If you’re sitting at your desk reading this, chances are you are not one of the more than 250 supply and contract management executives that have joined me at the Procuri Empower 2007 conference.

The three-day event, which kicks off in earnest today, showcases some of industry’s leading professionals and luminaries tackling topics ranging from sustainable supply strategies to Software-as-a-Service to the impact of globalization on supply and contract management operations.

On the mainstage this morning, Salesforce.com President Jim Steele will examine corporate responsibility and SaaS in the era of globalization. Building on this theme, executives from Microsoft and Kellogg’s will reveal how their companies have turned environmentally and socially responsible business and supply management practices into profits.

Retired Lieutenant General and Sears’ former EVP of Supply Chain Gus Pagonis will kick off tomorrow’s showcase with his world-renowned insights for leadership and supply chain management in the global arena. The General will be followed by an equally impressive panel moderated by Purchasing Magazine Editor in Chief Paul Teague and consisting of Chief Procurement Officers from Barclay’s, National City Corporation, and Alliance Bernstein.

In addition, more than 40 supply and contract management professionals will be leading 25 breakout tracks on practical techniques and real-world approaches for strategic sourcing spend analysis, contract management, supplier management, and procure-to-pay success.

I will be sharing some of the best-practices and highlights from the conference in the coming weeks. Until then, listen to the podcast snapshots of some of the key presentations. And know that you will be missed.