In a world where trade conflicts, political instability and supply bottlenecks are the new reality, reactive risk minimisation is no longer enough. What is needed is proactive resilience - and therefore procurement that not only monitors geopolitical developments, but also anticipates and strategically prepares for them at an early stage.

In this panel, leading procurement managers will discuss how to set up early warning systems, model scenarios and make their organisations more resilient - technologically, structurally and culturally.

What does it take to turn resilience from a buzzword into a real management task? How can supply chains be kept stable and adaptable despite global uncertainties? And how do procurement, risk management and top management work together today to be prepared for the unexpected?

A panel with practical strategies, honest lessons learnt and a clear view of what can - and will - come.

Artificial intelligence, blockchain, autonomous systems: Purchasing is facing radical change. But what is vision, what is already reality - and what is really changing the game? In this panel, industry experts give a trenchant preview of the next five years in procurement. We will discuss how AI is changing procurement negotiations, how smart tools are creating real added value - and where humanity remains irreplaceable. A realistic look at trends, tools and tipping points, beyond the buzzword bingo - for all those who not only want to accompany change, but also shape it.

Everyone is talking about data - but procurement is often still stuck in the Excel trap. Why is the leap from pure data collection to genuine decision-making intelligence so rare? This panel sheds light on the challenges on the way to data-driven procurement: from outdated systems and a lack of integration to culture and processes. And above all: what does it take for procurement analytics, robotic process automation and data lakes to finally turn procurement into a strategic sparring partner and driver of innovation? An honest and practical deep dive into the data-driven future of procurement.

Digital procurement is at a crossroads: centralised platforms, modular best-of-breed solutions or in-house developments? Many companies are currently overhauling their tool landscapes - in parallel to migrating to new ERP systems or by introducing specialised procurement applications. But how can the strategic reorganisation succeed without falling into the complexity trap? In this panel, procurement managers will discuss architecture decisions, governance issues and how much standardisation and flexibility procurement really needs today.
The panellists will also report openly on their own developments, restructuring and lessons learned in practice.

 When algorithms meet algorithms: Do humans still negotiate at all?
Two purchasing managers, two perspectives, one common challenge: In a world where AI-based systems increasingly prepare or even make decisions, the question arises as to whether negotiation is still a core human competence – or whether it is being shifted from machine to machine. In a fireside chat, experienced practitioners discuss how negotiations are changing in the digital age, where humans remain irreplaceable – and when we may only be spectators when AI negotiates with AI.

What really drives the leading minds in international procurement at the moment - and how are they tackling it? In our exclusive Fireside Chat, we bring three global CPOs on stage to open their doors and take us on a journey through ongoing transformation processes, strategic decisions and operational challenges.

In a 15-minute talk with our moderator, each CPO will talk about their own key topic - from digitalisation and resilience to sustainable supply chains. It's not just about visions, but about real insights: Where do they currently stand? What hurdles did (or do) they have to overcome? What has worked - and what hasn't?

This international deep dive provides inspiration, tangible learnings and a rare glimpse behind the scenes of global procurement strategies.

How can sustainable procurement succeed in markets where social, environmental and economic standards often diverge widely? In this Fireside Chat, experienced procurement managers talk openly about the reality behind ESG targets, local challenges and regulatory pressure. It's about conflicting goals, pragmatic solutions and the balancing act between sustainability requirements and security of supply. An honest exchange about what sounds good on PowerPoint - and requires real commitment in practice.

Future technologies, Gen Z, regulations, cost pressure, global teams, remote work and greater diversity – the procurement of the future must fulfil many roles and expectations. But with new working models and expectations, it is not only the how that is changing, but also the why:

What do others actually think about procurement? What role does it play in modern companies – and how can it be positioned as a strong brand and cultural force in order to remain attractive to talent in the long term?
This panel will examine how successful purchasing organisations deal with the various requirements – and why purchasing needs a new self-image in order to become strategically visible.
The discussion will focus on how to create a sustainable mission statement for procurement, how leadership needs to change – and how we as an industry can convey an authentic, modern image of procurement both internally and externally.

Match schedule, season logic, event pressure: in professional football, purchasing has to do more than just negotiate good conditions. How do clubs organise their procurement around match days, contracts and spontaneous requirements? Purchasing managers provide an insight into an industry in which planning and flexibility come together in the tightest of spaces.