Sharing the wealth

This autumn, public sector procurement specialists outside the National Capital Region once again have the opportunity to show their stuff. The Materiel Management Institute regional workshops are rapidly becoming important opportunities for professional development and meetings of minds. Just as procurement is one of the most crucial and influential disciplines in managing government operations and providing the backbone for services to Canadians, the MMI has become a crucial support network for public procurement specialists in the regions.

The Materiel Management National Workshop (MMNW) in Ottawa in May is no doubt the key national forum for the profession, but the regional workshops certainly don't take a backseat. And regional specialists don't need to be concerned about missing the action at the MMNW. The regional workshops follow many of the same themes and then some.

The sixth annual Eastern Regional Workshop takes place at the Holiday Inn Harbourview in Halifax, Nova Scotia, October 21 and 22, 2003 with a one-day pre-workshop training session on Monday, October 20. This year the pre-workshop features a course on green procurement that is recognized by the Treasury Board Secretariat Professional Development and Certification Program.

The sixth annual Western Regional Workshop is on at the Best Western Richmond Hotel and Convention Centre in Richmond, B.C., October 28 and 29, 2003 with the one-day pre-workshop training session on green procurement on Monday, October 27.

Among the themes that will be introduced and explored by recognized procurement experts in the regional workshop sessions this year are:

* Government On-Line

* Professional Development: practical tools and learning solutions

* Role of the Procurement Fairness Advisor

* Modern Comptrollership

* Procurement Reform

* Aboriginal Procurement

* CITT: the Bid Challenge Process

* Taxing Procurement

Of course, there are opportunities to meet MMI President Steve Johnston and other key MMI executives and colleagues, listen to fascinating keynote speakers and enjoy the reception and gala dinner. And the ever-popular trade show features all kinds of products and services for innovation and efficiencies in materiel management from national and regional companies.

Although tentative at time of writing this piece, we have planned a fascinating tour of the DND Naval Facility for Halifax and in Richmond, a special tour of the NavCan facilities.

Mark Taylor, Administrative Officer of the Canadian Forest Service in Fredericton and Chair of the MMI Eastern Regional Workshop stresses the value of networking with colleagues. "The regional workshop has a unique practical focus on regional issues and best practices. We have a chance to meet and compare notes with colleagues, learn different approaches and find out how other departments and governments work in their procurement policies and activities." Lawrie Huck, Head of Inventory and Assets for Fisheries and Oceans Canada in Victoria, is Chair of the MMI Western Regional Workshop. He too feels that the regional workshop provides a unique and valuable opportunity to meet and network with many of his western colleagues.

Just as the MMNW has grown to be the showcase for public procurement and materiel management, the MMI regional workshops have become 'can't miss' opportunities for professionals to share their expertise. Sign up now and enjoy this unique professional event.