Professional services can be one of Procurement's more challenging areas to manage. Stakeholders often have established provider relationships, requirements can be difficult to define, pricing is not always transparent, and the value delivered can be harder to measure than with more traditional categories.

In this session, Graham Crawshaw, Procurement Content Director at CASME, will explore how leading Procurement teams are approaching the sourcing and management of professional services.

Drawing on CASME research and benchmarking from major organizations, Graham will examine practical approaches to:

·         Building an effective professional services category strategy

·         Influencing stakeholders and challenging established supplier preferences

·         Selecting and evaluating professional services providers

·         Looking beyond rates to understand the total cost of ownership

·         Choosing appropriate commercial and pricing models

·         Strengthening statements of work, contracts and risk controls

·         Measuring supplier performance and demonstrating value beyond cost savings

·         Understanding how digital tools and AI are beginning to change the category.

Participants will also take part in live polls and compare their own organization's approach with results from other Procurement professionals. Whether you already manage professional services spend or want to strengthen Procurement's influence in this complex category, the session will provide practical ideas and benchmarks you can take back to your organization.

Geopolitical instability, energy market volatility and shifting commodity prices are creating new layers of risk for supply chain professionals. Join us for our popular State of Risk, an exclusive member webinar designed to move beyond the headlines and help you understand what these developments could mean for your organization.

Greg Brew from Eurasia Group will provide a high-level view of the evolving Middle East landscape, global energy markets and other macro trends shaping supply chain risk. Eurasia Group’s potential speakers bring deep expertise in geopolitical risk, energy markets, Iran and the forces affecting global resource supply chains. Then, Tom Bundgaard, Vice President of Price Forecasting at Expana, will translate those broader developments into practical intelligence, using specific commodity cost examples and forecasts to illustrate where supply chain impacts may emerge.

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.