Procurement and supply chain practitioners face a wide range of challenges, including economic uncertainty and technological disruption. Discussions about the implementation of artificial intelligence alone are enough to fill an entire conference.

As organizations navigate these complexities, the need for strategic insights, practical solutions, and meaningful connections has never been greater.

ProcureCon Indirect East 2025 is taking place at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek on September 15-17 in Orlando, Florida. It offers procurement professionals an unparalleled opportunity to address these challenges head-on while advancing their careers and organizations. Here are some of the best reasons to attend the event, and what insights practitioners can expect to leave with.

1. Master AI and Digital Transformation in Procurement

The artificial intelligence revolution has arrived in procurement, but many organizations are still struggling to move from experimentation to meaningful implementation. A study by ProcureCon Insights found that 96% of procurement teams are using AI in some capacity.

However, speakers at ProcureCon Indirect West revealed that only a fraction of procurement teams have generative AI implementations that are particularly meaningful or groundbreaking. Most are still exploring the technology or leveraging similar applications to those of their competitors.

The gap between AI enthusiasm and practical application presents both a challenge and an opportunity that ProcureCon Indirect East 2025 directly addresses.

The conference's comprehensive AI program includes an "AI Checkup" keynote panel that cuts through the hype to explore real, practical applications of AI in indirect procurement today. Attendees will discover how AI is being used for predictive contract compliance monitoring, automated purchase order processing, and personalized procurement recommendations—capabilities that are delivering improvements in productivity, quality, and cost savings.

Key AI Sessions Include:

• Panel on Predictive Analytics and Automation: Learn how leading teams are using AI-driven insights, automation, and real-time decision-making to deliver results
• Meta's Strategic Sourcing Transformation: An interactive case study on "The Future of Sourcing: Moving From Tactical to Strategic Procurement"
• Practical RFP Innovation: Workshops on leveraging technology and AI to modernize RFP processes for better outcomes

With AI adoption in procurement projected to grow rapidly, the insights gained at this conference will be invaluable for organizations looking to gain a competitive edge through intelligent automation.

2. Navigate Economic Uncertainty and Tariff Challenges

Economic volatility has become the new normal, with two-thirds of organizations citing economic downturn and recession as their top concerns. Rising costs, tariff uncertainty, and inflationary pressures are forcing procurement teams to become more strategic and resilient in their approach to cost management.

The conference's opening keynote panel, "Leading Teams Through Uncertain Times," provides a roadmap for making indirect procurement teams a force for positive change amid uncertainty. The session explores how to develop strategies that mitigate the impact of tariffs and evolving regulations while strengthening supplier relationships to ensure cost stability.

Practical Solutions for Economic Challenges:

• Specialized Contract Workshops: Separate sessions for Fortune 500 companies and small/midsized organizations on updating contracts to mitigate tariffs and economic uncertainty
• Strategic Cost Management: Sessions on identifying cost optimization opportunities despite market volatility
• Supplier Relationship Strengthening: Techniques for balancing cost control with supplier relationship management

With savings still in place as one of procurement leaders’ top strategic priorities, these sessions provide essential strategies for maintaining financial performance while building organizational resilience.

3. Unparalleled Networking and Knowledge Exchange

One of the most valuable aspects of ProcureCon Indirect East 2025 is the opportunity to connect with an elite network of procurement professionals facing similar challenges. The conference brings together confirmed speakers from major organizations, including Warner Bros. Discovery, Meta, AstraZeneca, Bayer, and NYU, creating an environment where practitioners can learn directly from industry leaders.

The networking opportunities are designed to maximize meaningful connections:

Structured Networking Formats:

• Interactive Roundtables: Limited to 10-15 participants for deeper engagement and focused discussions
• "Procurement First Aid" Sessions: Practitioner-led roundtables addressing specific challenges like handling sole-source suppliers and expanding team reach
• Category-Specific Roundtables: Covering travel, consulting, IT software, marketing, facilities, and MRO

Exclusive Community Events:

• Women in Procurement Dinner: A celebration of success hosted by ProcureAbility
• CPO Network Sessions: Exclusive gatherings for procurement executives
• LGBTQI Community Meetup: Showcasing diversity leadership in procurement

Research consistently shows that networking is crucial for procurement professionals to establish valuable relationships that drive career advancement and business success. The conference's intimate format and carefully curated attendee list ensure that connections made will be both meaningful and lasting.

4. Addressing Critical Sustainability and ESG Priorities

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are now a key factor in investors’ decisions. The procurement function plays a central role in advancing sustainability. According to one study by SAP, 68% of business leaders believe procurement drives ESG goals.

ProcureCon Indirect East 2025 addresses this critical need through its dedicated "Driving A Sustainable Future" summit, which provides practical strategies for integrating sustainability into procurement processes.

ESG-Focused Sessions Include:

• Greening of Utilities: Key considerations for renewable energy procurement and green contract negotiation
• Sustainable Supplier Management: Incorporating ESG criteria into supplier selection and building partnerships with sustainability-focused vendors
• Managing Scope 3 Emissions: Practical approaches to reducing supply chain emissions and meeting carbon reduction targets

The conference recognizes that sustainable procurement is not just about environmental compliance—it's about building resilient, ethical supply chains that protect reputation while driving long-term value.

According to one study, sustainable products commanded an estimated 18.5% of the consumer-packaged goods market share in some major economies. Multiple studies have shown that consumers are willing to drop brands that have unsustainable practices or other practices that they are morally opposed to.

For these reasons, the ESG insights gained at this conference are essential for business sustainability.

5. Comprehensive Coverage of Indirect Procurement Categories

Indirect spend typically represents 10-20% of revenue for most organizations, McKinsey & Company says. However, it often receives less strategic attention than direct procurement. ProcureCon Indirect East 2025 addresses this gap by providing comprehensive coverage of indirect procurement categories, ensuring attendees leave with actionable strategies for all areas of their spend portfolio.

Category-Specific Deep Dives:

• Day 2 Interactive Roundtables: Focused sessions on travel, consulting/professional services, contingent labor, IT software, logistics, marketing, facilities, and MRO
• Tail Spend Management: Workshops on "Taking Charge Of Tail Spend Management And Driving Results," exploring how AI, automation, and digital marketplaces are transforming low-value, high-volume procurement
• Specialized Tracks: Content tailored for different organizational sizes and maturity levels

Strategic Innovation Focus:

• RFP Modernization: Sessions on adapting RFP processes for innovation and strategic value creation
• Generational Workforce Management: Addressing the reality of managing up to five generations in today's workforce
• Supplier Relationship Excellence: Moving beyond transactional relationships to strategic partnerships

The conference's comprehensive approach ensures that whether you're managing a Fortune 500 procurement organization or leading a smaller team, you'll find relevant, actionable insights that can be immediately applied to drive results.

Don’t Miss ProcureCon Indirect East 2025

ProcureCon Indirect East 2025 represents more than just another procurement conference—it's a strategic investment in your professional development and organizational success. With over 25 years of conference expertise, the event provides a unique combination of cutting-edge insights, practical solutions, and meaningful networking opportunities that address the most pressing challenges facing procurement professionals today.

From mastering AI implementation to navigating economic uncertainty, from building sustainable supply chains to optimizing indirect spend categories, this conference delivers the comprehensive toolkit needed to excel in today's rapidly evolving procurement landscape. The practitioner-focused approach ensures that every session, every conversation, and every connection made will contribute to your ability to drive strategic value for your organization.

Register for the event today and sign up your entire team to save.