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OWS26 PROGRAM

Where Strategy Becomes Reality: A Conference for the Leaders who Turn Ideas into Outcomes.


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Pre-Conference
Monday
April 27, 2026
6:30 pm –
8:30 pm
OWS26 Kickoff: Connect & Credential Pick-Up
Hosted by PwC — The Official Networking Partner of OWS26
Day 1
Tuesday
April 28, 2026
8:30 –
9:00 am
Morning Social: Registration & Refreshments
9:00 –
9:15 am
Welcome and Opening Comments
Debi Hamill, CEO, IAOP  ·  Dan Schuffert, COP, Divisional VP, Strategic Sourcing, HCSC  ·  Michael Nacarato, COP-GOV, Senior Director, Transamerica
Day 1 hosted by Neil Hirshman, COP, Of Counsel, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Member of the IAOP Leadership Hall of Fame and Strategic Advisory Board Chair Emeritus
9:15 –
10:00 am
Future of Work  ·  Keynote
 
Kevin Parikh
Kevin Parikh, COP Chairman & CEO, Avasant · IAOP Hall of Fame
Keynote

Futureproofed: Building Resilience in Uncertainty

In an era of geopolitical fragmentation, economic volatility, and rapid technological change, enterprises face a new strategic imperative: becoming futureproofed. Kevin Parikh explores how global enterprises can strengthen resilience by rethinking sourcing strategies, global delivery networks, transformation roadmaps, and AI adoption — reframing resilience not as a defensive response, but as a strategic advantage rooted in agility, intelligent operations, and forward-looking governance.

10:00 –
10:45 am
Digital Technologies  ·  Keynote
 
June Dozier
June Dozier Director of Technology Sourcing, Meta
Keynote

The Agentic Sourcing Revolution: From AI Pilots to Autonomous & Assisted Sourcing

Strategic sourcing has moved beyond manual, Excel-driven processes into a new era of agentic and AI-enabled decision making. June Dozier explores how AI is reshaping the end-to-end sourcing lifecycle — from market intelligence and supplier discovery to negotiation support, risk sensing, and ongoing optimization — and how leading organizations are designing governance, controls, and trust into AI-driven sourcing models.

10:45 –
11:00 am
Refreshment Break
11:00 –
11:45 am
Digital Technologies
 
Max Harris
Max Harris Partner, Technology & IP Transactions, Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Emma Flett
Emma Flett Partner, Technology & IP Transactions, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Member IAOP Stra
Session

From Brussels to Chicago: Navigating the New AI and Cyber Digital Rulebook

The EU AI Act, the world's first comprehensive legal framework dedicated to artificial intelligence, came into force in August 2024. With provisions on general purpose AI taking effect in August 2025, this session offers an in-depth analysis of how regulatory guidance and industry practice has evolved. The session also examines the EU AI Act's intersection with DORA, NIS2, and the EU Data Act — and outlines anticipated regulatory developments, enforcement trends, and evolving technical standards designed to equip legal, compliance, and technology professionals for what's ahead.

11:45 am –
12:15 pm
Social Impact
 
James Donovan
James Donovan CEO & Co-founder, ADEC Innovations · Dan Lang Award Recipient, Chair IAOP's Center for Social Impact
Session

Outsourcing in a Multipolar World: Adapting BPO & GBS for the New Global Reality

The global outsourcing landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. As geopolitical power shifts, supply chains fragment, and regulatory, economic, and cultural forces collide, traditional BPO and GBS models are being tested like never before. James Donovan explores how the industry has entered a truly multipolar era — defined by regionalization, political complexity, talent volatility, and heightened risk alongside new opportunity. Attendees will gain practical guidance on building resilience, balancing global efficiency with local realities, and aligning outsourcing models to support long-term business value.

12:15 –
1:30 pm
Lunch: Midday Exchange
1:30 –
2:15 pm
Collaborative Supplier Governance
 
Michael Nacarato
Michael Nacarato, COP-GOV Senior Director, TransAmerica
Audrey Cushing
Audrey Cushing, COP-GOV Chief of Staff, Vee Healthtek
Divya Devi
Divya Devi Client Operations Director, Vee Healthtek
Mohini Donepudi
Mohini Vijayambika Donepudi Senior Manager – CDI, Vee Healthtek
Session

Breaking Bad (Outsourcing Relationships): How to Strengthen Alignment, Build Trust, and Thrive Together

Misaligned expectations. Communication breakdowns. Cultural misunderstandings. Lack of trust. These aren't just buzzwords — they're the common causes of strain in supplier-client relationships. In this no-holds-barred session, frontline workers take the stage to expose what actually destroys outsourcing partnerships from the inside out. Walk away with battle-tested strategies for building trust through transparent communication, bridging cultural divides with intentionality, and creating the interpersonal foundations that transform transactional arrangements into true collaborative partnerships.

2:15 –
2:45 pm
Digital Technologies
 
Todd Hintze
Todd Hintze Partner, Wavestone
Session

Redefining Managed Services in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

AI is rewriting the managed services playbook at every level — from pricing and contracting to performance measurement and value realization. Established constructs like labor-based pricing and volume-driven SLAs no longer reflect how work is delivered or how value is created. This session offers an executive view of how the shift from human-driven to AI-augmented delivery demands new commercial and governance frameworks — and how leading organizations are leveraging AI-enabled analytics and experience-level agreements (XLAs) to move beyond ticket volumes toward holistic business outcome alignment.

2:45 –
3:00 pm
Refreshment Break
3:00 –
3:45 pm
Healthcare & Life Sciences
 
Rob Kantrowitz
Rob Kantrowitz Partner, Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Ruan Meintjes
Ruan J. Meintjes Associate, Healthcare & Life Sciences Regulatory, Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Dan Schuffert
Dan Schuffert, COP Divisional VP, Strategic Sourcing, HCSC
Nishant Verma
Nishant Verma Managing Partner, Avasant
Session · Healthcare & Life Sciences Panel – Part I

Do You Know Who Your Outsourcers Are?

As organizations seek the benefits of international outsourcing in critical areas such as IT infrastructure and data management, some key risks can be overlooked. This panel examines the evolving landscape of third-party risk management through the lens of recent high-profile incidents and notable vulnerabilities — addressing how modern outsourcing models can create blind spots in security, compliance, and business continuity. Panelists share first-hand insights into current failure modes and offer actionable frameworks for proactive risk mitigation.

3:45 –
4:30 pm
Digital Technologies
 
Mark Voytek
Mark Voytek, COP Chief Advisor, Thought Leadership, IAOP · SAB & Hall of Fame
Neda Parnian
Neda Parnian, PhD Founding Member, World AI Council
Alex Rochlitz
Alex Rochlitz Founder, ScaleX
Alice LaViolette
Alice LaViolette VP, Global Business Services, The Clorox Company
Session

AI Theater vs. AI That Scales: When Big Studios, Big Stars, and Breakout Value Take Center Stage

Most enterprises are doing something with AI — but far fewer are scaling it in meaningful ways. As AI becomes a CEO- and board-level mandate, many leaders hesitate to elevate ideas for fear of failure, risk, or career impact, unintentionally stifling creativity. This panel brings together enterprise buyers and industry practitioners navigating a landscape where dominant platforms, trusted incumbents, and fast-moving startups all play a role. The discussion focuses on how successful organizations avoid defaulting to familiarity, create space to experiment responsibly, and push the creativity envelope to turn AI ambition into initiatives that withstand governance, process, and enterprise scale.

4:30 pm
Recap & Ready
4:45 –
6:00 pm
Celebration of Innovation & IAOP Awards Ceremony
Hosted by Avasant
Member of the Year  ·  Dan Lang Award  ·  Leadership Hall of Fame  ·  Global Outsourcing 100  ·  Vanguards  ·  RESP
7:00 –
8:00 pm
After Hours: Connections & Conversation — Chicago Flyover
Must RSVP  ·  Hosted by PwC, The Official Networking Partner of OWS26
Day 2
Wednesday
April 29, 2026
8:30 –
9:00 am
Registration and Morning Coffee
9:00 –
9:15 am
Welcome and Day Two Overview
Day 2 hosted by Maura Hudson, COP
9:15 –
10:00 am
Digital Technologies  ·  Keynote
 
Dan Schuffert
Dan Schuffert, COP Divisional VP, Strategic Sourcing, HCSC
Skanda Janakiram
Skanda Janakiram Partner, PwC Strategy&
Keynote

Procurement AI: From Fundamentals to Future Trends

This keynote frames AI not simply as a set of tools, but as a catalyst for rethinking how procurement operates, decides, and delivers value. The session grounds leaders in core realities of procurement AI today, explores intelligent systems reducing friction across the procure-to-pay lifecycle, and looks ahead to predictive analytics, AI-enabled engagement models, and the early emergence of autonomous procurement for specific categories.

10:00 –
10:45 am
Future of Work  ·  Keynote
 
Michelle Needles
Michelle Needles, COP EVP & Global Head of Enterprise Solutions, Savills · IAOP Hall of Fame
Keynote

The New Geography of Workforce: What Sourcing Leaders Need to Know About Location & Talent

Drawing on Savills' Tech Cities 2025 research and the newly released Matcha Index, this keynote challenges sourcing leaders to move beyond traditional scorecards. Leading delivery hubs are no longer defined by cost alone — they are shaped by their ability to attract and retain highly mobile talent. Real-world case studies show how organizations are validating location decisions and building sourcing strategies that are resilient, talent-led, and future-ready.

10:45 –
11:00 am
Refreshment Break
11:00 –
11:45 am
Healthcare & Life Sciences  ·  Panel – Part II
 
Rob Kantrowitz
Rob Kantrowitz Partner, Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Dr. Jon Handler
Dr. Jon Handler Medical Informaticist & Senior Fellow, OSF Healthcare
Session · Healthcare & Life Sciences Panel – Part II

AI in Healthcare: What's Real, What's Hype, What Oversight Has Developed, and What's Coming

This session examines both the legal landscape shaping AI adoption and the operational realities healthcare organizations face today. The discussion explores where AI is actually being deployed in healthcare, along with key legal, regulatory, and governance considerations — focusing on what healthcare organizations are implementing, what they've moved away from, and where they see the most promise going forward.

11:45 am –
12:30 pm
Future of Work
 
Michael Nacarato
Michael Nacarato, COP-GOV Senior Director, Transamerica · IAOP Global Ambassador & SAB Chair
Wiktor Doktor
Wiktor Doctor CEO, Pro Progressio
Mark Angus
Mark Angus CEO & Chief Strategist, Genesis Global Business Services
Justice Assamany
Justice Assamany, COP CEO, Justice Solutions
Marcin Grzegory
Marcin Grzegory Deputy Director, Invest in Pomerania
Session

Know Before You Go: Unlocking Value in Emerging Global Business Services Locations

Before you expand operations into a new region — or double down on an existing one — get the insights that matter most. In this dynamic panel, IAOP brings together global sourcing leaders with firsthand experience navigating the cultural, regulatory, geopolitical, and social landscapes that shape delivery outcomes. Panelists share what's working, what's not, and what they wish they knew before they went. From emerging hotspots to established hubs, you'll leave with the critical intel to make confident, informed decisions about where to go next.

12:30 –
1:45 pm
Lunch & Connections
1:45 –
2:15 pm
Collaborative Supplier Governance
 
Peter George
Peter George Partner, Baker McKenzie
Session

Global Business Services: Managing Geo-Political Uncertainty

GBS leaders are operating in an era where geo-political forces increasingly shape business outcomes. From shifting trade policies to regulatory fragmentation and cross-border talent constraints, external developments can quickly ripple through global delivery models and governance structures. Drawing on recent global analysis and client experience, this session focuses on practical strategies for assessing exposure, maintaining operational continuity, and building resilience — covering tariffs, sanctions, immigration restrictions, and evolving regulatory requirements.

2:15 –
2:45 pm
Future of Work
 
Anupam Govil
Anupam Govil, COP Partner, Avasant
Session

The Reinvention of GCCs: From Cost Play to Innovation Powerhouse

Global Capability Centers have long been part of the outsourcing playbook, but their role is rapidly shifting. No longer just cost-optimization vehicles, GCCs are evolving into strategic hubs for digital innovation, AI engineering, and talent development. Avasant shares insights on regionalization trends, outcome-based GCC models, and how enterprises are leveraging GCCs to create value beyond cost savings — moving from back-office functions to global centers of excellence.

2:45 –
3:00 pm
Refreshment Break
3:00 –
3:30 pm
Digital Technologies
 
Uma Viswanathan
Uma Viswanathan, COP Head of Vendor Management, Strategy & Transformation, Walgreens Global
Session

AI-Driven Transformation of IT Delivery and Governance in Global Capability Centers

Global Capability Centers are expanding, but the essence of delivery is now powered by AI. Cognitive Capability Centers are the new paradigm — AI frameworks and focused pilots are changing the narrative on how IT delivery has been executed for over 30 years. Culture and transformational ways of working are fueling the AI race. This session covers three key learning objectives: how global IT delivery is impacted by the influx of AI; what to expect from the future of Cognitive Capability Centers; and how governance and measurability will evolve with AI.

3:30 –
4:15 pm
Financial Services
 
Maura Hudson
Maura Hudson, COP CMO, Slatt Capital
Vinny Sanchez
Vinny Sanchez Partner, DLA Piper
Clif Gustafson
Clif Gustafson, COP Director of External Support, Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group
Jim Lee
Jim Lee Principal, Global Lead – Governance, Risk & Compliance, Avasant
Session

Beyond FIRE: How the Top 5 Outsourcing Trends Reshaping Finance, Insurance & Real Estate Should Matter to Everyone

The forces rewriting the outsourcing playbook in Financial Services, Insurance, and Real Estate don't stop at industry borders — and neither should your strategy. FIRE sectors have become a proving ground for outsourcing innovations that translate directly to any complex, capital-intensive, or compliance-driven enterprise. This forward-looking panel unpacks the top 5 trends defining 2026 and beyond: tech-enabled managed services, AI-driven intelligent workplace operations, third-party risk and regulatory scrutiny, flexible cost structures for volatile markets, and access to specialized global talent. As the line between "outsourcing" and "subscribing" continues to blur — from infrastructure to the application layer — knowing where your enterprise stands has never been more consequential.

4:45 –
5:00 pm
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next
5:00 –
6:30 pm
Evening Reception: Cocktails & Conversation
Hosted by Baker McKenzie
Day 3  ·  Workshop
Thursday
April 30, 2026
8:00 am
Pre-Workshop Coffee Connection
8:30 am –
12:30 pm
Collaborative Supplier Governance  ·  Workshop
 
Michael Nacarato
Michael Nacarato, COP-GOV Senior Director, Transamerica
Jim Lee
Jim Lee Principal, Global Lead – Governance, Risk & Compliance, Avasant
Peter George
Peter George Partner, Baker McKenzie
Clif Gustafson
Clif Gustafson, COP Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group
Workshop

Collaborative Supplier Governance in Practice: From Risk Control to Enterprise Value

This interactive Vendor Governance Workshop is designed for executives, sourcing leaders, governance professionals, legal, risk, and business stakeholders navigating increasing complexity across their third-party ecosystems. As organizations face heightened regulatory scrutiny, AI-driven delivery models, geopolitical uncertainty, and growing pressure to extract measurable value from suppliers — not just manage risk — traditional governance approaches are no longer sufficient. This workshop moves beyond theory to focus on how modern vendor governance enables resilience, protects enterprise value, and drives better outcomes across the full supplier lifecycle.

Through three tightly integrated modules, participants will explore how to:

 

Redesign vendor governance models to address today's risk landscape while remaining agile enough to support innovation and transformation.

 

Align contracting, legal, and commercial frameworks with AI adoption, evolving regulatory requirements, and shared accountability models.

 

Move from reactive oversight to proactive value stewardship, minimizing value leakage while strengthening supplier relationships.

The workshop blends real-world scenarios, peer discussion, and practical frameworks that attendees can immediately apply within their own organizations.

12:30 pm
Closing Lunch: What Comes Next

Program is preliminary and subject to change.

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