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May 21, 2025

Duquesne University, Pittsburgh PA

 

Register now                   Become a sponsor

Join us at Spark

Ready to take your procurement expertise to the next level?


Unimarket invites you to attend ‘Spark,’ a premier one-day event designed specifically for procurement professionals across the Pittsburgh area.

This is your chance to connect with peers, learn from industry leaders, and gain valuable insights into the latest trends and innovations in procurement.

At Spark, you’ll immerse yourself in a full day of educational sessions, interactive learning, and collaborative discussions led by thought leaders and experts in source-to-pay processes.

Unimarket Spark is all about going deep and sharing practical advice, tips and best practices that participants can implement in their organizations. As such, the agenda is focused on a series of deep-dive 2-hour workshops led by experts in their fields.

Whether you’re looking to streamline your procurement operations, enhance compliance, or explore new technologies, Unimarket Spark provides the tools and knowledge you need to drive meaningful change within your institution.

Don’t miss this opportunity to ignite new ideas, collaborate with your peers, and discover the tools that can transform your procurement strategy. Join us at Spark and take the next step in driving success for your institution.

 

Register now                   Become a sponsor

Don’t miss this opportunity to ignite new ideas, collaborate with your peers, and discover the tools that can transform your procurement strategy.

5 reasons to attend

1. Connect with Leading Procurement Professionals

Network with procurement and finance experts, and build relationships that can support your professional growth and success.

2. Gain Insight from Industry Thought Leaders

Learn from top thought leaders and experts in source-to-pay processes. Discover the latest trends, best practices, and innovative strategies that can elevate your procurement game.

3. Engage in Hands-On Learning

Participate in interactive sessions designed to offer practical, actionable insights. Whether through case studies or collaborative discussions, you’ll gain knowledge you can apply immediately.

4. Explore Innovative Solutions

Experience Unimarket’s comprehensive spend management platform in action. Get an exclusive look at how our tools can transform your procurement operations, enhance compliance, and streamline processes.

5. Ignite New Ideas and Have Fun

Wrap up the day with a social event where you can relax, share ideas, and enjoy some well-deserved fun with your peers. This is your chance to spark new connections and take fresh ideas back to your organization.

Secure your spot at Spark

Elevate your procurement game with exclusive access

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from industry leaders, participate in interactive learning sessions, and expand your professional network. 
Access the latest trends, best practices, and cutting-edge solutions that can transform your procurement processes.

   

All attendees will enjoy light refreshments, a hearty lunch, and a networking social event in the evening—making Spark not only a day of learning but also a chance to relax and connect with fellow professionals.

Register now                   Become a sponsor

Venue

Event Location

Duquesne University

Power Center Ballroom

1015 Forbes Avenue 
Pittsburgh PA 15282
https://www.duq.edu

Location & Parking Information

 Duquesne University Campus Map available HERE.

Duquesne University parking information available HERE.

Visitors are encouraged to park in the Forbes Garage. Take Forbes Garage elevators to the Level 8 and proceed across the Sklar Skywalk to enter the 5th Floor of the Power Center where the Ballroom is located.

Accommodation

  

Duquesne University Area Hotels

Various accommodation options are available in close proximity to the event venue. 

Learn more and book HERE. 

 

Agenda

7:00 AM - 6:30PM ET

Unimarket Spark is all about going deep and sharing practical advice, tips and best practices that participants can implement in their organizations. As such, the agenda is focused on a series of deep-dive 2-hour workshops led by experts in their fields.

This will be followed by a resource-packed networking session to connect you with experts and organizations that can offer services and information to further ignite your procurement strategy and support your goals. 

Expect to leave Spark with new tools and knowledge to rekindle your passion for procurement, plus new connections with your peers in the community.

 

TIME (EDT)
SESSION
7:00am

Registration, Breakfast & Partner Expo

Come early to check-in, enjoy a light breakfast and take a look around the Partner Expo before we kick off the event.

8:15am

Welcome Message and Event Kick-Off

Phil Kenney, CEO, Unimarket

Phil will set the stage for an exciting day packed with content and discussions, so all attendees leave the event with clarity instead of chaos. 

8:30am

Supplier Auditing and Scorecards

Mike Sherwin, Assistant Professor of Supply Chain Management, Duquesne University

This session will provide an understanding of supplier auditing and performance scorecards. It equips attendees with the skills to evaluate supplier compliance, ensure quality standards, and develop effective scorecard systems for continuous improvement. The course emphasizes the associated processes, link to risk management, and how supplier audits and managing supplier performance can contribute value to the organization.

Course Objectives
  1. Understand the role of supplier audits in supply chain management.
  2. Design and execute effective supplier audit processes.
  3. Develop and implement supplier performance scorecards.
  4. Drive supplier performance improvements and mitigate risks through data-driven insights.
Course Outline
  1. The role of supplier performance management within the context of supply chain risk management
  2. Supplier audits – overview, types of audits, process, audit fundamentals
  3. Supplier scorecards – overview, measures of performance, data collection and aggregation, taking action
  4. PDCA: Integrating supplier audits and supplier scorecards into everyday practice
10:30am

Morning Break

Stretch your legs and have a quick break before we jump back in for more learning.

10:45am

Negotiation 

Wendy Serapiglia, Instructor of Supply Chain Management, Duquesne University

This session will provide an understanding of various negotiation tools, frameworks, and concepts. It equips attendees with the skills necessary to manage supplier relationships, secure optimal deals, and contribute to the overall success of their organizations.

Course Objectives
  1. Define the objectives of the organization to focus the procurement professional as they begin the negotiation process.
  2. Review multiple frameworks that support the overall procurement strategy with a focus towards continuous improvement.
  3. Analyze the overall market and the position of the supplier.
  4. Examine multiple negotiation tools and styles to encourage flexibility and adaptability for the procurement professional. 
Course Outline
  1. The value of negotiation for an organization
  2. Establishing a framework and set of objectives for your organization
  3. Analyses using Porter’s Five Forces and SWOT
  4. Negotiating strategies including: Triangle Talk, Bargaining Zones, Concessions, Win-Win versus Win-Lose, Pricing Ranges, and BATNA
  5. Negotiation Styles including: Competitive, Cooperative, and Collaborative
12:45pm

Networking lunch

Enjoy a delicious lunch and some great conversation.

2:00pm

Total Cost of Ownership

Paul Stasko, Senior Director, Beckway

This session will provide an understanding of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) as a comprehensive metric that supports informed procurement decisions. Accurate Total Cost of Ownership metrics ensure that an organization maximizes value over time, and when done well can lead to cost savings and other significant financial benefits for an organization.

Course Objectives
  1. Define Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), the related components, and how to calculate TCO for different assets.
  2. Learn how to identify and categorize all costs associated with an asset based on its lifecycle.
  3. Review methods for gathering data on current costs and techniques to estimate future costs.
  4. Utilize multiple analyses, tools, and examples to showcase how TCO is applied in decision making 
Course Outline
  1. Introduction to Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and the impact provided to an organization
  2. Calculating TCO – techniques, methods, and advice
  3. Application of TCO using Comparative and Cost-Benefit Analysis, case studies, and real world TCO calculations for various asset categories
  4. Use of TCO in supplier negotiations, cost reduction initiatives, and lifecycle management
4:00pm

Closing Remarks

4:15pm

Networking Social and Partner Expo

Discover the latest resources and make new connections while enjoying drinks and hearty appetizers.

Thank you to our generous host Duquesne University and our partner ISM Pittsburgh

Thank you to our event sponsors & partners

Have any questions? Need help or more information?

Julie Wetzel - Head of Customer Success
e: [email protected]