TOPIC

"Building a Case for Change- Modernizing Public Procurement"

Presented by: Kim Cullen- Bidnet Direct by SOVRA

Navigating the complexities of procurement transformation in the public sector requires a strong, well-articulated business case to overcome resistance and gain widespread support for modernizing the procurement process.

This webinar delves into effective strategies for building a case that accelerates adopting new technologies and processes. This session, featuring insights from seasoned procurement leaders will equip participants with the tools and perspectives to initiate meaningful change in their organizations.

To register for this session, click the button below.

MPPOA Lunch and Learn- Building a Case for Change- Modernizing Public Procurement - 11/19/2024

"Managing Third-Party Food Spend: On Premises or On the Road"

Presented by: ezCater

During this Lunch and Learn presentation you will learn about the current state of public sector catering needs and how your organization can better manage catered food spend. ezCater, offers an online platform and a network of restaurants which can offer a reliable way to cater for meetings and your other professional events. ezCater will provide information and a demonstration of their free platform including: 

• The current state of public sector catering
• Use cases: Real word examples of utilizing management software at Texas A&M and UNC Chapel Hill
• Risk management and compliance: How to easily stay on track with budget tools, tax-exempt ordering, and cooperative contracting.
• Nationwide coverage- A network of over 100,000 restaurants across the country

MPPOA Lunch and Learn- How to Manage Third Party Food Spend - 1/21/2025



"Source to Contract: Technoloy to Power your Goals"

Presented by Kim Cullen- Bidnet Direct by SOVRA

Are you fully utilizing the e-procurement and contract tools available to your team? Learn about the full power of Bidnet Direct by SOVRA's Source-to-Contract platform in this informational and demonstrative webinar. You can leverage your entire procurement process, from creating solicitation documents and prequalifying vendors to managing vendor performance and effortlessly handling contract documents.

MPPOA Lunch and Learn "Source to Contract: Technoloy to Power your Goals" - 2/18/2025

"Applying AI in Public Sector Procurement"

Presented by: Holly Stoots and Nancy Burns - Equalis Group

AI is transforming industries—including public procurement. The question isn’t whether AI will reshape procurement, but how we’ll adapt. Procurement professionals face critical challenges: selecting the right AI tools, training AI for effective use, and identifying where AI delivers the most significant impact.

Equalis Group, a national cooperative purchasing organization, has spent over a year collaborating with public agencies to explore AI’s role in procurement. We’ve tested platforms, refined prompts, and developed strategies to streamline RFP development and sourcing.

MPPOA Lunch and Learn- Applying AI in Public Sector Procurement - 3/18/2025

"Contract Renewal: What Conversations Do You Need to Have with Your Supplier?"

Presented by: Lauryn Parris, Jeannette Bruno, and Blake Kingston- BidNet Direct by SOVRA

The unprecedented shift in market conditions and supply chain have escalated the need to embrace change and flexibility in the contracting process.



Learn how you can leverage your category knowledge to identify businesses or sectors that are most at risk during this period of high inflation. We will explore the typical areas affected most: metals, energy, livestock and foods.

We will discuss how to navigate renegotiation of contract terms with new and existing suppliers who are experiencing a shift in the supply chain. The rising costs put both buyers and suppliers in a tough position but there is an opportunity to strengthen relationships with suppliers.

MPPOA Lunch and Learn "Contract Renewal: What Conversations Do You Need to Have with Your Supplier?" - 4/15/2025

"Speed Up Your RFP Assembly by 75%"

Presented by: Morgan Roberts, OpenGov

All RFPs are not the same. Today, most tools and processes we use to build RFPs are clunky, hard to understand, and create an exhausting supplier experience. And that's not counting the formatting struggles, version control, or compliance challenges.

It's time to rewrite this narrative! Work smarter and faster by building repeatable, consistent, compliant, and supplier-friendly RFPs while cutting the time spent building them by 50 - 90%. No, seriously. Join this session to learn how to:

• Build legible RFPs that lead to increased supplier response
• Guide suppliers to respond exactly how you need and want them to
• Improve the evaluation process for internal stakeholders
• PLUS... an inside look how AI can help and take it all to the next level

MPPOA Lunch and Learn "Speed Up Your RFP Assembly by 75%" - 5/20/2025