2026 Agenda
Event Schedule
- 11 March - Conference Day One
- 12 March - Conference Day Two
- 10 March - Pre-conference Masterclass
Day/Stream
- Day/Stream
- 11 March - Conference Day One
- 12 March - Conference Day Two
- 10 March - Pre-conference Masterclass
Session Type
- Session Type
- Break
- Panel Discussion
- Fireside Chat
- Masterclass
- Roundtables
- Case Study
Time
- Time
- Morning
- Midday
- Afternoon
- Night
Super Early Bird Pricing - Ends 12 December
09:00
Masterclass
10 March - Pre-conference Masterclass
Masterclass A: Mastering Negotiation Skills – the Cornerstone of Procurement Success
Moderator
Bronwyn Williams
Keynote Speaker, Mentor & PhD Researcher
10 March - Pre-conference Masterclass
Masterclass
Masterclass A: Mastering Negotiation Skills – the Cornerstone of Procurement Success
09:00
Whether you're securing a high-stakes deal, advocating for a promotion, or navigating the complexities of cross-functional collaboration, negotiation is a fundamental business skill that can shape your career trajectory
Through practical strategies, real-world scenarios, and expert facilitation, this highly interactive session will equip you with the tools to advocate for yourself and your ideas, unlock new opportunities, and drive better outcomes for your organisation and career.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this masterclass, you’ll walk away with a renewed sense of confidence, a clear set of actionable strategies, and a framework for approaching every negotiation, big or small, with purpose and skill.
Through practical strategies, real-world scenarios, and expert facilitation, this highly interactive session will equip you with the tools to advocate for yourself and your ideas, unlock new opportunities, and drive better outcomes for your organisation and career.
Learning Outcomes:
- Examining the core principles of effective negotiation and how to apply them in both formal and informal settings
- Exploring proven techniques for managing nerves, overcoming imposter syndrome, and approaching negotiations with calm self-assurance
- Developing strategies to handle pushback, conflict, and high-pressure discussions with professionalism and poise
- Learning how to assess what you bring to the table, identify leverage points, and position your value to others persuasively
- Discovering how to achieve your goals while maintaining respect, trust, and collaboration with peers and stakeholders
- Identifying your personal negotiation style, adapting it to different scenarios, and building a flexible toolkit that works across contexts
By the end of this masterclass, you’ll walk away with a renewed sense of confidence, a clear set of actionable strategies, and a framework for approaching every negotiation, big or small, with purpose and skill.
Moderator
Bronwyn Williams
Keynote Speaker, Mentor & PhD Researcher
09.00
Masterclass
10 March - Pre-conference Masterclass
Masterclass B: AI Toolbox for Procurement Professionals
Moderator
Dave Timm
Chief Executive Officer
Red Marble AI
Red Marble AI
10 March - Pre-conference Masterclass
Masterclass
Masterclass B: AI Toolbox for Procurement Professionals
09.00
Procurement professionals are increasingly being asked to understand and apply artificial intelligence, yet many feel unsure where to start. With so much hype around AI, the challenge is to separate what is useful from what is unrealistic, and to build confidence in using AI-enabled tools for everyday procurement tasks.
This one-day masterclass provides a practical, hands-on introduction to AI concepts, demonstrates their applications in the procurement lifecycle, and equips attendees with the skills to experiment safely and confidently.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this masterclass, attendees will have the knowledge and confidence to engage with AI, identify where it can make their work easier, and use it in ways that add value while staying compliant with government standards.
Whether you are drafting documents, evaluating suppliers, or reporting on contract performance, this session will reveal how AI can become a trusted part of your procurement toolbox.
This one-day masterclass provides a practical, hands-on introduction to AI concepts, demonstrates their applications in the procurement lifecycle, and equips attendees with the skills to experiment safely and confidently.
Learning Outcomes:
- Examining the main categories of AI tools relevant to government procurement
- Analysing how AI can support tasks such as drafting RFx documents, identifying supplier risks, automating scoring, and streamlining reporting
- Working through demonstrations of accessible AI applications, giving attendees a chance to experiment with tools in a guided environment
- Understanding common pitfalls, including data quality issues, bias, and over-reliance on automation, while learning to use AI responsibly
- Building a set of techniques and recommended tools that can be immediately applied to everyday procurement activities
By the end of this masterclass, attendees will have the knowledge and confidence to engage with AI, identify where it can make their work easier, and use it in ways that add value while staying compliant with government standards.
Whether you are drafting documents, evaluating suppliers, or reporting on contract performance, this session will reveal how AI can become a trusted part of your procurement toolbox.
Moderator
Dave Timm
Chief Executive Officer
Red Marble AI
Red Marble AI
08:15
11 March - Conference Day One
Registration and Welcome coffee
08:50
11 March - Conference Day One
Opening remarks from the chair
Speaker
Speakers
Charlotte Payne
General Manager
CIPS Australia & New Zealand
CIPS Australia & New Zealand
09:00
Case Study
11 March - Conference Day One
Procurement transformation in practice: smarter policies, stronger tools, better outcomes not paths - lessons in growth, rejection and resilience
Speaker
Speakers
Tod Cooper
Director Procurement
Department of Corrections NZ
Department of Corrections NZ
11 March - Conference Day One
Case Study
Procurement transformation in practice: smarter policies, stronger tools, better outcomes not paths - lessons in growth, rejection and resilience
09:00
Join the Director of Procurement at Corrections NZ for an in-depth examination of how the department has transformed its procurement operations, the tools and policies introduced to develop a best-in-class procurement function, and the impact such changes can have on supplier relationships. Attendees will gain practical insights into replicable elements they can take back to their own organisations to improve efficiency, compliance, and overall results.
- Redesigning procurement frameworks to improve efficiency and reduce duplication in day-to-day operations
- Leveraging stronger policies and smarter tools to build transparency and strengthen supplier relationships
- Implementing practical steps to immediately improve compliance and deliver measurable results
Speaker
Speakers
Tod Cooper
Director Procurement
Department of Corrections NZ
Department of Corrections NZ
09:30
11 March - Conference Day One
Partner presentation
09:50
11 March - Conference Day One
Making CPR reforms work for you: simplifying workflows, cutting red tape & boosting supplier participation
Speaker
Speakers
Racheal Kuczma
First Assistant Secretary – Commercial Division
Defence Australia
Defence Australia
11 March - Conference Day One
Making CPR reforms work for you: simplifying workflows, cutting red tape & boosting supplier participation
09:50
Procurement teams often view reforms as extra layers of red tape. This presentation shows how agencies can cut duplication, align workflows, and use reforms as a catalyst for innovation and stronger supplier participation, while simultaneously examining the latest CPR changes.
- Interpreting CPR updates in plain language and applying them in practical ways that reduce, rather than add, complexity
- Examining real world examples of agencies that have removed duplication, aligned workflows, and designed faster approval pathways while maintaining probity
- Spotlighting how reforms can modernise evaluation criteria, encourage innovation, and open doors for SMEs and Indigenous suppliers
Speaker
Speakers
Racheal Kuczma
First Assistant Secretary – Commercial Division
Defence Australia
Defence Australia
10:20
Break
11 March - Conference Day One
Morning Tea & Networking
10:50
Panel Discussion
11 March - Conference Day One
Panel discussion: How can government procurement teams cut red tape without losing probity?
Moderator
Coretta Bessi
Chair - Government Procurement Board
ACT Government
Managing Director
CT Procurement Solutions
ACT Government
Managing Director
CT Procurement Solutions
Speaker
Speakers
Emma Molloy
Chief Procurement Officer
iCare
iCare
Lorna Elisei
Contract Management Specialist
Victoria Legal Aid
Victoria Legal Aid
Rozana Sabrin
Procurement Specialist
City of Ryde
City of Ryde
11 March - Conference Day One
Panel Discussion
Panel discussion: How can government procurement teams cut red tape without losing probity?
10:50
This interactive panel discussion explores how procurement teams can simplify processes and approvals while keeping probity, compliance, and accountability intact.
- Where do procurement teams face the most unnecessary duplication or delays in current workflows, and how can they be reduced?
- What practical approaches have agencies and departments used to simplify approvals without undermining probity or transparency?
- How can technology or data tools help streamline compliance tasks while improving oversight?
- What cultural or leadership changes are needed to encourage efficiency while still upholding accountability standards?
Moderator
Coretta Bessi
Chair - Government Procurement Board
ACT Government
Managing Director
CT Procurement Solutions
ACT Government
Managing Director
CT Procurement Solutions
Speaker
Speakers
Emma Molloy
Chief Procurement Officer
iCare
iCare
Lorna Elisei
Contract Management Specialist
Victoria Legal Aid
Victoria Legal Aid
Rozana Sabrin
Procurement Specialist
City of Ryde
City of Ryde
11:30
Case Study
11 March - Conference Day One
Breaking silos: how the ACT is aligning departments & suppliers to deliver a complex multi-agency procurement project
Speaker
Speakers
Eric Flynn
Senior Director – Office for Women & Youth Engagement
ACT Government
ACT Government
11 March - Conference Day One
Case Study
Breaking silos: how the ACT is aligning departments & suppliers to deliver a complex multi-agency procurement project
11:30
The ACT Government’s Free Period Products Program is a highly complex, multi-agency initiative combining legislative change, budget allocation, procurement & supply chain management, and community engagement, all across multiple departments and suppliers. Erin Flynn will share the challenges faced, lessons learned, and takeaways for other government procurement teams.
- What approaches work best for aligning different departmental needs and approvals in a whole of government program?
- How do you maintain efficiency and consistency when multiple stakeholders are involved in procurement design and delivery?
- What lessons from the program can be applied to other socially focused procurement initiatives?
- How can procurement leaders build capability to manage complex projects without slowing down outcomes?
Speaker
Speakers
Eric Flynn
Senior Director – Office for Women & Youth Engagement
ACT Government
ACT Government
12:00
Break
11 March - Conference Day One
Networking Lunch
Rethinking & Achieving Supplier Diversity
13:00
11 March - Conference Day One
Building genuine supplier diversity and strengthening trust in government procurement
Speaker
Speakers
Michelle Robinson
Director - Sourcing
Transport for NSW
Transport for NSW
11 March - Conference Day One
Building genuine supplier diversity and strengthening trust in government procurement
13:00
This session explores the real challenges facing supplier diversity in Australia, from structural barriers and supplier capacity to risks of misrepresentation and low visibility. Attendees will learn practical approaches to ensure diversity initiatives deliver measurable community and economic impact while reinforcing integrity and public trust.
- Examining how government procurement can support Indigenous businesses, social enterprises, and other diverse suppliers to scale up and compete for larger and more complex government contracts
- Understanding why strong verification processes are essential to prevent fraudulent claims of ownership and ensure that diversity programs deliver genuine benefits
- Determining the practical steps procurement teams can take to improve awareness of qualified suppliers, expand networks, and lower barriers to entry for small and regional businesses
Speaker
Speakers
Michelle Robinson
Director - Sourcing
Transport for NSW
Transport for NSW
13:30
11 March - Conference Day One
Partner presentation
13:50
Panel Discussion
11 March - Conference Day One
How can procurement teams overcome the most challenging obstacles to partnering with Indigenous suppliers?
Moderator
Madeleine Taylor
Senior Director – Property, Procurement & Programs
ACT Courts & Tribunals
ACT Courts & Tribunals
Speaker
Speakers
Deb Barwick
Chairperson & Executive Officer
NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (NSWICC)
NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (NSWICC)
Fern Lees
Director – Procurement & Contracting
IP Australia
IP Australia
Heike Rietzschel
Procurement Manager
Scenic Rim Regional Council
Scenic Rim Regional Council
11 March - Conference Day One
Panel Discussion
How can procurement teams overcome the most challenging obstacles to partnering with Indigenous suppliers?
13:50
Most procurement teams aim to partner with Indigenous suppliers, and many have established KPIs to achieve this goal. However, systemic barriers, capability gaps, and process challenges often hinder progress. This interactive panel discussion addresses the most common obstacles to creating lasting supplier diversity and provides practical approaches to help transition from compliance targets to sustainable partnerships.
- What are the main barriers procurement teams encounter when trying to engage Indigenous suppliers?
- How can you balance compliance requirements with the flexibility smaller or emerging suppliers often need?
- What support structures or partnerships make the biggest difference in building Indigenous supplier capability?
- How can procurement teams ensure supplier diversity initiatives translate into measurable community and economic impact?
Moderator
Madeleine Taylor
Senior Director – Property, Procurement & Programs
ACT Courts & Tribunals
ACT Courts & Tribunals
Speaker
Speakers
Deb Barwick
Chairperson & Executive Officer
NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (NSWICC)
NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (NSWICC)
Fern Lees
Director – Procurement & Contracting
IP Australia
IP Australia
Heike Rietzschel
Procurement Manager
Scenic Rim Regional Council
Scenic Rim Regional Council
14:30
11 March - Conference Day One
Tackling verification challenges and protecting the integrity of supplier diversity programs
Speaker
Speakers
Kate Russell
Chief Executive Officer
Supply Nation
Supply Nation
11 March - Conference Day One
Tackling verification challenges and protecting the integrity of supplier diversity programs
14:30
This session examines the risks of black cladding and other forms of misuse in government procurement. Attendees will hear how stronger verification requirements and recent reforms can protect Indigenous businesses, ensure genuine participation, and safeguard the credibility of supplier diversity initiatives.
- Understanding what black cladding looks like in practice and how it undermines trust, competition, and real Indigenous participation
- Improving program integrity by strengthening verification reforms, such as the 51 per cent ownership rule and tighter oversight
- Taking practical steps to verify claims, manage contracts, and ensure diverse suppliers are included in delivery, not just in the bid
Speaker
Speakers
Kate Russell
Chief Executive Officer
Supply Nation
Supply Nation
15:00
Break
11 March - Conference Day One
Afternoon Tea & Networking
Roundtables
11 March - Conference Day One
Interactive Roundtables
11 March - Conference Day One
Roundtables
Interactive Roundtables
Share ideas, test approaches, and gain practical tips from your peers facing the same challenges. Each roundtable is designed to give you insights you can take straight back to your day-to-day role. You will be able to choose three of the below to attend with each roundtable running concurrently over three time slots.
Round 1: 15.40 - 16.10
Round 2: 16.10 to 16.10
Round 3: 16.40 to 17.10
Round 1: 15.40 - 16.10
Round 2: 16.10 to 16.10
Round 3: 16.40 to 17.10
Roundtables
11 March - Conference Day One
Roundtable 1: Mitigating modern slavery risks in procurement
Speaker
Speakers
Lace Wang
Assistant Secretary – Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Branch
Attorney General’s Department
Attorney General’s Department
11 March - Conference Day One
Roundtables
Roundtable 1: Mitigating modern slavery risks in procurement
Discuss workable approaches for identifying and managing modern slavery risks, from supplier due diligence to contract clauses and ongoing monitoring.
Speaker
Speakers
Lace Wang
Assistant Secretary – Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Branch
Attorney General’s Department
Attorney General’s Department
Roundtables
11 March - Conference Day One
Roundtable 2: Climate-resilient procurement for the Australian public sector
Speaker
Speakers
Byron Crawford
Deputy Strategy & Capability and Chief Risk Officer
Triple Zero Victoria
Triple Zero Victoria
11 March - Conference Day One
Roundtables
Roundtable 2: Climate-resilient procurement for the Australian public sector
Explore practical sourcing strategies that help keep services running during floods, bushfires, and other climate-related disruptions.
Speaker
Speakers
Byron Crawford
Deputy Strategy & Capability and Chief Risk Officer
Triple Zero Victoria
Triple Zero Victoria
Roundtables
11 March - Conference Day One
Roundtable 3: Using supplier and market insights to make better procurement decisions
Speaker
Speakers
Laura Spikula
Head of Procurement & Supply Chain
TasNetworks
TasNetworks
11 March - Conference Day One
Roundtables
Roundtable 3: Using supplier and market insights to make better procurement decisions
Work through a variety of methods to gather and apply supplier and industry intelligence so you can anticipate price shifts, identify risks, and strengthen sourcing choices.
Speaker
Speakers
Laura Spikula
Head of Procurement & Supply Chain
TasNetworks
TasNetworks
Roundtables
11 March - Conference Day One
Roundtable 4: Building confidence for presentations, meetings & negotiations
Speaker
Speakers
Madeleine Taylor
Senior Director – Property, Procurement & Programs
ACT Courts & Tribunals
ACT Courts & Tribunals
11 March - Conference Day One
Roundtables
Roundtable 4: Building confidence for presentations, meetings & negotiations
Gain practical skills to boost your confidence and executive presence, whether you need to present a procurement strategy to your executive for the first time, run a negotiation, present at an industry forum or have a hard conversation with a vendor, this session will help set you up for success.
Speaker
Speakers
Madeleine Taylor
Senior Director – Property, Procurement & Programs
ACT Courts & Tribunals
ACT Courts & Tribunals
Roundtables
11 March - Conference Day One
Roundtable 5: Value Erosion and the 10 Pitfalls of Contracting
Speaker
Speakers
Sharon Morris
Group Regional Head – APAC
World Commerce & Contracting
World Commerce & Contracting
11 March - Conference Day One
Roundtables
Roundtable 5: Value Erosion and the 10 Pitfalls of Contracting
Contracts frequently underperform, with organisations losing an average of 8.6% of value due to systemic inefficiencies and unmanaged risks. WorldCC’s 10 Pitfalls of Contracting framework highlights the root causes of this erosion and provides a foundation for utilising practical strategies to protect and deliver intended value.
Speaker
Speakers
Sharon Morris
Group Regional Head – APAC
World Commerce & Contracting
World Commerce & Contracting
Roundtables
11 March - Conference Day One
Roundtable 6: Managing ethical and governance risks in procurement
Speaker
Speakers
Teresa Scott
Executive Director
Australian Procurement & Construction Council
Australian Procurement & Construction Council
11 March - Conference Day One
Roundtables
Roundtable 6: Managing ethical and governance risks in procurement
Examine practical approaches to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks such as conflicts of interest, probity challenges, supplier misconduct, and reputational exposure. Discuss how procurement teams can strengthen oversight, reinforce ethical behaviour, and apply governance frameworks to protect integrity in everyday decision making.
Speaker
Speakers
Teresa Scott
Executive Director
Australian Procurement & Construction Council
Australian Procurement & Construction Council
Roundtables
11 March - Conference Day One
Roundtable 7: Embedding supplier diversity into day-to-day procurement decisions
Speaker
Speakers
Marea Getsios
Procurement & Contracts Manager
Inner West Council
Inner West Council
11 March - Conference Day One
Roundtables
Roundtable 7: Embedding supplier diversity into day-to-day procurement decisions
Go beyond supplier quotas by exploring practical steps to integrate diversity and inclusion into everyday tendering and evaluation.
Speaker
Speakers
Marea Getsios
Procurement & Contracts Manager
Inner West Council
Inner West Council
17:10
11 March - Conference Day One
Closing remarks from the Chair
17:15
11 March - Conference Day One
End of Day 1 & Networking Drinks
Super Early Bird Pricing - Ends 12 December
08:15
Break
12 March - Conference Day Two
Welcome coffee
08:50
12 March - Conference Day Two
Opening remarks from the chair
Speaker
Speakers
Charlotte Payne
General Manager
CIPS Australia & New Zealand
CIPS Australia & New Zealand
The Future of Government Procurement
09:00
Fireside Chat
12 March - Conference Day Two
What the future holds for government procurement
Moderator
Rob Halsall
Managing Director
The Executive Athlete
The Executive Athlete
Speaker
Speakers
Luke Kenny
Chief Executive Officer
Local Government Procurement
Local Government Procurement
Alex Araujo
Executive Director
Procurement, HealthShare NSW
Procurement, HealthShare NSW
12 March - Conference Day Two
Fireside Chat
What the future holds for government procurement
09:00
Procurement is being asked to step into a broader role than ever before, from delivering savings and innovation to driving social, environmental, and resilience outcomes. In this candid discussion, senior leaders will share their perspectives on the biggest shifts shaping the future of procurement and how to adapt to meet a new expanded mandate.
Moderator
Rob Halsall
Managing Director
The Executive Athlete
The Executive Athlete
Speaker
Speakers
Luke Kenny
Chief Executive Officer
Local Government Procurement
Local Government Procurement
Alex Araujo
Executive Director
Procurement, HealthShare NSW
Procurement, HealthShare NSW
Strengthening Governance, Ethics and Integrity
09:30
12 March - Conference Day Two
Reinforcing ethics and governance in government procurement while mitigating risk
Speaker
Speakers
Carla Teteris
Senior Corruption Prevention Officer
Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)
Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)
12 March - Conference Day Two
Reinforcing ethics and governance in government procurement while mitigating risk
09:30
Public trust is the foundation of government procurement. Recent cases of misconduct have highlighted the risks when probity and governance fail, and the reputational and financial damage this can cause. This session examines how procurement professionals can safeguard integrity, strengthen governance frameworks, and uphold the highest ethical standards in their day-to-day work.
- Safeguarding integrity in procurement by applying practical behaviours that reinforce probity in every decision
- Strengthening governance frameworks to reduce risks of misconduct and protect organisational reputation
- Upholding the highest ethical standards to maintain public trust and ensure long term credibility in government procurement
Speaker
Speakers
Carla Teteris
Senior Corruption Prevention Officer
Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)
Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)
Harnessing AI & Automation to Transform Procurement
10:10
Case Study
12 March - Conference Day Two
Using AI and automation to increase procurement efficiency and reduce bottlenecks
Speaker
Speakers
Mohsen Mousavi
Category and AI Procurement Manager
Blacktown City Council
Blacktown City Council
12 March - Conference Day Two
Case Study
Using AI and automation to increase procurement efficiency and reduce bottlenecks
10:10
This session, led by Mohsen Mousavi, deep dives into the AI-enabled procurement automation program at Blacktown City Council, which received a grant as part of NSW's Early Adopter Grant Program to utilise AI in its systems. The presentation demonstrates how AI and automation tools can be applied to RFx drafting, supplier scoring, and contract management to cut cycle times, reduce admin burden, and free staff for higher-value work.
- Discovering how AI tools can reduce manual workload by automating RFx drafting, supplier scoring, and reporting tasks
- Understanding how automation shortens evaluation cycles and cuts bottlenecks without adding new risks or complexity
- Freeing up staff time from repetitive administration so they can focus on higher value and strategic procurement activities
Speaker
Speakers
Mohsen Mousavi
Category and AI Procurement Manager
Blacktown City Council
Blacktown City Council
10:40
Break
12 March - Conference Day Two
Morning Tea & Networking
11:00
Panel Discussion
12 March - Conference Day Two
How can procurement leaders harness new technologies to solve procurement challenges & deliver real value?
Moderator
Charlotte Payne
General Manager
CIPS Australia & New Zealand
CIPS Australia & New Zealand
Speaker
Speakers
Andre Harvey
Chief Procurement Officer - Commercial Services
Seqwater
Seqwater
Anuj Saraogi
Senior Executive Leader – Customer Engagement Services (Digital Data & Technology)
ACT Government
ACT Government
John Lambert
Category Manager - ICT Procurement
TAFE NSW
TAFE NSW
12 March - Conference Day Two
Panel Discussion
How can procurement leaders harness new technologies to solve procurement challenges & deliver real value?
11:00
Evolving technologies such as AI & automation are reshaping the procurement landscape, but their adoption brings its own obstacles. This panel examines which tools deliver real value, what barriers hinder implementation, how to prioritise investment to maximise the benefits of digital tools, and how to get the most value out of new technologies.
- Which emerging technologies are proving most useful in addressing day-to-day procurement challenges, and why?
- How can tools like AI or automation reduce bottlenecks without adding new risks or complexity?
- What obstacles make it difficult for procurement teams to adopt new tech, and how can they be overcome?
- Where should procurement leaders focus first to get the most value out of digital tools?
Moderator
Charlotte Payne
General Manager
CIPS Australia & New Zealand
CIPS Australia & New Zealand
Speaker
Speakers
Andre Harvey
Chief Procurement Officer - Commercial Services
Seqwater
Seqwater
Anuj Saraogi
Senior Executive Leader – Customer Engagement Services (Digital Data & Technology)
ACT Government
ACT Government
John Lambert
Category Manager - ICT Procurement
TAFE NSW
TAFE NSW
11:40
12 March - Conference Day Two
Partner presentation
12:00
12 March - Conference Day Two
Using analytics and dashboards to manage risks and track supplier performance
Speaker
Speakers
David Hurrell
Associate Director Procurement
Infrastructure NSW
Infrastructure NSW
12 March - Conference Day Two
Using analytics and dashboards to manage risks and track supplier performance
12:00
Procurement teams face many obstacles, from supplier risks and price volatility to fragmented performance reporting requirements. This session spotlights how predictive analytics and real-time dashboards can deliver the visibility needed to anticipate problems, monitor delivery, and track compliance all in one place.
- Gaining visibility into supplier risks, price volatility, and compliance in one place through predictive analytics and real time dashboards
- Learning how to anticipate problems early and monitor delivery performance with greater accuracy
- Discovering how integrated reporting tools can simplify fragmented requirements and strengthen decision making across procurement teams
Speaker
Speakers
David Hurrell
Associate Director Procurement
Infrastructure NSW
Infrastructure NSW
12:30
Break
12 March - Conference Day Two
Networking Lunch
Future-Proofing Procurement Teams
13:30
12 March - Conference Day Two
Building capability for the next generation of procurement professionals
Speaker
Speakers
Nicole Croak
Head of Procurement & Supply Chain
Endeavour Energy
Endeavour Energy
12 March - Conference Day Two
Building capability for the next generation of procurement professionals
13:30
This practical session showcases critical steps government organisations can take to elevate their procurement team's capabilities and outcomes. Featuring in-depth guidance on hiring strategies, training programs and leadership development, you'll gain the tools and strategies necessary to future-proof your procurement team.
- Building stronger teams by applying targeted hiring strategies that attract and retain skilled professionals
- Developing staff capability through tailored training programs that lift confidence and performance
- Creating future ready procurement functions by investing in leadership pathways and succession planning
Speaker
Speakers
Nicole Croak
Head of Procurement & Supply Chain
Endeavour Energy
Endeavour Energy
Smarter Cost and Contract Management
14:00
12 March - Conference Day Two
Optimising cost management to deliver more with less
Speaker
Speakers
Kerryn Ellis
Deputy Ombudsman – Corporate
Victorian Ombudsman
Victorian Ombudsman
12 March - Conference Day Two
Optimising cost management to deliver more with less
14:00
Budgets are tightening, but procurement teams still need to deliver value, transparency, and innovation. This session walks through methods such as total cost of ownership, supplier spend analysis, and smarter evaluation frameworks to help teams identify savings without defaulting to lowest-cost sourcing.
- Applying total cost of ownership methods to uncover savings beyond the initial purchase price
- Analysing supplier spend to identify opportunities for efficiency and better value outcomes
- Designing evaluation frameworks that reward innovation and transparency while avoiding lowest cost defaults
Speaker
Speakers
Kerryn Ellis
Deputy Ombudsman – Corporate
Victorian Ombudsman
Victorian Ombudsman
14:30
12 March - Conference Day Two
Partner presentation
15:00
Break
12 March - Conference Day Two
Afternoon Tea & Networking
15:30
12 March - Conference Day Two
Strengthening negotiation skills to manage supplier costs with confidence
Speaker
Speakers
Geoff Fietz
Director – Procurement & Contracts
ACT Courts & Tribunal
ACT Courts & Tribunal
12 March - Conference Day Two
Strengthening negotiation skills to manage supplier costs with confidence
15:30
With fiscal pressures mounting, strong negotiation skills are critical to securing value in contracts. This session shares practical negotiation strategies tailored to government procurement, including managing price escalation, pushing back on unfavourable terms, and leveraging market insights.
- Managing price escalation with confidence to protect budgets and maintain value in contracts
- Pushing back on unfavourable terms by applying proven negotiation strategies tailored to government settings
- Strengthening your position at the table by using market insights to inform tactics and outcomes
Speaker
Speakers
Geoff Fietz
Director – Procurement & Contracts
ACT Courts & Tribunal
ACT Courts & Tribunal
16:00
12 March - Conference Day Two
Managing performance and disputes in major government contracts
Speaker
Speakers
Mathew Baldwin
Partner
Thomson Geer
Thomson Geer
12 March - Conference Day Two
Managing performance and disputes in major government contracts
16:00
Large government contracts often face underperformance, scope changes, or disputes that threaten delivery. This session explores practical strategies for monitoring supplier performance, addressing issues early, and using contract levers to resolve disputes, helping you stay on track and protect value for money.
- Monitoring supplier performance more effectively to detect early signs of under delivery
- Addressing scope changes and disputes quickly to minimise disruption and protect project outcomes
- Leveraging contract tools and clauses to resolve issues and safeguard value for money
Speaker
Speakers
Mathew Baldwin
Partner
Thomson Geer
Thomson Geer
16:20
12 March - Conference Day Two
Closing remarks from the Chair
16:30
12 March - Conference Day Two
End of GovProcure 2026
Day/Stream
- Day/Stream
- 11 March - Conference Day One
- 12 March - Conference Day Two
- 10 March - Pre-conference Masterclass
- 11 March - Conference Day One
- 12 March - Conference Day Two
- 10 March - Pre-conference Masterclass