For immediate release
Prepared by Zeb Feng, Conference Chair, ISM China

ISM-China Annual Global Conference 2012
October 21,  Hotel Holiday Inn Pudong Kangqiao, Shanghai, China 

Responding to Deteriorating Economic Environment

This year we have witnessed dramatic deteriorating changes in economic environment. Today’s supply management professionals cannot ignore the importance of strategic and operational work of the organization and the balance between them. ISM China Annual Global Supply Management conference 2012, held in Shanghai on October 21, was all about how to get the real work done effectively and efficiently, whatever supply management role we play, whatever level we are, or whatever industries we serve. 

The conference presented us with different perspectives from leaders in various industries. Mr. Jerry Lou, managing director & chief strategy officer for Morgan Stanley, provided us with a perspective from finance sector on China Economic and Implication, and Mr. Richard Hookway, the senior vice president and chief finance officer for BP Refining & Marketing, provided us with a perspective from an international energy company on procurement and supply chain challenges.  Other supply management subject matter experts such as Dr. Ting Ho, Mr. Tianbing Zhang, Ms. Nicole Yi together with elite panelists shared with us their in-depth knowledge, experience and perspectives in operational and strategic aspects on finding a new way forward in China, managing risks in global supply chain and fostering women leadership.  Overall, the conference provided us with thoughts and insights from those speakers and panelists so that we can better position ourselves, our teams and our companies strategically or tactically to respond to today’s deteriorating economic environment.

The conference facilitated for over 300 delegates from leading multinational companies whom collectively have the influence power on over $100B of purchasing spend per annum, to network with each other and to share their pains and gains.  Delegates represented over 70% of Fortune 500 companies, which include senior decision maker from giants like IBM, BP, Abbott, Caterpillar Boeing, Eaton and Cummins.  In addition to world class speeches, the conference hosted panel discussion and brain storming sessions with experts for in depth coverage of topics and issues that are concerned.

ISM-China is a non-profit association affiliated with the centennial Institute for Supply Management™ (ISM) with more than 40,000 members in 70 countries.  ISM-China member are mostly from multinational companies operating in China, representing strong international management know-how in combination with China operational expertise.  

ISM China’s mission is to promote global alignment for supply management, establish regional standard of excellence, and enhance China influence and professional value. As part of the global network, ISM China creates value for members through professional competency development, seminars and symposiums, networking and interaction, benchmark best practice, share information and experience, and facilitate global integration. Our mission is to lead the profession and create value for corporate supply management functions through facilitation, benchmarking, practice sharing, competency development and networking.

Media Contact:  Zeb Feng  (Zeb.Feng@se1.bp.com)