Marketing Procurement Day, presented by Decideware (In-Person Only)

This event is over.

Marketing procurement is a critical partner in uncovering greater value for the marketing organization. From navigating economic headwinds, to building stronger internal and external partnerships, procurement can become a center of excellence that drives business growth. At Marketing Procurement Day, engage with fellow procurement and sourcing professionals for a day of networking and conversation around process efficiencies, cost savings, and return on investment.

Agenda

TIME	EVENT DETAILS	LOCATION
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
9:00am - 9:45am	NETWORKING BREAKFAST
9:45am - 10:00am	WELCOME REMARKS Greg Wright Senior Vice President, Brand & Media ANA
10:00am - 10:35am	MAXIMIZING CREATIVE VALUE AND AGENCY PARTNERSHIPS The partnership between United Airlines' Brand Marketing and Global Procurement teams is more essential than ever. This session will spotlight the airline's recent brand advertising campaign and highlight how strategic alignment drives creative excellence and marketing success. Hear how United navigates creative agency relationships, negotiations, and practical ways of working between Marketing and Procurement. Whether you're optimizing agency partnerships or refining internal processes, this session will offer actionable ideas to bring back to your organization. Julia Fedor Director of Operations, Brand Marketing United Airlines Creg Mixon Senior Contract Manager Global Procurement United Airlines View Presentation
10:35am - 11:10am	THE SLIENT CHAMPION: HOW INDIRECT PROCUREMENT WINS IN TARIFF TIMES Oliver Wyman’s Anne Valtink will explore how indirect procurement can become a strategic advantage in times of economic uncertainty and rising tariffs. She will uncover the often-overlooked impact of indirect spend, offering strategies to drive savings, enhance resilience, and unlock hidden value across the enterprise. Anne Valtink Principal Oliver Wyman
11:10am - 11:30am	NETWORKING BREAK
11:30am - 12:05pm	MEERKATS, MEDIA THREATS, AND MEASUREMENT: THREE LESSONS FOR A RISK-SENSITIVE PROCUREMENT STRATEGY Marketing procurement has never been more complex or more important. With rising media costs, shifting consumer behavior, and growing demands for accountability, the smartest procurement leaders negotiate more than rates—they manage risk. Drawing inspiration from the surprisingly sophisticated behavior of meerkats (yes, really), Jason will show three ways data-driven procurement leaders are better equipped to navigate modern media threats, quantify vendor impact, and reduce investment risk. This is not just about savings—it’s about shaping smarter marketing from the start. Jason McNellis Vice President, Commercial Analytics Ambassador Analytic Partners View Event Recap
12:05pm - 12:40pm	NEXT LEVEL PROCUREMENT AT BAYER As of October 2024, Bayer Procurement overhauled their operating model following the principles of a Dynamic Shared Organization (DSO) to better serve their communities and stakeholders. This included a reimagining of what they focus on, how they organize and how they create value, how they get work done and how they show up. Bayer’s presentation will provide you with their Why, What & How of DSO: Why: Getting more mission focused and addressing our key challenges by amplifying our strengths What: How if differs from traditional organizational models How: Current progress and where we see ourselves in 2026 Laurie O’Connor Associate Director, Media Procurement Bayer View Presentation
12:40pm - 1:40pm	NETWORKING LUNCH
1:40pm - 2:15pm	FROM CHAOS TO CLARITY: USING SOW MANAGEMENT TO DRIVE IMPACT This session will explore the benefits of a standardized SOW process, from fostering greater transparency between marketers and their agency partners to providing powerful analytics that unlock efficiencies and drive accountability. Steven Wales of Decideware will host a conversation with brand-side professionals, discussing how SOW management has helped them transform their business. Heather Kaster Global Director Marketing Services Suntory Global Spirits Steven Wales Chief Revenue Officer Decideware Kari Theisen Global Agency Finance Manager Ford Motor Company
2:15pm - 2:50pm	PROACTIVE PARTNERSHIP IN MARKETING PROCUREMENT By shifting from transactional interactions to strategic alliances, sourcing and procurement can unlock new efficiencies and foster resilient, mutually beneficial relationships. Join Morgan Smith has she explores the impact procurement can have in developing proactive partnerships with internal marketers and external agency partners. Morgan Smith Director, Marketing Sourcing McDonald’s View Presentation
2:50pm - 3:00pm	CLOSING REMARKS Greg Wright Senior Vice President, Brand & Media ANA
3:00pm - 4:00pm	UNITED AIRLINES OFFICE TOUR Following our conference presentations, stay for a tour of United Airlines’ office and an exploration of their storied history of aviation.
4:00pm - 5:00pm	NETWORKING RECEPTION After the tour, a networking reception will be provided by Decideware. Join us for food and drinks at the iconic Tower House inside the famous Willis Tower.

Cancellation Policy and Notes

No refunds will be granted for any cancellations or for 'no shows.' Unused registrations/applications have no monetary value and cannot be credited to future years or events. ANA will not issue refunds or credits due to failure to redeem a discount coupon during the registration process. You may transfer your registration to a colleague at no additional cost.