Symposium
Connecting our CIPS accredited students, thinkers and future leaders across the globe

What is the CIPS Symposium?

Our Symposium is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to put yourself in the mix amongst bright minds and supportive professionals from across over 100 accredited programmes.

Not only will you be sharing thoughts and discussing challenges procurement and supply professionals face today, but you'll also have the opportunity to present your research through one of our two competitions.

Who knows, your research may just end up in your university library for future students in years to come.
Whether your research is on sustainability, contract management, supply chain challenges or any other related field, this is an opportunity to share your ideas and thoughts with people who are equally enthusiastic about the topic.

Not only will you be sharing your knowledge amongst fellow students and programme leaders, but this is your chance to get noticed by some of the leading procurement professionals amongst a range of industries. 

If you’re coming to the end of your accredited programme and eager to find your next career opportunity, then our Symposium will give you the kickstart and support you need. 

At our Symposium, you can:

ATTEND THE EVENT
GET SELECTED TO PRESENT
NETWORK WITH EXPERIENCED
PROFESSIONALS

CIPS Symposium 2024 – 3MRP video finalists

Our 3-Minute Research Pitch competition follows a similar format to the 3MT© The University of Queensland. It’s an opportunity for students on a CIPS Accredited University Programme to showcase their thesis in 3 minutes to our global procurement and supply community. It’s a great way to condense all of their hard work of generating ideas and research findings into a captivating and concise three-minute presentation.

The winner of the 3-Minute Research Pitch Competition was Thi Phuong Anh Le

THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE WINNER
Thi Phuong Anh Le, Leeds Beckett University
Barriers to Sustainable Sourcing in the Apparel and Fashion Industry in Vietnam

Watch Thi explore Vietnam's fashion industry, heavily reliant on China for components, and the challenges it faces due to unsustainable sourcing practices. This video explores how sustainable sourcing can drive growth and highlights the barriers and potential solutions.

3MRP finalists:

Favour Uzoma MBA, University of Ulster
Social Value and Procurement Phases: A Study of Municipal Procurement in London Boroughs

The overarching aim of Favour’s  project is to investigate how social value is effectively embedded throughout the procurement process. 
Owen Cornelius, University of South Wales 
A critical evaluation of the barriers and enablers to Green Public-Procurement (GPP) in Wales, from the perspective of local authority procurement functions.

Owen's project delves into the challenges and opportunities facing local authorities in Wales as they strive to achieve the ambitious Net-Zero 2030 target. By examining the role of procurement, Owen aims to identify key barriers and potential enablers to help Wales reach its climate goals.  
Fadzi Nyarufuro, University of South Wales  
Decarbonisation within Public Sector Supply Chain in South East Wales 

Fadzi investigates how organisation in the public sector can reduce the contribution of carbon emission, caused by supply chains in line with the Welsh Government’s goal of Net Zero emissions by 2030.

Latest news and insights

Our Symposium is a platform to share news, insights and the latest thinking from across the world.

We’ll have speakers from CIPS and thought-provoking leaders from the world of procurement and supply who are ready to address and engage all attendees.  

Collaborate with your peers

Present your research ideas for questions, input and interrogation by our supportive global network.

You’ll also help to inspire the next steps for others by highlighting your learning process and how to carry your work forward.  

Get ahead in your future career

Thinking about where to start your career after your studies? Hear directly from our professional panel and CPOs on the skills and experience needed to progress.

Who knows, you may just find yourself networking your way up the career ladder. 

Unleash your competitive side

Up for a challenge? Stand out from the crowd and amongst your peers and enter our 3-minute thesis.

Showcase all the hard work you’ve been doing and put your skills on a pedestal to grab the attention of procurement leaders.

See our 2023 Student Research Winners