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PANEL DISCUSSION WEBINAR
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Public Sector Procurement
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Challenges and Opportunities - Panel Discussion
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| DATE Wed, January 21, 2026 |
TIME 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM MT |
DURATION 60 Minutes |
CPD POINTS 2 |
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$18B
Annual public sector procurement spend in Alberta alone
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100+
Government departments and agencies managing complex procurement
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30%
Increase in transparency requirements over the past 5 years
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Webinar Overview
Join us for a dynamic 60-minute live online session unpacking Alberta's $18B public procurement landscape. This panel brings together three of the province's most accomplished public sector procurement leaders—from the City of Edmonton, Sturgeon County, and MacEwan University—to share real-world insights on the challenges, opportunities, and emerging trends shaping government and institutional procurement.
Whether you're currently working in public sector procurement, considering a transition to government work, or a supplier seeking to better understand public sector buying processes, this discussion will provide valuable insights into navigating compliance requirements, building supplier relationships, and driving strategic value in the public space.
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Session Breakdown
| 0-30 MIN |
Expert Spotlights (10 Minutes Each)
Hear from Breda, Mark, and Sohrab on the real impact of public procurement services, the biggest challenges they face (compliance, transparency), current opportunities (infrastructure, major projects), and emerging trends shaping the field.
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| 30-45 MIN |
Moderated Panel Discussion
Allan facilitates an engaging discussion on building value-driven supplier relationships, balancing efficiency with regulatory requirements, and actionable strategies you can implement immediately.
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| 45-60 MIN |
Live Q&A
Ask your questions directly to the panelists. Get personalized answers on the topics most relevant to your interests and career goals.
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LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS
Meet Your Panelists
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Panelist
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Sohrab Sohrabi, PhD, SCMP
Chief Procurement Officer, City of Edmonton
Leading a $3 billion annual procurement portfolio across 73 corporate functions, Dr. Sohrabi brings over 20 years of experience transforming public sector procurement—from BC Transit's fleet electrification to the Government of Alberta's infrastructure programs.
He holds a PhD in Supply Chain Transformation and brings proven expertise in strategic procurement innovation, sustainable practices, and large-scale contract management.
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Panelist
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Breda Cormack, LLM, MBA, SCMP
Manager, Risk & Procurement Services, Sturgeon County
Breda established and leads the entire Procurement Services Department at Sturgeon County. With over 25 years of leadership experience across public and private sectors, she brings deep expertise in procurement strategy, contract management, and organizational transformation.
Beyond her operational leadership, Breda is a professional educator with Supply Chain Canada and a sessional instructor at MacEwan University, shaping the next generation of procurement professionals.
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Panelist
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Mark Topping, SCMP, CCLMP, CPSM, C.P.M.
Director, Procurement and Contract Management Services, MacEwan University
With over 30 years of supply chain experience and 15+ years leading procurement initiatives across energy, banking, government, and higher education sectors, Mark brings proven expertise in strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, vendor management, and procurement transformation.
His track record includes securing over $1 million in annual cost savings through strategic contracting. Mark is an active member of Supply Chain Canada's Public Sector Leaders' Council and contributes to CAUBO's annual conference programming.
| SCMP |
CCLMP |
CPSM |
30+ Years |
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Key Takeaways
Navigate Complex Regulations & Compliance
Understand how to manage trade agreements, procurement regulations, and documentation requirements unique to government and institutional buyers.
Spot Supplier Opportunities & Risk Mitigation
Learn how public sector organizations identify, evaluate, and partner with suppliers while maintaining transparency and managing risk effectively.
Practical Insights for Seamless Public Sector Engagement
Whether you're a procurement professional or a supplier, gain actionable strategies for successful engagement in the public sector environment.
2 CPD Credits Toward Your Professional Development
Earn continuing professional development credits while gaining valuable insights from Alberta's top public sector procurement leaders.
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Who Should Attend
This panel discussion is designed for:
- Public sector procurement professionals seeking insights from peers in government and institutional settings
- Private sector supply chain professionals considering a transition to public sector roles
- Suppliers and vendors who want to better understand public sector procurement processes and opportunities
- Students and early-career professionals exploring career paths in public procurement
- Anyone interested in how government and institutions approach strategic sourcing and supply chain management
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Registration Pricing
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Student Affiliates
FREE
Must be registered as a student affiliate with Supply Chain Canada
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Members
$25
Supply Chain Canada members receive exclusive pricing
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Non-Members
$50
Open to all supply chain professionals
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What You'll Receive
- Real-world insights from three experienced public sector procurement leaders
- Understanding of compliance frameworks and regulatory requirements
- Strategies for building value-driven supplier relationships in the public sector
- Knowledge of current opportunities and emerging trends in government procurement
- Session recording for future reference
- 2 CPD points toward your professional development
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Cancellation Policy: Requests made 7+ days before the event are eligible for a full refund. No refunds within 7 days of the event.
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Secure Your Spot Today
Join Alberta's top public sector procurement leaders for this exclusive panel discussion
Note: Space is limited to ensure quality interaction with panelists
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