What Can ISM Do For You?

20 Reasons to Join Today

• Inside Supply Management®
  ISM's monthly magazine contains thought-provoking discussions and information on those topics most relevant to today's forward-thinking, strategic supply managers. Published exclusively for ISM members.

• Manufacturing and Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business® (ROB)
  ISM's monthly survey of purchasing statistics is the first of its kind. It's considered by many economists to be the most reliable, near-term economic barometer available today. The full report is delivered to ISM members each month within the pages of Inside Supply Management® magazine.

• Unlimited Access to ISM's Web Site
  Unlock the possibilities of this valuable resource. Members can search an extensive database of supply management information, take part in professional forums, contact affiliates or other related organizations, and learn about ISM's assortment of educational products and services. Members also have access to:
  • The Online Career Center — search a database of employment listings from across the country, post your résumé for organizations to see, search for the perfect employee, or take advantage of other career-enhancing tools. New features added often.

  • The ISM Online InfoCenter — without a doubt, the largest purchasing and supply management library around. Check frequently — new information is added all of the time.

• Supply Management Advocate
  No one understands better than ISM how supply management affects the bottomline, and no one promotes the profession like ISM. As a member you have access to ISM's printed and electronic materials which can help you do this within your organizational infrastructure as well. Let us help you communicate your value-added contributions to senior management.

• C.P.M. & CPSM Programs
  Known throughout the world, the Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) program focuses on the managerial, administrative, and strategic, as well as tactical aspects of the supply management function.

  New for 2008 will be the CPSM — reflecting the expanded education, skills and experience needed for supply managers to be successful as the profession evolves into the 21st Century.

  Both programs are designed for those working in any of the major private, public, or non-profit work sectors. As a member you'll receive substantial discounts on study materials, testing and other related fees.

• Affiliate Benefits
  Gain valuable contacts within your community and keep current on the issues that affect you. Regular membership includes membership in one of 170+ affiliates around the world. Find yours here.

• Annual International Supply Management Conference and Educational Exhibit
  Network with more than 2,000 peers at the only international conference devoted exclusively to purchasing and supply management. Examine emerging trends and challenges during comprehensive workshops conducted by your peers. The conference attracts distinguished keynote speakers to discuss current national and international issues and features several sessions highlighted by prominent corporate leaders. Members receive significant savings on registration fees.

• Professional Groups and Forums
  Gain a deeper understanding of your area of expertise and develop valuable connections when you join an ISM Group or Forum. Select from a wide variety of interest areas including services, materials management, health care and hospitality.

• Member Benefit Programs
  As an ISM member you'll have access to an ever-expanding set of benefit programs, in most cases providing discounts on unique, helpful products and services beyond what can be found elsewhere.
  • Commodity Tracking via Propurchaser.com — customizable commodity updates sent directly to your in-box each week. Track steel, plastic, coffee, or other commodities relevant to you, then use that information in your negotiations to ensure best performance. Members receive an extended, free trial period and $300 off annual subscription fees.

  • Book Reviews via The Business Source — concise summaries of popular business books delivered to your in-box each month. Learn best practices and powerful insights from leading thinkers such as Stephen Covey, Malcolm Gladwell and Jack Welch. Members receive a subscription to the Business Source for 70% off the retail price.

• ISM Knowledge Center
  The ISM Knowledge Center provides a number of supply management classes which you can take online, at your own pace. Covering topics from cost price analysis to supplier management, the ISM Knowledge Center is a terrific way to sharpen your skills. ISM members receive a discount on registration fees. Even better, selected courses are available for free. Test one out today.

• Seminar Discounts
  Enhance your professional development and job performance when you enroll in one of ISM's many seminars held throughout the country each year. Experienced instructors, thought-provoking sessions, and numerous topics are just some of the reasons these programs often fill up quickly. And don't forget — members save hundreds with each registration.

• Also available — satellite seminars, broadcast to participating ISM affiliates or external companies. Addressing different supply management issues and offered several times throughout the year, satellite seminars are live alternatives that allow you to interact with speakers and peers without leaving your city or affiliate location.

• Professional Development Resources
  ISM offers a wide variety of products to help complete your supply management information library. Our books and other self-study products will broaden your knowledge and sharpen your skills. Topics include, but are not limited to, global sourcing, supply management, negotiations, legal issues, and leadership. All ISM members receive discounts on professional development resources.

• Volunteer Opportunities
  Hone your interpersonal skills and leadership abilities while serving your profession. ISM provides a bevy of volunteer opportunities in both the local and global levels. Participate in key projects at your affiliate, serve as an affiliate officer, contribute to an ISM Group or Forum, or serve on an ISM committee — such as the ISM Business Survey Committee — and get into the action.

• Recognition
  Being active in your profession speaks volumes to coworkers, colleagues, customers and others you interact with every day. For those taking it to the next level — ISM honors members for outstanding performance in the categories of Education/Learning, Innovation/Creativity, Leadership, Marketing/Communicating and Volunteerism.

• Industry Research
  View ISM's annual Salary Survey and see how you compare to others in the industry. The full report available free to ISM members.

• Glossary of Key Supply Management Terms
  A valuable tool for supply professionals, academics, researchers and students, the fourth edition of the Glossary includes information from all disciplines within supply management. Available to members through the ISM Web site.

• CAPS Research
  ISM members can receive supply management-related research studies and benchmarks free from CAPS Research, the only global not-for-profit research center in supply management. Learn more about CAPS Research and how they can be of service to you.

  Who Can Join ISM?

  Membership in ISM is open to any person interested in the supply management field provided that such person (i) is not primarily engaged in sales activity. For the purposes of this section, "primarily" shall mean a majority of a person's time. However, no person shall be ineligible by reason of incidentally disposing of scrap, surplus stock, or equipment of the concern by which he or she is employed. The eligibility of an editor, secretary or business manager employed by an Affiliated Association shall not be affected by reason of sales activity directly related to any magazine, bulletin or other publication, or exhibit, product, show or similar activity sponsored by such association.

  In principle and in practice, the Institute values and seeks a diverse membership, volunteer leadership, and staff. There are no barriers to full participation in the Institute on the basis of ethnic background, gender, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin or disability.

  The Institute values the efforts, knowledge and commitment of all volunteers and staff, and structures the volunteer system to maintain continuity by encouraging participation in integrated activities to enhance value-added activities and optimize productivity.

  More information can be found here.