OWS24 PREVIEW: UNITING MINDS, IGNITING CONNECTIONS FOR A BETTER COLLECTIVE FUTURE 

An evocative keynote on the power of trust and transparency, cutting-edge presentations from IAOP’s Centers of Excellence, recognition of the industry’s best, and nonstop networking, all set against the backdrop of Chicago’s skyline, will combine to make OWS24 a not-to-be-missed event this May. 

Following the overwhelming success last year, IAOP will once again return to downtown Chicago, May 21-22, to the offices of HCSC and Baker McKenzie for its annual Summit. This year’s event promises to be even more powerful and engaging in an intimate format where attendees can fully participate in all sessions.  

IAOP Hall of Fame member Kate Vitasek, an international authority for her award-winning research and Vested® business model for highly collaborative relationships, will present the keynote address on May 21 on The Power of T: Choosing Transparency and Trust to Enable High-Performing Teams.

OWS Highlights

With an overall event theme of Uniting Minds, Igniting Connections, OWS24 attendees will again come together to build a dynamic, collaborative learning environment that will shape the field’s future and create a broader positive impact.

IAOP’s thought leaders from The Center for Social Impact and the Centers of Excellence in Digital Technologies, Future of Work, and Collaborative Supplier Governance will address the industry’s most critical topics. The impact of Artificial Intelligence on all of these areas will be a prevalent theme in the presentations, panels, and networking discussions. Submissions for presentations are now being accepted.

The association will celebrate the induction of its newest honorees into the Leadership Hall of Fame, Global Impact Sourcing Award winners, IAOP Members of the Year, and Global Outsourcing 100 recipients at an inspiring awards dinner on May 21.

Attendees will also have abundant opportunities throughout the event to connect with like-minded professionals at networking sessions and fun social events, including a closing reception on May 22.

Vested’s Vitasek Presents Keynote 

University of Tennessee supply chain professor Vitasek will explore the importance of transparency and trust in building high-performing teams.

“High-performing teams are not merely a result of chance or luck; they are cultivated by fostering an environment built on transparency and trust,” she says. “But all too often individuals and organizations have a mantra that trust must be earned. What if we shifted our mindset and chose to lead by trusting?”

Vitasek, a renowned researcher with over 20 years of experience, will share insights on leading with transparency and trust. She has authored seven books based on her groundbreaking research and has been recognized by World Trade Magazine as one of the most influential people impacting global commerce. Vitasek has also been featured on CNN International, NPR, Bloomberg, and Fox Business News as an authority on building better business relationships.

OWS attendees will gain valuable insights to empower their organization to thrive in today’s competitive landscape and learn the five pillars for building team trust and transparency. Vitasek will share real-world examples of organizations achieving positive results by prioritizing leading with transparency and trust and provide practical tips and tools to foster a culture of trust and enhance team performance.

IAOP is grateful to hosts HCSC and Baker McKenzie for providing the event space for OWS 24 and its corporate and alliance partners. For the latest program updates, see the OWS24 page.