IBF’s AI Edge: Supply Chain Planning & Forecasting Conference in Scottsdale is the premier global event for professionals looking to transform their planning capabilities with the power of AI, predictive analytics, and next-generation forecasting and planning using machine learning and other techniques. This event brings together leaders in supply chain planning, S&OP/IBP, demand planning, forecasting, and data science to explore how AI is reshaping today’s planning processes, and what it means for the future of the profession.

Key Benefits:

Unparalleled Networking Opportunities

• Connect with the largest global gathering of professionals leveraging AI, analytics, and advanced planning processes across industries
• Meet experts in S&OP/IBP, supply planning, demand planning, forecasting, machine learning, and applied data science
• Engage cross-functionally with peers from Sales, Marketing, Finance, Operations, HR, and Executive Management, key stakeholders in the S&OP/IBP ecosystem
• Build lasting relationships during our Round-Robin Round-Table Discussions and the after-conference cocktail reception

Practical Insights & Learning

• Learn how AI is being embedded into forecasting, planning, and decision-support workflows through real-world case studies from leading global companies
• Discover practical applications of GenAI, machine learning, and predictive analytics to enhance productivity, scenario planning, and cross-functional alignment
• Gain step-by-step guidance to modernize planning processes, improve forecast accuracy, and drive organizational change
• Master the roadmap to achieving Integrated Business Planning (IBP) and understand how AI accelerates and strengthens the IBP process

Achieve Best-in-Class Performance

• Elevate your organization’s planning and forecasting capabilities with AI-enabled best practices used by top-performing companies
• Benchmark your maturity and receive actionable recommendations to progress toward world-class planning
• Get customized feedback on your unique challenges through interactive sessions and peer discussions

Join us in Scottsdale and gain the AI Edge—a competitive advantage that empowers you to work smarter, plan faster, improve accuracy, and lead your organization into the future of supply chain planning and forecasting.

The Institute of Business Forecasting & Planning – IBF is a membership organization recognized worldwide as the premier full-service provider of S&OP/ IBP, Demand Planning, Forecasting, Business Analytics education, benchmarking research, training, certification, world-class conferences, and advisory services. Since 1982, the IBF has been helping businesses improve their forecasting and planning performance in an effort to enhance growth, optimize supply chains, improve cash-flow and their bottom line. It has been said that no other organization on the globe has as much depth in its services and educational content for S&OP/IBP, Demand Planning & Forecasting as IBF.

Having some of the world’s most well known global companies as its members, the IBF is constantly finding and disseminating better ways to manage demand, improve organizational efficiency, and company performance. By becoming an IBF member, you can ensure that you stay current with proven best practices, link with global professionals facing similar challenges, ascend in your career, and bring your organization to best-in-class levels in performance. The IBF is a pioneer in developing a Demand Planning, Forecasting, and S&OP Certification program that can help boost your credentials, as well as, give management greater confidence in its people. The IBF is known for two levels of certification: Certified Professional Forecaster (CPF®️) and Advanced Certified Professional Forecaster (ACPF®️).

This hands-on workshop cuts through AI hype to focus on the machine learning techniques that power modern demand forecasting. Participants will explore how neural networks learn from demand data, how they compare to traditional regression-based approaches, and where they truly add value—or introduce risk—in forecasting decisions. Through guided exercises using Python, attendees will gain practical experience building and interpreting a simple machine learning –based forecast. The workshop also examines how Large Language Models (LLMs) fit into the forecasting ecosystem as tools that support data preparation, code refinement, and analysis. Attendees will leave with a grounded understanding of how to apply machine learning responsibly in real-world forecasting environments.

Key Topics & Takeaways:

• How machine learning fits within the broader AI landscape for demand forecasting
• Neural networks vs. traditional statistical models: strengths, limitations, and tradeoffs
• When machine learning improves forecast quality and when it can mislead
• Hands-on experience building and interpreting a machine learning–based forecast using Python
• Evaluating model outputs to avoid overconfidence in AI-driven results
• Practical uses of LLMs to support forecasting workflows without replacing judgment
• Integrating human expertise and machine learning to drive better forecasting decisions

"Absolutely enjoyed it, demand planning is the driver for all revenue generation, cost savings & scenario building"
Marbella Herrera, Manager of Demand Planning | Factors Group

"I am taking away some great nuggets from this presentation that has direct application in my current role"
Sania Irshad, Lead Data Scientist | Target

Use what you learn from this conference to become a Certified Professional Forecaster. Simply select the GOLD CPF CERTIFICATION PACKAGE below and gain access to the event, preparation materials, as well as the 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

Benefits For Employees

Benefits For Employers

When you register for the conference, you have the option of earning IBF’s S&OP/ IBP Certificate, which validates your knowledge gained through the program. This digital certificate demonstrates an understanding of the fundamentals of Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and Integrated Business Planning (IBP), and reveals to employers that you have a working knowledge of the associated processes and best practices.

To gain the Certificate you will have 1-hour to take a knowledge check which validates your understanding of the course content. This knowledge check covers the end-to-end planning process and best practices.

Upon successful completion of the knowledge check, you will be awarded with IBF’s internationally recognized S&OP/ IBP Certificate.

This digital certificate is shareable on platforms such as LinkedIn. To get your S&OP/ IBP Certificate, select the ADD-ON: CERTIFICATE IN S&OP/ IBP at checkout.

BENEFITS:

• Get recognized in S&OP/IBP by the leading organization in the field
• Demonstrate to employers that you have a working knowledge of S&OP/ IBP best practices
• Stand out to employers and secure the best remunerated planning roles
• Use the skills gained to improve KPIs including customer service, inventory turns, forecast accuracy, cash flow, revenue, and EBITDA
• Add to your credentials and share your certificate on LinkedIn

When you complete this IBF event, you have the option of earning IBF’s Supply Chain Planning Certificate, which validates your knowledge gained through the program. This digital certificate demonstrates an understanding of the fundamentals of Supply Chain Planning, and reveals to employers that you have a working knowledge of the associated processes and best practices.

To gain the Certificate you will have 1-hour to take a knowledge check which validates your understanding of the course content. This knowledge check covers the end-to-end planning process and best practices.

Upon successful completion of the knowledge check, you will be awarded with IBF’s internationally recognized Supply Chain Planning Certificate.

This digital certificate is shareable on platforms such as LinkedIn. To get your Supply Chain Planning Certificate, click "REGISTER" to "ADD-ON: CERTIFICATE IN SUPPLY CHAIN PLANNING " with your Boot Camp registration.

BENEFITS:

• Get recognized in Supply Chain Planning by the leading organization in the field
• Demonstrate to employers that you have a working knowledge of Supply Chain Planning best practices
• Stand out to employers and secure the best remunerated planning roles
• Use the skills gained to improve KPIs including customer service, inventory turns, forecast accuracy, cash flow, revenue, and EBITDA
• Add to your credentials and share your certificate on LinkedIn