Buying Energy

23rd February 2011
The Sebel & Citigate Hotel,
Albert Park, Melbourne

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About The Special Category Forums (SCF’s)

New to the CIPSA Conferences schedule for 2011 are the series of Special Category Forums (SCF’s) which will provide category managers with the opportunity to learn from a range of expert speakers on new strategies to more effectively manage their category and obtain pertinent market intelligence. The Special Category Forums will also provide opportunities for category managers to engage with their peers in facilitated round-table discussions, to engage in benchmarking exercises and to network with suppliers in an informal environment.

About the programme for “Buying Energy”

Developed in conjunction with our Forum Partner, Creative Energy Solutions, the programme commences with sessions designed to provide delegates with a deeper understanding of how the Energy market works. Among the questions being raised will be:

· What are the drivers of price?

· Who are the key players in the market?

· What is the forecast for regulated costs?

· What impact will various environmental regulations have on buyers?

Deliberately positioned early in the programme, there will also be a networking session whereby delegates will be asked to identify themselves, with the aim of enhancing networking opportunities throughout the day.

The afternoon will commence with a panel session exploring the renewables market and what potential opportunities this provides for long-term planning. This will be followed by the benchmarking session (see below).

The programme concludes with an interactive workshop type session, including two case studies, designed to assist delegates in formulating the best strategy for their organisation.

Benchmarking at CIPSA Special Category Forums

On all of the 2011 Special Category Forums, CIPSA Conferences will work with its benchmarking partner, Purchasing Index, to conduct a benchmarking exercise relevant to each category covered. The benchmarking will address both process and prices. On registration, delegates will be invited to participate in the benchmarking exercise, the results of which will be delivered at the forum. Delegates may choose to participate or not. Naturally all data will be treated as confidential, with the results delivered to the broader audience masked to conceal participants identity. Individual organisations will be supplied with their own visible benchmarks by Purchasing index after the event. Where relevant, Purchasing Index will also provide supplementary benchmarking information from their own research, thus adding further value for delegates.