June 03 - 04, 2024
The Westin Copley Place, Boston, MA
The Future is Now: Driving Value While Managing The AI Revolution
We will kick off day one of the conference with a group of IT procurement luminaries sharing their thoughts on the current state of IT sourcing and how IT sourcing should respond and evolve in the ever-changing business environment we all live in. Key takeaways will include:
If you’re tired of AI conversations that show no practical use cases that will help you right now, don’t miss this one. Learn how (and why) some IT procurement practitioners have made the journey from AI skeptic to AI champion, and how it’s driving better IT supplier negotiation outcomes. We’ll talk about areas like supplier intelligence where AI is making a meaningful impact on day-to-day IT procurement responsibilities, where practical use cases are heading, and how this translates into world-class IT purchase outcomes.
We’ll kick off our conference day with an exciting keynote designed to pull the best performance out of each and every day! Our opening keynote, Jake French, knows more than most how crippling being forced to change can be. After having his life turned upside down by an unthinkable injury, losing a dream career, then being sidelined again by debilitating pain, Jake has had to become exceptionally good at figuring out how to be stronger than what life throws at us. He designed this presentation for executives who realize the value of adding a personal development element to their procurement strategy.
Key learning objectives include:
• Develop a strategy to make stress impact you less
• Adapt to change faster by creating a habit that helps you innovate
• Become more effective at dealing with adversity on the inside, so that you can be more productive on the outside
The Innovation Theater is a designated space in the solutions zone for short 10 min presentations highlighting the latest technology developments from our industry partners. Grab a seat, an ice-cold beverage, some popcorn and enjoy!
Today’s showtimes are as follows:
Given the size, scope, and entrenched nature of tech ‘megavendors’ it’s easy to take a defeatist attitude during negotiations. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. The team at Medtronic will showcase how they recently negotiated substantial savings with a major software vendor and help you accomplish the same goal. Key takeaways will include:
· How to effectively partner with your VMO to deliver success
· Levers procurement can use when there is no leverage
· How to develop a playbook that shifts the narrative in your negotiations
The AI revolution is upon us – and it seems like you can’t escape the myriad of AI solutions that are bombarding our stakeholders every day. Our team of panelists help provide some structure to this chaos, giving you pointers to take into your next negotiation. Key takeaways include:
· Risks and rewards of using AI-enabled technology in business processes
· Key information you need from suppliers in the negotiation process
· Discerning between hype and reality when it comes to AI
Software support consumes a huge portion of the IT budget. Procurement and sourcing professionals can be champions by sourcing superior, independent software maintenance at about half of the OEM mega-vendor fees - allowing organizations to reallocate funds and resources towards strategic initiatives.
Join this interactive session to learn from your peers how to navigate IT budget challenges and emerge a champion for IT led transformation.
These interactive roundtable sessions take a deep dive into key subject matter you came to learn about. Sit and learn in an intimate format from the speakers who have had an impact on their company and industry. Take control of your own event experience and don’t be shy! Ask questions (or answer them!) alongside other conference attendees who are dealing with the same challenges as you network with industry peers with very similar challenges, interests, and responsibilities.
1. Energy/Utilities Brittany Malowney, IT Portfolio Manager, San Diego Gas and Electric
2. Transforming from a P2P to I2P process Gordon Farley, Senior Procurement Manager, Red Ventures
3. Pharma/Life Sciences
4. Manufacturing/Industrial
5. Financial Services
6. Non-Profit
Our Tech Negotiators Workshops provide procurement practitioners with an opportunity to delve into the details on a challenge facing their procurement team. They’ll collectively discuss the issue with a group of like-minded professionals and subject matter expert. We anticipate these sessions to focus on the following technologies.
In this workshop, attendees will learn about recent changes to Microsoft licensing, how to avoid common pitfalls that lead to overspending, and a fresh look at ways customers can rein in their enterprise Microsoft spend in 2024.
This workshop will discuss the tricks and techniques you need to make the most of your next negotiation with Oracle.
This workshop will discuss the tricks and techniques you need to make the most of your next negotiation with Salesforce.
This workshop will discuss the unique challenges and issues procurement faces when negotiation services related to cybersecurity and IT security.
In this workshop, a leading practitioner will share his perspectives on how best to earn the trust of your IT stakeholders to ensure early engagement.
Feeling overwhelmed with all the pressure/hype/expectations when it comes to using AI?
You won’t be after this engaging workshop which will provide a roadmap on how one leading practitioner integrated AI within their procurement practices.
You’ll also have a chance to swap stories and commiserate on all of the opportunities and challenges AI is bringing to the IT procurement function.
The Innovation Theater is a designated space in the solutions zone for short 10 min presentations highlighting the latest technology developments from our industry partners. Grab a seat, an ice-cold beverage, some popcorn and enjoy!
Today’s showtimes are as follows:
Managing and streamlining Software as a Service (SaaS) spend is crucial for organizations to control costs, optimize usage, and ensure that the investment in SaaS applications aligns with business goals.
This panel will discuss strategies, techniques, and approaches to accomplish just that. Key discussion points will include:
Looking for an extra edge or insight in your next SaaS negotiation?
This group meetup and discussion will give you unparalleled access to two leading experts and a group of sourcing managers to share your story and find solutions you can take back to the office.
Given the always dynamic nature of the IT industry, it’s never been more important to keep up with the latest developments in the IT services and staffing landscape.
This panel will discuss how leading practitioners are seeing in this area so you can incorporate their knowledge in your next negotiation.
This presentation delves into the dire consequences of losing control of a telecom lifecycle. We'll explore the impact of neglecting telecom inventory, contract expirations, stewardship, benchmarking, and the loss of negotiating power (leverage). This talk aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the telecom lifecycle and strategies to regain control.
Looking for an extra edge or insight in your next Contingent Staffing and Professional Services negotiation?
This group meetup and discussion will give you unparalleled access to two leading experts and a group of sourcing managers to share your story and find solutions you can take back to the office.
We’re all familiar with the ‘low hanging fruit’ that can be addressed when starting in a new procurement role or function. From cost savings to process improvement the opportunities can seem endless. However, after you’ve been in your role for a few years and accomplished an initial set of goals, how do you course correct so that you continue to provide value in your role?
This panel of experts will talk through how they’ve continued to reinvent themselves and their programs after their initial gains.
Setting priorities as an IT procurement team involves careful consideration of organizational goals, budget constraints, and the specific needs of different departments. This workshop will give you the opportunity to share leading practices that have helped you and your team break through the ever-increasing workload facing every one of us.
Have a big deal coming up in 2024? It’s time to put up or shut up during our first-ever ProcureCon Shark Tank. Our Shark Tank will be able to review 5 upcoming IT deals. If you’re interested in submitting your deal please contact the event producer, Michael Dunlap at Michael.Dunlap@wbresearch.com
After an inspiring day it’s time to let loose and enjoy the nation’s pastime – ProcureCon style! We’ll have ballpark style, treats, games, and surprises in store as you network and engage with other attendees.