WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND

IBF's Immersive Training is a 2- or 3-day comprehensive, face-to-face program designed for planning professionals seeking a clear, practical understanding of demand planning, forecasting, and S&OP/IBP. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to sharpen your existing skills, this program will guide you through today’s best practices and the logic behind modern planning and forecasting software.

Led by the same experts who set global standards and train Fortune 500 companies, this hands-on training goes beyond formulas to deliver real-world learning you can apply immediately. You’ll learn why forecasts fail, how to fix them, and how to turn analytics into true business value.

Along the way, you’ll expand your professional network, gain valuable insights, and elevate your capabilities in forecasting, S&OP/IBP, demand planning, and analytics at a one-of-a-kind event, designed to transform how you plan and lead.

Days 1 & 2: Core Forecasting & Demand Planning Foundations

• Master industry-leading methods and approaches in demand planning and forecasting—then apply them through hands-on, real-world examples.
• Make smarter, data-driven decisions by producing more accurate forecasts that drive better fill rates, inventory turns, and cash flow.
• Unlock your software’s full potential—understand how it works, interpret outputs correctly, and generate meaningful insights.
• Prepare for IBF certification in a collaborative classroom setting, while networking with peers and industry experts.

Day 3: Next-Level Forecasting with Predictive Analytics & Big Data

• Explore advanced machine learning techniques and learn how predictive models uncover cause-and-effect relationships traditional methods often miss. Apply techniques used by leaders like Amazon and Netflix to your own business.
• Develop hands-on expertise with your data using databases, automation tools, scripts, and LLMs like ChatGPT to collect, clean, and manage internal and external data for predictive modeling.
• Build and apply powerful predictive models like neural networks, decision trees, regression, and cluster analysis, and understand when and how to use each to generate actionable insight.
• Uncover Hidden Relationships – Use predictive analytics to identify hidden demand drivers and connect insights directly to your S&OP and planning processes.
• Gain cutting-edge skills in an immersive environment designed for demand planners and forecasters ready to implement next-level analytical methods within their S&OP and planning processes.

BECOME A CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL FORECASTER (CPF)

Use what you learn from this IBF event to become a Certified Professional Forecaster.

Simply select the CPF CERTIFICATION PACKAGE during check-out and gain access to the event, along with preparation materials, and three CPF Exams.

The CPF program is the gold standard in demand planning certification, identifying you as a value driver in demand planning, forecasting and S&OP. It places professionals in the elite group of forecasters, with many CPFs saying it helped them secure a new job, promotion and pay raise. Find out more about the CPF program, or register below.