Demand Planning & Forecasting Training Boot Camp
w/ Next-Level Forecasting with Predictive Analytics & Big Data Workshop
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
|
December 3 – 5, 2025
Register Now Individuals Register Now Groups
Super Early Bird Rate - Expires in 103 days 7 hours (on October 8, 2025)
AN INTERACTIVE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO MISS

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The IBF Boot Camp is a 2- or 3-day comprehensive session designed for planning professionals seeking a clear, practical understanding of demand planning, S&OP/IBP, and the forecasting process. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to sharpen your existing skills, this event will guide you through today’s best practices and help you better understand the techniques and logic behind your forecasting & planning software.

Led by experts, the Boot Camp introduces newcomers to proven tools and methods while elevating the capabilities of experienced professionals in forecasting, S&OP/IBP, demand planning, and analytics. You’ll also expand your professional network and gain valuable insights at this one-of-a-kind event.


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—such as neural networks, cluster analysis, decision trees, and market basket analysis—to elevate your forecasting and planning capabilities.
  • Develop hands-on expertise by using tools like online apps, Excel macros, Python, and R to build machine learning models, uncover demand drivers, and simulate event-based impacts.
  • Apply predictive analytics and big data techniques to make smarter, forward-looking decisions that improve forecast accuracy and business outcomes.
  • Gain cutting-edge skills in an immersive environment designed for demand planners and forecasters ready to implement next-level analytical methods.

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.

Keyamma Garnes, CPF
DIRECTOR OF DEMAND PLANNING
"When I moved companies, being CPF certified helped me not only land a job, but get the compensation I was looking for."

image of the course
Event registration

Includes:

  • Full admission Demand Planning & Forecasting Training Boot Camp (December 3 and 4)
  • Next-Level Forecasting with Predictive Analytics & Big Data for an additional cost
  • Continental breakfast and lunch
$1,799
$2,099

You can add an IBF Membership and CPF Certification when you register. IBF Members receive $100 off registration, not to be combined with other discounts.

**Get the 4th person free for every 3 registrations

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Event Speakers
Sara Brumbaugh
Sara Brumbaugh
Ceres Analytics
Managing Principal

Sara Brumbaugh is Managing Principal of Ceres Analytics, a consultancy specializing in applied mathematics, statistics, and machine learning. Sara’s roots are in business forecasting: she’s worked with the IBF for over 20 years, and is the 2015 recipient of IBF’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Sara’s work in forecasting began in the electric utility industry, then progressed to data mining in finance to predict stock returns. Her recent work supported genetic brain research at Harvard Medical School. Other recent work includes patent-pending algorithms to detect financial fraud, along with genetic models to predict success of cancer chemotherapy. Sara holds masters degrees from Harvard University and Florida State University.

Eric Wilson, ACPF
Eric Wilson, ACPF
Institute of Business Forecasting & Planning
Director of Thought Leadership

Eric is a predictive analytics and business planning innovator, author, teacher and speaker. As Director of Thought Leadership at IBF, he brings over 20 years of experience, previously leading demand planning at Escalade Sports, Berry Plastics, and Tempur Sealy. Eric is an IBF Advanced Certified Professional Forecaster (ACPF) and received IBF’s Excellence in Business Forecasting & Planning award in 2016. He is a frequent speaker and panelist who has published extensively in The Journal of Business Forecasting and APICS Magazine. Eric is also the author of Cultural Cycles, Predictive Analytics for Business Forecasting & Planning, and Practical Guide to Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP/ IBP).

Boot Camp Leaders
Sara Brumbaugh
Sara Brumbaugh
Ceres Analytics
Managing Principal
Eric Wilson, ACPF
Eric Wilson, ACPF
Institute of Business Forecasting & Planning
Director of Thought Leadership
Boot Camp Schedule
  • Boot Camp Day 1
    Dec 3, 2025
  • Boot Camp Day 2
    Dec 4, 2025
  • Boot Camp Day 3 (optional)
    Dec 5, 2025
Day #1: Introduction to Business Forecasting, Planning & Leadership
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Morning Refreshments & Registration
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
MODULE 1: Fundamentals of Business Forecasting & Planning
  • Learning Objectives
  • S&OP Overview
  • Demand Planning Overview
  • Why do Businesses Forecast and Plan?
  • Summary
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Morning Break
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
MODULE 2: The Forecasting Process and the Roles of Cross-Functional Team Members
  • Learning Objectives
  • Forecasting Process & Roles of Cross-Functional Team Members
  • Marketing
  • Finance
  • Supply Chain/Production and Logistics
  • Human Resources
  • Natural Biases
  • Summary
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
MODULE 3: Consensus Forecasting & the Communication Process
  • Learning Objectives
  • Problems of Multiple Number Plans
  • Consensus is Critical
  • Best Communication Practices
  • Gaining Upper Management Buy-In Agenda
  • Reporting Forecasts
  • Presenting Forecasts
  • Summary
12:45 PM - 1:30 PM
Lunch
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
MODULE 4: Driving Business Value
  • Learning Objectives
  • Major Characteristics of S&OP
  • S&OP Monthly Cycle Timeline
  • Ingredients of Successful S&OP Process
  • Summary
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM
MODULE 5: External Collaboration and CPFR
  • Learning Objectives
  • What is CPFR
  • CPFR Model
  • CPFR: Challenges and Keys to Success
  • CPFR Benefits
  • Summary
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Afternoon Break
3:15 PM - 5:00 PM
MODULE 6: Data Management
  • Learning Objectives
  • What you Need to Know about Data
  • Univariate Time Series Model Elements
  • Pattern Recognition: Linear Patterns
  • Exponential Smoothing Models
  • Data Analysis
  • Random Noise
  • Forecastability Analysis
  • Data Analysis Checklist
  • Summary
See Attendee List