2017 Agency Purchasing Conference
August 22-25, 2017
Canaan Valley Resort State Park
Davis, WV

Planning is underway for the 2017 Agency Purchasing Conference and we are excited for our three-day training's return to the summer atmosphere at one of West Virginia's beloved state parks.  Upon returning from the success of the warmer-weather conference last year, where more than 250 agency purchasers gathered under blue skies at Canaan Valley Resort State Park for this valuable training opportunity, nearly 95% rated the category, "Time of Year" on the evaluation as “Excellent” or “Good.”  As a result of this request from attendees, the West Virginia Purchasing Division is taking you back to Tucker County during the last week of August.  We cannot wait to share with you some new strategies and topics that have been brewing, from new procurement-related sessions to innovative classroom activities.  With all the work and preparation in progress, this year’s conference is sure to be a hit!

Registration opened June 14, 2017.

Conference Features

This year’s agenda features:

• A beginner's track, which has been expanded to include eight workshops, for agency purchasers with less than two years of experience in public procurement or those whose primary jobs do not involve purchasing on a day-to-day basis;;

• An advanced track, open to all primary and backup designated procurement officers.  New sessions in this track include Risks in Public Procurement and a Purchasing Forum, which will incorporate an inventive fishbowl format;

• Four new topics, including Electronic Business with West Virginia, Purchasing as a Privacy Power House, and Business Intelligence;

• A Newcomers’ Orientation;

• Group meals with plenty of opportunities for networking; and

• Special recognition of those with stellar performances in the public-purchasing function, including the 2017 “Procurement Officer of the Year” Award, and those who have obtained the basic and advanced certifications in the last year.

Registration and Fee

To view a copy of this year’s tentative agenda and workshop synopses, please click on the appropriate button below.  Please note that this agenda is subject to change and is being shared for informational purposes only.

The registration fee will be $175 per person, which covers materials, group meals, administrative costs, and attendance to all workshop sessions.  Individuals with special dietary restrictions should contact Samantha Knapp at (304) 558-7022.

Payment of the conference registration fee will be accepted at the time of online registration.  The preferred method of payment is the State Purchasing Card.  If you wish to pay by IGT, you may contact Samantha Knapp at the information listed below.

Participants who need to cancel their registration to the 2017 Agency Purchasing Conference MUST do so by Monday, July 24, 2017.  Failure to do so may result in a penalty fee for late cancellation.  To cancel your attendance, please contact Samantha Knapp at (304) 558-7022 or Samantha.S.Knapp@wv.gov.

Lodging Arrangements

Canaan Valley Resort State Park

Reservations may be made at Canaan Valley Resort State Park beginning June 14, 2017.  For guests wishing to reserve a room, lodging reservations should be made no later than Friday, July 21, by calling the central reservations desk directly between the hours of 8 AM – 6 PM.  Individuals should call (800) 622-4121, ext. 7701 and indicate that they are attending the 2017 West Virginia Agency Purchasing Conference to receive the contracted room rate of $89 per night for a standard single or double occupancy room.  Canaan Valley Resort State Park also has King Suites available for $129 per night.

Additionally, participants may request a 2-, 3-, or 4-bedroom cabin/cottage as well.  The two-bedroom cabin is available for $119 per night, the three-bedroom cabin is available for $139 per night, and the four-bedroom cabin is available for $149 per night.

Blackwater Falls State Park

Additional lodging reservations may be made at Blackwater Lodge, located approximately 12 miles from Canaan Valley Resort State Park.  Reservations should be made no later than Friday, July 21.  The room rate is $84.80 per room per night plus applicable tax.  Individuals should call (304) 259-5216 and ask for the Agency Purchasing Conference room block to make their reservations.  Please note that payment of one night’s rental is required to confirm the reservation.

Other Lodging Options

Because of the demand for lodging during the Agency Purchasing Conference, the Purchasing Division would like to provide attendees with alternative lodging options.

Reservations may be made at Timberline Four Seasons Resort by calling its toll-free number at 1.800.766.9464.  All rooms at Timberline contain two queen beds.  Individuals should indicate that they are attending the 2017 Agency Purchasing Conference to receive the $89 room rate per night.

Additionally, the Tucker County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has lodging information on its web site at canaanvalley.org.  You may also call the CVB at 800.782.2775 for further information.

Award Nominations

The Purchasing Division is pleased to continue its tradition of honoring its agency partners with the "Procurement Officer of the Year" Award.  Completed nominations may be submitted to Samantha Knapp at Samantha.S.Knapp@wv.gov.  Click here for more information; this link is for an intranet site which may not be accessible on home computers.  Questions regarding nomination submission may be directed to Ms. Knapp at (304) 558-7022.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, June 23, 2017.