A world first digital think-tank, amplified by social media announces global thought-leaders:

• Chris Lynch, Finance Director and CFO, Rio Tinto 
• David Noble, Group CEO, CIPS
• Professor Jules Goddard, London Business School 
• Chris Sawchuk,  Principal and Global Procurement Advisory Practice Leader, The Hackett Group
• Sigi Osagie, Author – Procurement Mojo 

The world’s first digitally led conference for the procurement profession, Procurious Big Ideas Summit 2015, is now open for digital delegates to participate via social media. 

Planned as a unique think tank event by Procurious, the chief business social network for procurement and supply chain professionals, Big Ideas Summit will draw on 40 of the world brightest minds from established thought-leaders, senior business leaders and commentators to discuss outside-of-the-box cost solutions. 

The aim of Big Ideas is to inspire a new generation of business intrapreneurs to drive innovation and change in large organisations. Structured around three topics - risk, people and technology, the event aims to change the world’s mind about cost and tease out solutions which will drive competitive advantage, agility in unstable markets and long term value for organisations. 

The face-to-face component of the event will take place in London on 30 April 2015, however, with ideas and content amplified through Procurious, more than 4,500 procurement professionals from across the globe can submit questions to speakers in advance as well as tune in, learn and participate in real time. 

Confirmed Big Ideas Keynote speaker Chris Lynch, CFO Rio Tinto suggested cost and value are the most pertinent themes in this day and age for businesses and procurement professionals alike: 

“Markets are experiencing major volatility and companies need to respond,” said Mr Lynch. 

“Entire organisations will need to be motivated to achieve maximum agility. Cost structures must be optimised. Incremental change is not enough. We need people with the courage to lead comprehensive change and the Big Ideas Summit is a great way to motivate such people to excel.”

In addition to Chris Lynch, a high calibre of thought leaders and keynote speakers have been announced, including: 

• David Noble, Group  CEO, CIPS
• Chris Sawchuk,  Principal and Global Procurement Advisory Practice Leader, The Hackett Group
• Professor Jules Goddard, London School of Business
• Professor Olinga Ta’eed, Director Centre of Citizenship, Enterprise & Governance 
• Giles Breault, Founder and Director, The Beyond Group

Tania Seary, Founder of Procurious, felt the notion of connecting global thought-leaders with everyday procurement professionals across the globe is what makes this event so provoking:

“We already know that social media can be used to create a global stir,” said Ms Seary. “But this is a first for procurers to use this channel to connect, start meaningful conversations and ultimately drive change within their organisations, the profession and their own careers.”

Supported by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) and  The Hackett Group, the digitally-led project will cover the biggest trends impacting procurement and business bottom lines: Risk – mitigation and management, Technology – new tools to access information and People & Careers – building elite procurement teams and embracing intrepreneurship.

Attendance at the Summit in London is by invitation only. Procurement professionals from across the global can sign up for this world first event through Procurious. For more information and to register visit: www.bigideassummit.com

As keynote sessions will be captured on film and easily downloaded exclusively on Procurious, digital delegates can also access a host of blogs, interviews and video content following the event.

More information on Big Ideas Summit 2015: 

When: 30 April 2015

Where: 40 invited guests and speakers will be in physical attendance at The Ham Yard Hotel, London. However more than 4,500 digital delegates from across the globe will be able to connect, contribute and stay up to-date via the Procurious platform.

Sponsors: Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply and The Hackett Group

How does the event work? 

From the comfort of their offices or even lounge-rooms, professionals can connect with the Summit’s invited guests and speakers through Procurious. The growing 4,500 member online Procurious community will be able to submit questions online, access exclusive content and participate in follow-up Q&A digital forums.  Procurious’ Twitter, Google+, Facebook, LinkedIn and Blog channels will also be used to amplify Big Ideas throughout the global procurement community.  

What will be covered? 

Under the theme of changing perceptions about cost, the event aims to develop creative, cost-conscious leaders who can develop break-through solutions to reduce costs, add value and influence whole organisations to get “on the bus” and spend every dollar as if it were their own. 

About Procurious

Built by a seasoned group of procurement professionals, Procurious is an online business network for a new generation of procurement and supply chain professionals. It’s a hub for them to advance their careers, develop their skills and expand their professional networks. Procurious has been developed by a group of seasoned procurement professionals for current and future generations of ‘Procurers’. Procurious aims to empower our future procurement leaders and change the face of the profession from the inside out.  

Procurious at a glance: 

• 4500+ members
• Across 100+ countries
• Members come from the globe’s leading organisations including: Shell, Apple, HSBC, Rio Tinto, Qantas Airways and General Electric

For more information visit: www.procurious.com 

Media contacts

Lisa Malone, General Manager Procurious: +44 7437 357 016

Lisa.malone@thefaculty.com.au 

Tim Lele or Maggie Stergiopoulos at Keep Left: +613 9268 7800 

Tim@keepleft.com.au 

Maggie@keepleft.com.au