Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Innovation, Growth, and Value for Our Members

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the major events and on-going developments that are shaping the work of our community. We exist for our members; your success is our purpose. As we reflect on the last year, ‘operational overload’ continues as a defining theme: 

• Geopolitical tensions have increased contractual risks and renegotiations, plus driving the search for new sources of supply. 
• Regulatory reform continues to increase risk and add to the complexity of our contracts. 
• Sanctions and Trade Policies require adjustments in global contracts, especially in energy and technology sectors. 
• Climate Regulations drive the need for sustainability clauses in contracts. 
• Extreme weather events disrupt supply and force renegotiation and change. 
• Artificial intelligence creating a need for innovation and unknown challenges and opportunities for CCM. 
• Supply chain disruptions, cybersecurity threats … the list goes on! 

So, what have we been doing to help you address all these challenges? As we prepare to step into 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on an extraordinary year for World Commerce & Contracting (WorldCC). This has been a year of innovation, growth, and global impact for the Association – all focused on equipping you with the tools, knowledge, and connections to thrive in the fast-evolving and complex world of commerce and contracting. 

Every achievement we’ve celebrated in 2024 was made with you, our members, and the complexity and volatility we all operate within, in mind. Let’s look at the highlights and how they’ve delivered value to our global community. 

Transforming Learning: A Certification Program Designed for Your Success 

The evolution of our Commercial and Contract Management Certification Program was a landmark moment in 2024. With its refreshed structure, this program was reimagined to help you stay ahead in an increasingly complex global landscape. This refresh combines our latest research and insights with cutting-edge learning methodologies. 

Our holistic approach ensures that professionals not only master technical skills but also excel in leadership, adaptability, and relationship management. 

For those seeking to grow their careers, build influence, or enhance organizational performance, this program is designed to empower you to make a tangible impact. The overwhelmingly positive feedback we’ve received tells us we’re on the right track, and we’re proud to see so many of you achieving new heights through this program. 

Collaborating Globally: A Standard That Works for You 

Through our collaboration with the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), we established three international working groups to transform the Contract Management Standard into a globally relevant framework. 

What does this mean for you? It’s about alignment, consistency, and accessibility. The improved standard reflects the realities of today’s CCM landscape, ensuring that best practices resonate across industries and regions. This collaborative effort ensures that wherever you are in the world, you have access to a standard that elevates the profession and enhances your ability to succeed. 

Nurturing Future Talent: Creating the Leaders You Need 

This year, the Student Connect Program helped tackle the talent gap in the CCM field. By bridging academia and industry, we’ve worked to build a stronger pipeline of future professionals. 

For our member organizations, this means access to a pool of emerging talent that understands the unique demands of CCM roles. For our student members, it means discovering a meaningful career path in a growing field. Together, we’re investing in the future of CCM—a future that directly benefits your teams and organizations. 

Harnessing the Power of AI: Making Knowledge Work for You 

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword—it’s reshaping how we work. This year, we took the lead with our AI insights and innovations, giving you practical guidance on how to navigate this transformative technology. 

At our Atlanta Conference, we introduced “Ask Tim,” a proof of concept demonstrating how AI can make WorldCC’s 25 years of research, learning content, and articles easily accessible. Imagine having all that expertise at your fingertips, ready to support your decisions and drive efficiency. It’s just one way we’re using technology to make your membership even more valuable. 

Practical Tools for Your Day-to-Day: Tips & Checklists 

Contract management can be complex, but our new Tips & Checklists series aims to simplify it. These resources were created to provide you with actionable guidance on common challenges, helping you save time and improve outcomes. 

Whether you’re negotiating terms, managing risk, or ensuring compliance, these tools are here to support your success. 

Expanding Our Reach: Australian Government Partnership 

This year, we were honored to be selected by the Australian Government as a provider of training and certification for their procurement and contract management communities. 

For our members, this recognition underscores the global credibility of our programs. It means that when you engage with WorldCC, you’re accessing knowledge and certification that governments and leading organizations trust to deliver measurable results. 

Leading-Edge Research: Insights You Can Use 

WorldCC’s research continues to deliver actionable insights to our members. This year, our publications—including Most Negotiated Terms 2024 and Purpose of Contracts—shed light on critical trends and priorities shaping the future of commerce and contracting. 

These reports are more than just reading material; they’re tools to help you negotiate smarter, manage risk better, and demonstrate value in your role. 

Global Connections: Events That Build Your Network 

Our global events calendar was packed with opportunities for you to connect, learn, and grow. From three major summits to our extensive webinar series, every event was designed to give you access to the latest insights and a community of like-minded professionals. 

The India roadshow was a particular highlight, showcasing how we’re deepening our engagement with CCM professionals around the world. If you attended any of these events, we hope you left feeling inspired, informed, and equipped to tackle new challenges. 

Recognition That Reflects Your Excellence 

Being named the International Association of the Year in the 2024 Association Excellence Awards is a shared achievement. It’s a testament to the strength of our community and the dedication of our members. This award reinforces the value of being part of a global association that leads with purpose and innovation. 

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for You in 2025? 

As we look to 2025, our theme, “Reimagining Contracts and Negotiations: Laying the Foundations for Resilience,” reflects our continued focus on helping you navigate an ever-changing world. 

From new tools and research to initiatives that prioritize negotiation, risk management, and career growth, we are committed to delivering what you need to succeed. Be sure to join our New Year webinar series, where we’ll reflect on 2024 and unveil what’s coming in 2025—including an exciting big reveal in January that you won’t want to miss.

A Heartfelt Thank You 

Everything we’ve achieved this year has been with you in mind. Your engagement, feedback, and trust are what drive us to keep innovating and delivering value. Together, we are shaping a resilient, inclusive, and forward-thinking CCM community. 

Here’s to what has been a fantastic 2024 and to an even brighter 2025. We can’t wait to continue this journey with you! 

Warm regards, 

Sally Guyer 

Global CEO, World Commerce & Contracting