The Top 3 Reasons to Attend Optimal 2021

The countdown is on to Optimal 2021. This is the AI conference for procurement teams, where procurement meets AI to drive innovation and digital transformation.  

Over 55% of companies are making a major AI investment in procurement. If yours is one of those, or you’re leading a push to digitally transform your company’s procurement model, here are the top three reasons why Optimal 2021 is this year’s must-attend event. 

Hear From the World’s Top Procurement Transformation Leaders 

Many of the world’s leading procurement innovators will be part of Optimal 2021. 

You won’t want to miss the keynote by Tien Tzuo. This SaaS trailblazer is the CEO of Zuora, the cloud-based subscription enterprise software pioneer. Join Tien as he discusses how the convergence of SaaS and AI is fueling digital transformation in procurement. 

Other keynote speakers at Optimal 2021 include:

• • • Joanna Martinez, digital transformation thought leader and author of “A Guide to Positive Disruption.”
    • Dr. Elouise Epstein, leading procurement futurist at A.T. Kearny
    • Matthias Schranner, CEO and founder of the Schranner Negotiation Institute
    • Dr. Karsten Machholz, Professor of SCM and Procurement at University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
    • Susan Walsh, founder of The Classification Guru

Learn Best Practices from Peers 

One of the best ways for procurement professionals to gain insights into emerging technology is by hearing from other procurement professionals. At Optimal 2021, practitioners will present case studies of successful AI execution to showcase industry best practices. The Optimal CPO Session “The Business Case for Sourcing Productivity” will feature an expert panel including Maersk’s Jacob Gorm Larsen, Box CPO Linda Chuan and Fareva VP of Procurement Angela Moy in conversation with Kearney’s Dr. Elouise Epstein. Every session includes practical takeaways and process templates.

In addition, industry startups, thought leaders and innovators will be delivering demos and lightning talks. This is the opportunity to see first-hand how AI/ML, the cloud, and other emerging technologies support procurement best practices. 

Only 3 % of procurement leaders feel their staff has the skills to maximize digital and AI. These master classes in AI and digital transformation will allow you to hone your skills using real-world examples, advanced tools, and under the leadership of industry experts. 

At Optimal not only gain practical experience in procurement best practices, but you’ll also gain insights on how to digitally transform your procurement model by leveraging AI. 

Participate in Practical Skills Workshops 

Sometimes the best way to learn is by doing. Optimal 2021 will feature practical skills workshops that allow you to learn and practice new professional skills alongside peers and expert hosts.  

Superboost Your Digital Procurement Journey

Optimal will be a high-impact procurement experience that packs a wealth of innovation, learning, and practical skills into a single day.

From compelling keynote speakers to hands-on practical skills workshops and networking opportunities, there is simply no better way to fast-track the digital transformation of your organization’s procurement model.

And if your company has already begun its journey or even fully adopted digital procurement, you’ll learn how to make the most of the strategy to maximize effectiveness and cost savings. 

Bonus Reason—Earn Continuing Education Credit 

There are many reasons to attend Optimal 2021 that will greatly benefit your organization and its effort to adopt digital procurement. However, there are some more personal reasons as well. 

For one, attending Optimal 2021 can help you to build your professional qualifications. You can receive Continuing Education (CE) and Professional Development (PD) credits for attending. Optimal 2021 isn’t all business: there will also be procurement-themed trivia, raffles, and other fun activities (including a virtual magic show), with great prizes up for grabs—or the option for donations to a charity of your choice. 

Optimal 2021 is a virtual conference (for obvious reasons), so we can’t tempt you with an exotic location and drinks in the lounge, but it’s still an excellent opportunity to get out of your everyday rut, expand your mind, and enjoy the company of your peers.

Space is limited, so save your spot at Optimal 2021 today. Mark the calendar and join us, March 24, 2021.