Clayton Thomas

Between the change in administration and the ever-changing IT and business landscape it’s never been a more challenging and exciting time to be in the IT Procurement profession. We’ll be kicking the day off with a high-energy panel that discusses the business and technology trends that are impacting the IT Procurement profession and detail out where leading procurement teams must act in order to stay relevant. Key areas of discussion will include:

• Current State of AI – is it generating AI or are we experiencing AI Burnout?
• Key regulatory impacts to date from the new administration
• What risks should IT procurement leaders be concerned about in 2025?
• Where should IT procurement teams focus their resources and headcount to make the most impact?

These interactive category roundtable sessions take a deep dive into the specific areas you came to talk 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. Sole-Source Procurement Events Clayton Thomas, Sr Manager Category Management & Systems Procurement, HF Sinclair Corporation
2. IT Cost Benchmarking – Using Third Party Research To Your Advantage Without Breaking The Bank Andreas Jones, VP, Strategic Sourcing, Fulton Bank
3. Reassessing the Three-Year Contract Term  Vidya Murthy, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Finance, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
4. IT Contingent Labor Jacob Becker,  Procurement Regional Category Team Manager, Indirect Procurement – IT & Professional Services, Syngenta
5. Microsoft Negotiation Strategies And Tips (Advanced/Experienced Level ONLY) Sharon Seaman, Senior IT Sourcing Leader, GE Aerospace
6. Cybersecurity Risks and Contract Provisions  Brian Horvath, IT Contracts Manager, Digital Technology Sourcing, The Sherwin-Williams Company
7. Lone Wolf/Small Procurement Teams  Patrick Krimm Sr. Manager, Indirect Procurement, Jack in the Box
8. Elevating Your Role To A Business Partner  Avi Miller, Group Director – Strategic Procurement: IT, Digital, Professional Services, Insights & Media, Chanel