The Forum Experience | NIGP Forum 2026

NIGP Forum 2026 Experience

Join us for an immersive experience built around driving your professional progress. 
You’ll deepen your commitment to learning and growing, tap into the power of transformative networking and connection, explore disruptive innovation, and celebrate the accomplishments that shape our community. 

REGISTRATION OPENS FEBRUARY 2026

Scholarships Available

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The Core Components of the Forum Experience

Get
Inspired

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Learn
and Grow

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Build Connections

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Find
Solutions

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Celebrate Colleagues

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GET INSPIRED

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Our lineup of keynote plenary speakers will challenge your thinking and fuel your next big idea.

Speaker Announcements coming March 2026

LEARN AND GROW

This year’s learning experience is reimagined for the modern procurement professional—bold, member-driven, and designed to deliver exactly what you need. 

Shaped by extensive member feedback, this year’s Forum offers a powerful blend of foundational and advanced sessions, immersive learning paths and workshops, and real-world insights you can put to work immediately. 

Whether you're joining us in Columbus or tuning in virtually, you’ll gain fresh perspectives, actionable strategies, and develop future-ready skills designed to elevate your impact. NIGP Forum is not just a conference, it’s your launchpad for what’s next in public procurement. 

All sessions will be recorded, providing on-demand access for up to 60 days.

Badged Learning Paths

Back by Popular Demand

NIGP is collaborating with procurement experts to develop four new Learning Paths: 

  • Technology
  • Leadership
  • Project Management
  • Construction

Final Learning Paths topics will be confirmed in early 2026.

Each path is comprised of four 75-minute sessions, aiming to deepen your knowledge and refine your skills. Complete the full path, pass the assessment, and earn a digital badge that recognizes your new competency. 

Learning Sessions

Developed and led by experienced public procurement professionals, NIGP Forum 2026 Learning Sessions are designed to equip you with the tools, resources and skills necessary to broaden your knowledge and enhance your job performance.  

Proposed titles and topics:

Final Learning Session topics will be confirmed in early 2026.

FOUNDATIONAL THEMES

  • Procurement Process Fundamentals
  • Contracting & Compliance Basics
  • Communication & Collaboration Skills
  • Customer Engagement & Service Mindset
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Digital Tools & Technology Readiness

 

 

ADVANCED THEMES

  • Strategic Leadership & Organizational Impact
  • Strategic Digital & AI-Driven Procurement
  • Data-Informed Decision-Making & Metrics
  • Political Acumen & Organizational Navigation
  • Leadership Maturity & People Management

INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS

  • Advanced Contracting & Risk Mitigation
  • Requests for Proposals
  • Advanced Negotiations & Relationship Management
  • Legal
  • Cooperative Procurement

 

 

BUILD CONNECTIONS

ENTITY NETWORKING

In Person Attendees

Innovation thrives through meaningful connections. Dive into collaborative networking sessions designed to help you connect with fellow attendees, exchange insights, build lasting relationships, and discover fresh approaches that can inspire and elevate your work in procurement.

DISCOVER NEW SOLUTIONS

Innovation Theaters

Step into the future of procurement. These dedicated theaters are your hub for cutting-edge insights. Connect with thought leaders and leave equipped with the proven, actionable tools to shape your professional future.

Products Expo

Maximize your time. Connect face-to-face with 280+ government suppliers in one location. Explore the vast exhibit hall to see the latest products, services, and engage directly with product experts.

 

Solution Series

See results in action as supplier success stories reveal the newest innovations and provide the practical blueprint you need to elevate your own procurement strategy.
 

Procurement Excellence Showcase

Step into our interactive exhibit where procurement’s best reveal their secrets! Explore the latest peer-driven success stories and innovative processes firsthand. Cast your vote for the top project and gain actionable, real-world insights from colleagues’ greatest achievements. Details on how to participate coming Spring 2026. 

CELEBRATE YOUR COLLEAGUES

Forum Social Event

The Premier Social Event of the Year!  Cap off the conference with an unforgettable celebration. Raise a glass to our community success and enjoy a relaxed setting designed for high-quality networking and fun conversation.

Awards Celebration

Celebrate and recognize the industry's highest achievers, individuals whose lasting impact and commitment are setting new benchmarks for procurement excellence.