forum, we had an opportunity to volunteer off-site, stuffing backpacks for kids in need in the Philadelphia area. I enjoyed donating my time to a good cause, and it was a great way to meet people outside of just talking about procurement.
Connecting NIGP Forum to My Procurement Path
That first Forum experience became a catalyst for my professional growth. I started attending every year that I was able to. Each time, I returned with renewed enthusiasm and focused on learning about emerging trends in procurement. I've watched the conversation evolve to exploring cutting-edge technologies like AI integration. While a lot of aspects of Forum stay consistent, the content is always updated and changes to make sure we’re getting the latest insights into how we can transform our procurement processes.
As I continued getting involved with NIGP, I found myself taking on more significant roles at the national level. I progressed from attending sessions to presenting them, which was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. I've presented introductory sessions, been part of panel discussions, and even introduced plenary sessions. Each opportunity pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow as a professional.
My journey with NIGP has been about more than just professional development. It's been about giving back to the procurement community. That's why I'm now serving on the governing board and will become chair in 2026. It's a way to mentor new professionals and continue advancing our field.
Advice for First Timers
If you’re planning on attending NIGP Forum for the first time, here are a few tips:
Attend Every Event You Can
Go to the first-timers meetup, participate in volunteer activities, and be open to meeting new people. The resources and connections you'll make are invaluable. You never know when you’ll need to reach out to someone as you are transitioning to a new agency or industry. Building your network at Forum helps because you know there are people you can call to answer work related questions.
Introduce Yourself
Don’t be afraid to walk up and introduce yourself to me or anyone else you see at Forum! I’m happy to walk you through the process and encourage you to find ways to get involved, whether you want to eventually run for a Board seat or just help out with your local chapter.
Go at Least Once
You don’t have to go to Forum every year, but you should go at least once. You’re going to gain insights that spur ideas, networks, and connections you could have never imagined.
I’m excited about this year’s Forum as it was my home state for 30+ years and filled with deep procurement roots—and I can’t wait to catch up with all the friends I haven’t seen in a while. Of course I’m also looking forward to making new connections. If you go this year, I know you'll be amazed at the doors that open for you by attending just once. NIGP Forum isn't just a conference – it's a launch pad for your professional growth.
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Making Connections at Forum
Stephen Nelson, NIGP-CPP, CPIM, CPPB, CLSSGB
