Conference offers tips on winning tenders

"The theme of the conference will be 'Making a Splash' and it will focus on fresh ideas to inspire better proposals. For example, studies conducted over many years to establish why bids and proposals fail have provided these gems: the bid was illegible, the bid was poorly written or amateurish and the bidder failed to follow instructions," says Sandy Pullinger, APMP chairperson.

"Other reasons given are lack of capacity to deliver, limited track record and experience, unsuitability for the job, and unaffordable, which prompts the question: what went wrong?

"Our speakers will provide the answers and help delegates understand how to follow the basic housekeeping rules, read the instructions carefully, pick a strong theme and make their businesses look attractive to the customer. This should result in upping their chances of winning their next bid or tender," she said.

Speakers

• Jon Williams, Strategic Proposals in the UK - a fellow of the APMP and first chairperson of the APMP in the UK
• Colleen Jolly, 24 Hour Company in the US - graphic designer, offering DIY tips on creating graphics in PowerPoint
• Chris Rademeyer, Deloitte - secrets on how to avoid bid burnout. First person in South Africa to gain the professional level of accreditation from the APMP.
• A panel of procurement specialists - insights on why bids are unsuccessful.

The conference will be held on 20 October 2010 at the EOH, Gillooly's View Office Park, Bedfordview, Johannesburg. Go to www.apmp.org.za for more information