Kara M. Daniel, NIGP-CPP, CPPB | Published on 9/10/2025
Registration will be opening soon for the 2026 MAPP Conference & Reverse Vendor Fair (RVF)!
Connecting the Dots: Strategic Communication for Successful Procurement
Wednesday, April 8 - Friday, April 10, 2026
Chateau on the Lake, Branson MO
What is an RVF? At a Reverse Vendor Fair, the MAPP Conference Attendees will have an assigned table to represent their agency. Vendors will move from table to table to learn how to do business with your agency! It is a good idea to bring your business cards, a fully charged laptop so vendors can register to receive your bid notifications and information on how to do business with your agency. Visit the MAPP website in the Member Area Document Library for examples of what to bring to an RVF. ALL CONFERENCE ATTENDEES WILL HAVE A TABLE ASSIGNED TO THEIR AGENCY AND ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE RVF TO REPRESENT YOUR AGENCY! An empty table with your agency's name on it is not a good representation of your agency.
Tentative Agenda:
DAY ONE April 8, 2026
10:00 Registration Opens
11:30-12:30 Gary Stoll Luncheon - NEW THIS YEAR THE LUNCHEON IS OPEN TO ALL MAPP MEMBERS! ROOM/LOCATION: TBD
1:00 Welcome/Opening
1:15-3:00 Speed Networking ROOM/LOCATION: TBD
Topics:
MAPP Scholarships
NIGP Updates (Can we get a CA to attend)
MAPP Pro-D Updates
MOVERS?
Procurement Resources
Tips for First Timers, New and Young Professionals
MAPP & NIGP Benefits
The Value of Certification
Open for Discussion: Conversation starters: If procurement were a sport, what would your role be? What's the weirdest item you've ever had to procure? If you could automate one part of your job, what would it be? Procurement buzzwords you love—or hate?
Break
3:00-4:00 Networking “Design a Dream RFP” (Creative Group Activity) ROOM/LOCATION: TBD
🎯 Goal: Foster collaboration and humor. In small teams, design the most absurd or ideal RFP imaginable — real or fictional.
Prompts:
What are the evaluation criteria?
What’s the funniest clause?
Who’s the vendor?
What’s the product or service? (e.g., “Cloud-based llama rental platform”)
Creative team bonding through procurement humor. Keep it clean!
4:15 MAPP Chapter Board Meeting
Social Event
ROOM/LOCATION: TBD
HOSPITALITY SUITE: LAKE LUGANO AND LAKE LOUISE
DAY TWO, April 9, 2026
7:00-4:30 Registration
7:00 – 8:00 Breakfast ROOM/LOCATION: TBD
8:15 Welcome ROOM/LOCATION: TBD
8:30-10:00 Plenary Session ROOM/LOCATION: TBD
Lights, Camera, Procurement: Lessons from Iconic Movie Scenes, Presented by Victor Leamer
Join us for an engaging presentation that connects the world of public procurement with the wisdom of Hollywood! Through iconic movie moments from Apollo 13, Moneyball, The Martian,
and more, we’ll explore themes like strategic planning, ethical practices, collaboration, and long-term thinking. These memorable scenes will not only entertain but also inspire fresh
perspectives on tackling procurement challenges. Whether you’re building consensus, managing resources, or driving innovation, this session will spark valuable insights and lively
discussions. Let’s see how the lessons from the big screen can elevate your procurement strategies!
Break
10:15-11:45 Entity Breakouts
Public Education, Public Utilities, and Special Interest ROOM/LOCATION: TBD
Cities ROOM/LOCATION: TBD
Counties ROOM/LOCATION: TBD
State ROOM/LOCATION: TBD
MoDot ROOM/LOCATION: TBD
12:00 Awards Luncheon: Each year MAPP gives out chapter awards to our members for Buyer of the Year (Large and Small Entity), Manager of the Year (Large and Small Entity), Agency of the Year, and the Linda D. Windsor Distinguished Service Award. ROOM/LOCATION: TBD
1:30-4:30 Reverse Vendor Fair: What is an RVF? At a Reverse Vendor Fair, the MAPP Conference Attendees will have an assigned table to represent their agency. Vendors will move from table to table to learn how to do business with your agency! It is a good idea to bring your business cards, a fully charged laptop so vendors can register to receive your bid notifications and information on how to do business with your agency. Visit the MAPP website in the Member Area Document Library for examples of what to bring to an RVF. ALL CONFERENCE ATTENDEES WILL HAVE A TABLE ASSIGNED TO THEIR AGENCY AND ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE RVF TO REPRESENT YOUR AGENCY! An empty table with your agency's name on it is not a good representation of your agency. ROOM/LOCATION: TBD
Break
6:00 Social Event at Andy B’s
HOSPITALITY SUITE: LAKE LUGANO AND LAKE LOUISE
DAY THREE, April 10, 2026
7:00 – 8:00 Breakfast
8:15 Welcome ROOM/LOCATION: TBD
8:30-10:00 Plenary Session ROOM/LOCATION: TBD
Improving the Message: Communicating Procurement through Effective Instruction Presented by Victor Leamer
As procurement professionals, we’re often placed in situations where we need to explain—or even justify—the value of our services to stakeholders. When approaching our colleagues from a place of knowledge, however, we can become strategic partners, transitioning our appearance from being paper pushers to advocates and educators who effectively demonstrate the value of the procurement function. Whether you’re just starting to pursue becoming an effective communicator or seeking new tips on how to hit the next level of your career, join us for this interactive session and learn how you can enhance your skills and hit the needs of your audience no matter what your topic may be.
Break
10:15-11:45 Plenary Session ROOM/LOCATION: TBD
From Challenges to Triumph: The Art of Turning Adversity into Opportunity Presented by Victor Leamer
Are you facing challenges that hinder your professional growth or the success of your organization? What if those obstacles could be transformed into a catalyst for change and innovation?
This session is designed to empower public procurement professionals to identify toxic workplace environments, understand their impact, and learn actionable strategies to navigate them
effectively. Drawing inspiration from the legendary resilience of Tina Turner, we’ll use her life story and iconic songs as a lens to explore how adversity can spark personal and professional
growth. You’ll gain insights into recognizing toxic behaviors, fostering healthy workplace dynamics, and responding with confidence—whether you're navigating challenges as an individual
or leading a team. Through real-world examples and practical tools, this workshop will equip you to: -Identify the signs of a toxic workplace. -Take steps to protect your well-being and
professional integrity. -Lead with grace and resilience to transform challenges into opportunities for collaboration and success.
11:45 Closing ROOM/LOCATION: TBD
Keynote Speaker: Victor Leamer
Experienced Buyer with a demonstrated history of working in the government administration industry. Skilled in procurement training, government purchasing, Requests for Proposals, Protests, and Procurement Ethics.