Day 1 - Corporate Only Workshop
Navigating A.I.'s Impact on Procurement and Supplier Diversity
The workshop "Navigating A.I.'s Impact on Procurement and Supplier Diversity" delves into the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern procurement practices and its significant implications for supplier diversity professionals. In an era of technological advancements reshaping industries, understanding how AI influences procurement processes is crucial for staying competitive and inclusive.
This workshop aims to provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of A.I.'s evolving role in procurement, highlighting its potential to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and drive efficiency. Participants will explore cutting-edge A.I. applications such as predictive analytics, robotic process automation (RPA), and natural language processing (NLP), and discover how these tools can revolutionize procurement strategies.
Furthermore, the workshop will address the intersection of A.I. and supplier diversity initiatives, emphasizing the importance of leveraging technology to foster inclusivity and equity within supply chains. Attendees will learn how A.I. can facilitate the identification and engagement of diverse suppliers, thereby promoting socioeconomic development and mitigating bias in procurement practices.
Through interactive discussions, case studies, and practical insights, participants will gain actionable strategies for harnessing A.I. to optimize procurement processes while advancing supplier diversity goals. By embracing the opportunities presented by A.I., procurement and supplier diversity professionals can navigate the evolving landscape with confidence and drive positive outcomes for their organizations and communities alike.
Presented By:
Adebayo Adeleke's Profile
Adebayo Adeleke is a seasoned security and defense professional with unique expertise in geopolitics, supply chain risk management, national security frameworks, indigenous supply chain, and trade. Adebayo is also a seasoned combat veteran of the United States Army with 20 years of serviceHis hands-on security experience has helped him provide data and insights on security challenges in Africa. His policy briefs on security and other resources have been featured in London Business School, the African Report, and others.
His desire to tell the story of African supply chains to the world and provide supply chain intelligence for stakeholders to make informed decisions concerning trade and supply chain in the continent led him to start Supply Chain Africa (SCA) -the supply chain data bank for Africa.
Adebayo is also the CEO of Adebayo Adeleke LLC (AA LLC). An organization providing advisory and training services in supply chain management, governmental services, and leadership. He has helped clients achieve a 35% revenue increase. He has also partnered with Meta and the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) to create and deliver courses on Diversity and Inclusion Consciousness in Supply Chain Management.
Day 2 - Corporate Only Workshop
The Future of Supplier Diversity - A Facilitated Discussion of Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond
The Future of Supplier Diversity - A Facilitated Discussion of Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond
In this dynamic and interactive session, supplier diversity professionals from across the United States will come together to explore the future of supplier diversity. This facilitated discussion will focus on identifying emerging trends, sharing insights, and making predictions for the landscape of supplier diversity as we approach 2025 and beyond.
This facilitated discussion will provide a rich platform for supplier diversity professionals to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and collaboratively envision the future of their field. By exploring emerging trends and making informed predictions, participants will be better equipped to adapt and thrive in the evolving landscape of supplier diversity.
This session will underscore the importance of staying proactive, innovative, and inclusive as we move towards 2025 and beyond.
Presented By:
Michael K. Robinson's Profile
Michael K. Robinson is the former Program Director, Global Supplier Diversity for IBM’s Integrated Supply Chain. In his last role, he was responsible for leading IBM’s supplier diversity initiatives worldwide. Michael, and his team focused on the utilization, development and mentoring of diverse suppliers who provided value-add to IBM’s Supply Chain.
Under Michael’s leadership, IBM rose to become the global benchmark for supplier diversity. Prior to Michael’s tenure the company had never won a major corporation of the year award. Michael designed and implemented solid, results-driven processes and IBM was recognized with numerous awards; a sampling of these awards are: Corporation of the Year by the NMSDC (4x), one of the Top Corporations by WBENC (16x), USBLN Corporation of the Year (2x), NGLCC Corporation of the Year (2x), Apex Award by NGLCC and HRI, the Francis Perkins Van Guard Award by the SBA., In addition to these domestic awards, IBM was recognized as the Top Global Diversity program by WEConnect International and Corporation of the Year by MSD UK and MSD China.
These domestic and international awards are just a sampling of the numerous accolades IBM received under Michael’s leadership. IBM has spent in excess of $2Billion, 1st Tier, annually worldwide with diverse enterprises since 2006 and in excess of $1B, 1st Tier, annually with diverse enterprises in the U.S. since 2000.
Michael’s IBM experience has spanned various disciplines. His previous positions include: Manufacturing Manager, Procurement and Production Control Manager in Charlotte, NC; Distribution Manager in Boulder, CO; ECAT Site Procurement Manager in Charlotte, NC; Materials Manager in San Jose, CA; Business Services Council Chair in Charlotte, NC and Federal Procurement Manager in Bethesda, MD.
Michael’s IBM experience has spanned various disciplines. His previous positions include: Manufacturing Manager, Procurement and Production Control Manager in Charlotte, NC; Distribution Manager in Boulder, CO; ECAT Site Procurement Manager in Charlotte, NC; Materials Manager in San Jose, CA; Business Services Council Chair in Charlotte, NC and Federal Procurement Manager in Bethesda, MD.
Michael attended the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia; received his BS from Cheyney University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and his MBA from Atlanta University, Atlanta, Georgia.