April 6–9, 2025 | Columbia, Missouri | Hosted by Mizzou Surplus Store
The 24th Annual University Surplus Property Association (USPA) Conference brought together surplus professionals from across the country for a vibrant and knowledge-packed event in Columbia, Missouri. Hosted by the University of Missouri Surplus Store, the conference was a celebration of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability efforts in higher education.
From reconnecting with old friends to meeting new faces, the atmosphere buzzed with energy and anticipation. It was clear from the very start that this year’s conference was going to be something special.
Setting the Tone: “Be a Sponge!”
The first full day of the conference began with a simple but powerful message: Be a sponge!
This theme resonated with everyone—first-time attendees and veterans alike—reminding us that no one holds all the answers. True growth comes from listening, absorbing, and applying the insights shared by peers. Throughout the conference, “Be a Sponge!” became a rallying cry, encouraging open-mindedness and curiosity.
A Day Full of Learning and Inspiration
The learning kicked off with an insightful presentation by Mark Foley of Mizzou Surplus, offering a deep dive into the University of Missouri’s surplus operations. Mark’s transparency about successes and challenges laid a strong foundation for the knowledge-sharing that followed.
Next, Rutgers University’s Mike McDede and Bill Ott discussed secondary revenue streams—a topic that drew plenty of interest as attendees looked for creative ways to boost their operations’ financial health.
John Ishii from Arizona State University showcased his institution’s surplus program, highlighting both triumphs and ongoing challenges, a true testament to USPA’s spirit of candid, real-world sharing.
Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations shared strategies for unlocking hidden value from retired IT assets, while Alex Freid and Grace Bowden from Post-Landfill Action Network (PLAN) presented on critical data, learnings, and feedback from colleges and universities, which turn into actionable sustainability initiatives for campuses across the country.
It was a full day rich with learning, lively discussions, and invaluable takeaways.
Getting to Know Mizzou
The second full day of the conference was dedicated to exploring the host institution. We boarded buses to tour the University of Missouri campus, learning about its deep history and visiting the iconic Columns—remnants of the university’s first building.
Lunch at Faurot Football Field included a great presentation from Dave Bartlett, Director of Systems Engineering for Athletics, who shared how purchasing surplus equipment has saved his department substantial funds.
The highlight of the afternoon was a behind-the-scenes visit to Mizzou Surplus, where attendees got a firsthand look at their operations and retail strategies. And to top it all off, we traveled to Warm Springs Ranch, home of the famous Budweiser Clydesdales, and even met some of the newest foals!
Final Sessions: Growth Through Shared Experience
The last day brought even more insights:
- Todd Tanner from the University of Minnesota shared strategies for growing surplus programs by building strong support from university leadership.
- Denise Worthington from the University of Colorado walked us through the highs and lows of launching storefront surplus operations from scratch.
- GovDeals provided essential advice on handling federal property appropriately.
- Bill Carlson from NC State University offered a moving reflection on how USPA has influenced and elevated their surplus program over the years.
Throughout it all, the recurring theme remained: be open, be adaptable, and—of course—Be a Sponge!
Final Thoughts
Each year, the USPA Conference proves that strong leadership, open collaboration, and a willingness to learn from others are the keys to success in the surplus property field. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a first-time attendee, the connections made and lessons learned here have the power to transform operations and drive sustainability forward.
USPA is more than a conference—it’s a community. And it’s only getting stronger.
Until next year, remember: Be a Sponge!
