A Message from IAOP’s CEO

Debi Hamill, CEO, IAOP

As we continue to adjust to the new ways of doing business, the new year will bring new opportunities for IAOP and our members. And we couldn’t be more excited about the future!

For 2023, we see meeting in person, making a social impact, upping our games through IAOP’s Centers of Excellence and professional training, and association partnerships as some of the key ways we will continue to deliver greater value to you.

Here are some things you don’t want to miss:   

• More customized on-location events

It was so wonderful to see business leaders involved with IAOP’s Center for Social Impact at our first on-location event in November at Kirkland and Ellis. Based on the positive response, we will continue to hold these special invitational events for small audiences that offer maximum opportunities to make meaningful connections and we hope you’ll join us in a city near you. 
Our next one-day event will be held outside Washington, D.C., in Tysons Corner, Virginia, on March 15, hosted by Avasant on “Supplier Governance in the Balance: Addressing New Challenges While Leveraging the Basics.” A half-day interactive Design Thinking workshop will follow on March 16. 
The Digital Technology Center of Excellence also is rolling up its sleeves this year to develop an exciting program for an in-person event this fall in Chicago. 

• A new and reimagined OWS 

We are thrilled to announce a redesigned OWS23, May 16-17 in person in downtown Chicago. This limited seating event will feature the same educational and networking that attendees love with new surprises. As always, we will create valuable opportunities for you to make business connections – and have lots of fun. Be sure to visit the IAOP website for speaker and event details. 

• Valuable expertise from IAOP Centers of Excellence

Our IAOP Centers of Excellence are the knowledge hubs where you’ll find expertise and resources around the key areas that our customers, providers and advisors are invested in: Digital technologies, the Future of Work, and Collaborative Supplier Governance. Join leaders from such firms as Fannie Mae, IBM, bp, Colliers, Kelly Professional, Bristol-Myers Squibb, MetLife and other top firms who are on heading these centers.  

• Make an Impact  

Making an impact through the work we do can be as easy as signing up to be a mentor through the Global Mentoring Initiative or changing your views about how a typical employee or workplace is defined. It was inspiring to hear creative, out-of-the-box solutions to the talent crisis and how leaders are making a difference by doing good at our Center for Social Impact meeting of the minds. To learn more, read our stories in this PULSE issue. 
We will continue to galvanize the energy and work with our members and industry partners to continue to advance impact sourcing and work toward developing global industry standards.      

• Professional Training 

Virtual Certified Outsourcing Professional (COP) Training will continue to grow in popularity to help companies address today’s talent shortage. Getting certified as a COP in the new year can help organizations upskill their workforces and advance the careers of professionals in all stages.  

• Greater industry partnerships

We were delighted to have Kerry Hallard, CEO of GSA-UK, speak on a panel at our Social Impact event and look forward to continuing to partner with this UK-based association dedicated to the strategic sourcing industry. 
IAOP also is pleased to work with BPESA, the industry body and trade association for Global Business Services in South Africa serving the international and domestic markets, as well as other like-minded associations.
As always, thank you for your support and commitment to collaborating and advancing this industry. Together, we are all stronger.

See you in ’23!

Debi