Geopolitical uncertainty, a move towards protectionism and environmental disasters have put pressure on procurement to reconfigure their global supply chains to minimise risk and increase security of supply. Is bringing the production of goods and products closer to the point of supply the answer? Is the example being set in Mexico going to be replicated in Europe? And what is the likely long-term impact on supply chains? CIPS' global economist will share new data from our recent State of Supply report and present his thoughts for the future.

Your organisation is only as cyber-secure as your supply chain. The frequency and severity of cyber-attacks are accelerating at pace, and procurement leaders must ensure their supply chain remains resilient. How are high-profile organisations responding? Where are the emerging risks? What should you be doing to prepare? On this panel: an internal lead safeguarding a defence and aerospace giant; and a leading IoT and cyber expert.

In a world marked by geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, and climate challenges, the traditional supply chain model is facing unprecedented pressures. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for building resilient and adaptive supply chains. How are current geopolitical events reshaping global supply chains – and what’s coming down the track? In what ways might economic instability impact procurement planning? How is the global shipping community responding to uncertain times? This session brings together experts to dissect the global picture and help procurement and supply professionals navigate the multifaceted challenges they face.

Localising your supply chain and engaging SMEs has emerged as a key strategic approach to building resilience. Strengthening local supplier networks not only enhances supply chain stability, but also supports local economies and fosters innovation. How easy is this to do though? What are the specific benefits of engaging with local suppliers and what challenges might you face? How can you ensure that localisation and using SMEs doesn’t open up new risks in your supply chain? Hear from an inspiring project where local suppliers were a prerequisite from the start and have been fundamental to success, and learn the critical considerations when building a resilient supply chain through local partnerships from an expert tech provider.

The choices facing procurement and supply professionals can be excruciatingly complex. How do you balance multiple stakeholder interests? What’s most important: cost or environmental impact? Speed or reliability? In this keynote address, hear from one of the world’s pre-eminent ethical thinkers about navigating complexity in uniquely turbulent conditions.

Diversity comes in many forms. People who are neurodivergent or who come from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds can face significant obstacles in building a career. Is procurement and supply truly accessible to everyone? Is your organisation reaching into all corners of society to find great talent? How diverse is your own thinking? In this inspirational conversation, you will hear from procurement professionals who have faced adversity and, through careers in procurement, altered the trajectory of their lives.

Public procurement is changing. The new Procurement Act will “shake up the UK’s outdated system”, says the government. But where will public-sector professionals see the most immediate change? How should you be preparing your teams? And what new skills will public-sector procurement professionals need? Hear from a panel of public-sector procurement professionals and experts at the sharp end of the new legislation.

Imagine if purpose were at the core of every project you worked on – what could be achieved? The development of emergency vaccination programmes require purpose beyond measure to achieve success, as demonstrated by a global pandemic. Working at the heart of vaccine manufacturing operations, Alice Kan has important lessons to share from her experiences – lessons that will resonate strongly with the daily challenges faced by procurement and supply professionals. How do you best communicate with data and keep stakeholder’s attentions? How do you get the right people around the table to make decisions? Listen to a unique perspective of operating during Covid and be inspired by how purpose can be the driver of success for your own projects.