The APMP Bid and Proposal Conference (BPC) in New Orleans was amazing! It set a new standard for excellence among bid, proposal, tender, capture, business development, and graphics professionals.
As the world’s largest in-person conference in this field, BPC 2024 drew a record-breaking crowd of over 1,300 people who wanted to learn, connect, and grow.
This event is more than just a meeting – it’s an inspiration hub where you can:
- Attend thought-provoking presentations
- Get comprehensive certification training
- Build strong connections with like-minded professionals
With attendees from government and business sectors coming together, BPC provides a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives. Each year, it sets the standard for excellence in this industry. It is essential for anyone looking to excel in their field.
The Opening Session
The conference kicked off with a captivating keynote by Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo. She is a clinical psychologist famously known as the ‘head coach for happiness,’ endorsed by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. Dr. Lombardo addressed the pervasive issue of burnout in the bid and proposal community. She introduced the concept of the ‘Red Zone’—a state of extreme stress that hampers productivity and critical thinking.
Through engaging stories, Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo guided the audience. She provided practical tips on recognizing the Red Zone and transitioning back to a productive mindset. Her method, summarized as APPLY, CHANGE, and TRANSFORM, offered actionable steps to regain composure and efficiency.
Speaker Sessions
The conference boasted over 70 sessions, each designed to provide deep insights and practical knowledge. Here are some highlights:
“AI Proposal Graphics”
Mike Parkinson from 24 Hour Company presented an engaging session on using AI tools for creating winning proposal graphics. The main message was that embracing AI technologies helps make proposal graphics more efficient and effective. He showed how to use different AI tools, including their costs and capabilities, to produce high-quality graphics and presentations. He also outlined a step-by-step process for getting the most out of these tools.
Additionally, Mike discussed training processes, sales strategies, and continuous development methodologies. These demonstrate how AI can be integrated into various proposal development and business operations stages.
Key Insights
- Embracing AI for Proposal Graphics. AI tools can significantly benefit professionals in the proposal industry by helping them create professional and winning graphics, covers, slides, and presentations. Mike highlights AI tools like Midjourney, ChatGPT, Copilot, and Adobe Firefly for their capabilities and annual costs.
- Structured Sales and Training Processes. The presentation outlined a comprehensive sales cultivation process. It also detailed a seven-step training process that evolves with the learner. Mike emphasised targeted marketing, effective communication, and continuous monitoring for nurturing successful sales relationships and upskilling staff.
- Continuous Improvement and Risk Management. Emphasizing a continuous development, integration, and improvement cycle, the presentation underscored the importance of risk management. It focused on multidimensional risk reduction strategies to ensure the security and efficiency of operations throughout the project lifecycle.
How to Succeed When You’re Late to the Game: From No-Bid to ‘Yes, Please’
Nancy Chambers and Rich Riley from UKG presented strategies for proposal professionals. The strategies were aimed at those who found themselves late in an RFP (Request for Proposal) process. The session took attendees on a journey from receiving a blind RFP to deciding whether or not to bid. The presenters offered guidance on shifting their messaging from ‘no’ to a strategic decision. This approach keeps the opportunity alive and positions the organization as a valuable partner.
Additionally, Nancy and Rich shared success stories and lessons learned from both public and commercial sectors. They highlighted the importance of timely and strategic communication throughout the RFP process.
Key Insights
- Strategic No-Bid Communication. The presentation emphasizes the importance of transforming a simple no into a strategic no-bid letter. This letter clearly explains the reasons for not participating and suggests alternative approaches to keep the conversation going.
- Proactive Career and Opportunity Management. It underscores the necessity of taking control of career paths and opportunities. Even when faced with challenging RFPs, engaging in continuous dialogue and repositioning pursuit objectives is crucial.
- Learning from Success Stories and Mistakes. The session highlights real-world examples and lessons learned from both successful and unsuccessful bids. It illustrates the value of quick and strategic responses in the RFP process.
Do You Know If Your BD, Capture or Proposal Career is a Fizzle or a Sizzle?
Len Miller, CEO of Hinz Consulting, presented on how professionals in business development, capture, and proposal fields can assess their careers. The presentation helped individuals determine whether you are stuck or moving forward. It identified whether they were part of ‘Team Fizzle’ or ‘Team Sizzle’.
It also provided strategies to either maintain momentum or regain it. The main topics covered included:
- Recognizing the signs that a career is stagnant.
- Exploring alternative career paths.
- Using self-reflection and planning to achieve career satisfaction and success.
Key Insights
- Understanding Fizzle vs. Sizzle. The presentation differentiates between a stagnant career (Fizzle) and a thriving one (Sizzle). It highlights the importance of career planning, organizational support, and continuous learning.
- Taking Control of Your Career. Emphasizes the necessity of proactive career management through introspection, strategic planning, and leveraging mentorship and networking opportunities.
- Alternative Career Paths. Encourages professionals to consider non-linear career paths, take calculated risks, and stay focused on their personal and professional goals.
Building Connections in the Heart of the French Quarter
What’s next?
As we reflect on the incredible few days at BPC New Orleans, the VisibleThread team is already looking forward to next year’s event in Nashville. The success of BPC 2024 has set a high standard, promising even greater experiences and opportunities for learning and networking in the years to come. VisibleThread will be hosting and sponsoring several events over the next few months, and we invite you to join us. If you’d like to talk to us, don’t be shy. Stay tuned for more updates and join us in Nashville for another unforgettable gathering!
