ISM Call for Presentations 2010

The Institute for Supply Management has released the ‘Call for Presentations 2010′ for the 95th Annual ISM International Supply Management Conference and Educational Exhibit to be held in San Diego April 25-28, 2010. The ‘call’ is open until the end of July so time is of the essence.This is almost like a call to arms for me. After quite a long hiatus I plan on submitting a proposal this month. I am a veteran of this conference, having made presentations in Chicago, Nashville, San Antonio, Dallas, Philadelphia, and New Orleans. So why am I getting back in? It’s payback time for me. The profession has been good to me and I feel the need to faithfully support it, and this excellent conference is one way to do it.

This conference, as well as the profession, is at a crossroads. I understand that attendance at last year’s conference was down and while I’m sure it was reflective of the economy, it is also reflective of a general malaise of the profession. I hear of far too many ‘professionals’ keeping their heads down and trying not to call attention to themselves. This is the WRONG way to operate in this business environment.

Take a leadership position in your company. Now is the time to demonstrate your business skills and the importance of the profession. Be aggressive and decisive and get back in the game. Responding to ISM’s call is a good first step.