Dear Sourcing Interests Group Delegates,

As we begin our 37th Summit, I can’t help but reflect on Savannah, so steeped in rich tradition and deeply-rooted in history. And although much of the history is riddled with conflict and troubling controversy, it is often through conflict that we make changes for the better. And that is what the SIG Global Sourcing Summit is all about—brainstorming on the conflicts and problems other leading companies have faced and the resolutions they’ve found to address them.

As we come together to learn from and network with our peers, we are all seeking the same things – trusted business partners, advisors and friends to help us shape the best practices of the future. By providing a collegial, non-sales environment at the Summit, we are seeking to avoid a division between the buy-side and sell-side of the equation. Rather, we are providing opportunities to find solutions that define success for both parties.

Please read through the fabulous Summit agenda we have put together for you, and plan to take advantage of every moment in Savannah. I encourage you to attend as many featured sessions and breakouts as possible. I hope you can join us Thursday evening when we take a special boat trip for a shrimp boil at Old Fort Jackson, the site of the Confederate Headquarters for all the river defenses guarding the Savannah River during the American Civil War. This event provides a fantastic chance to reflect on how any country/contract/company is stronger when united versus divided.

I challenge you to get the most out of this Summit by meeting as many people as possible and staying present. Use structured breaks for checking email and the Summit gathering times to build your professional network and relationships. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards to each session and event, as you will not only rekindle old friendships, but undoubtedly begin many new business relationships as well. If you engage and participate in the different events, then by the end of the week you are guaranteed to take home a “pocket full of contacts.”

I wish you a most enjoyable, exciting and informative few days with us. I know you will gain valuable insights from interacting with your peers during the sessions, and come home with all the benefits that SIG has to offer.

Welcome to Savannah!

Dawn Tiura Evans