Why do IT services cost what they do, and where’s the proof? Too often, procurement teams are left benchmarking against peers while vendors offer little clarity—and even less data—on their pricing models. Tariffs, AI, and cloud adoption are cited as reasons for increases, but the true impact on your partnership is rarely explained. This session challenges the black box approach, giving you strategies to demand real transparency, cut through vague justifications, and secure vendor relationships built on accountability and tangible value.

• Separate legitimate cost drivers (AI, cloud, tariffs) from inflated justifications
• Benchmark smarter by pairing peer insights with hard vendor data
• Build vendor relationships rooted in clarity, fairness, and measurable value

As data centers evolve to support cloud, edge, and AI workloads, IT procurement professionals are increasingly central to their success. This panel explores how sourcing decisions influence data center performance, sustainability, and innovation. Experts will share insights on navigating vendor ecosystems, integrating ESG goals, and balancing cost with long-term value. Attendees will gain actionable strategies for contract negotiation, supplier management, and aligning procurement with infrastructure goals.

• Procurement’s role in data center design and scalability
• ESG and energy efficiency in sourcing decisions
• Contracting for hybrid cloud, colocation, and edge services
• Trends in hardware, software, and service procurement