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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

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

Michael Sherwin is a member of the Institute for Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) and the Logistics and Supply Chain Division Board of Directors. Dr. Sherwin is also an ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt, a registered Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and a Certified Training Partner for the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

His research interests are in the areas of applied decision analytics, reliability optimization, and risk mitigation within critical supply chains. He is also interested in teaching methodologies with specific interest in Industry 4.0 applications.

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

Wendy Serapiglia is an Instructor of Supply Chain Management at the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business. At the graduate level, she teaches Introduction to Supply Chain and Operations Management and Sustainable Supply Chain. At the undergraduate level, she teaches Introduction to Supply Chain and Operations Management and Supply Management.

Prior to joining Duquesne University, Wendy spent 24 years working in Pittsburgh with large, international manufacturing companies. 

12:45pm

Networking lunch

Enjoy a delicious lunch and some great conversation.

2:00pm

Total Cost of Ownership

Paul Stasko, Senior Director, Beckway

Paul Stasko is a Senior Director in the Trailblazer offering at Beckway. Paul has broad experience and a unique skillset in global supply chain, operations, operational excellence/lean, engineering, project management and quality assurance.

Prior to joining Beckway, Paul was a Transformation Expert at Danfoss, where he was responsible for working with American locations to improve contribution margin by reducing indirect factory costs. Other previous roles include Division Supply Chain Manager at Parker Hannifin Electromechanical  & Drives Division, and Senior Director of Corporate Supply Chain at Curtiss-Wright.

Paul received his Bachelor’s of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. He earned a CPSM designation through ISM.

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: julie.wetzel@unimarket.com