THIS year’s Smart Procurement World Indaba, which is South Africa’s largest and longest-standing event for procurement and inbound supply chain professionals, will be held in person again for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 16th annual Smart Procurement World Indaba will take place from 12 to 15 September at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand. It will be held under the theme ‘Glocalised Procurement – Think Global, Act Local’.
“‘Glocalisation in procurement is more than just looking at what can be procured globally. It’s a new phenomenon that allows for the adaptation of global and international strategies into the local contexts,” says Smart Procurement World chief operating officer Debbie Tagg.
Done properly, glocalisation is a stronger economic development catalyst than globalisation and localisation. “At the Indaba, we will look at the feasibility of applying this concept in the context of our reality,” says Tagg.
Following COVID-19 there is so much for professionals to learn, discuss and catch up on at the 2022 Indaba. “The pandemic and other chaotic business disruptions have challenged procurement professionals like never before. Procurement and sourcing in the new normal means managing everything from stock disruptions, logistics interruptions and labour shortages to rising inflation.
“This year’s Indaba will examine how we can mitigate the impact of these challenges. Recent legislative changes have also thrown public procurement into disarray. National Treasury and leaders will address these and other topical issues. Public procurement practitioners can again gather in person to navigate the way forward.
“We look forward to seeing procurement professionals’ warm smiles as we get to meet face-to-face once more, to learn, network and share valuable lessons and knowledge.
“There is no back seat for procurement anymore. No organisation is unaffected by supply disruptions and global volatility, not even the public sector. Smart Procurement World looks forward to hosting thought-provoking debates and sharing of ideas amongst colleagues in September.”
Smart Procurement World has partnered with Absa, Dooka, Tradeshift, Oxalys, Lumi and LexisNexis to host the 2022 Indaba. Sam Oppenheimer, general manager of Dooka South Africa, says that the organisation is excited to be part of this important event.
“The 16th Annual Smart Procurement World Indaba is where all the decision makers that matter will be — the people who set the course for how African companies can innovate and lead the way in procurement initiatives. Dooka will officially launch a new way of purchasing to South Africa at the Indaba,” says Oppenheimer.
Two events will run alongside the 2022 Smart Procurement World Indaba: the annual APMP SA conference is a guest conference that will focus on the tender proposal and bidding process. The 11th annual Absa Enterprise and Supplier Development Event will also be part of the Indaba. It is South Africa’s largest, long-standing market access event, connecting SMMEs to corporate procurement. “This is a must-attend gathering for SMMEs striving to accelerate their businesses,” says Tagg.
To find out more about sponsorship and partnership opportunities at the 2022 Smart Procurement World Indaba, email Keshni Reddy at: keshni@smartprocurement.net
