60th Symposium Procurement and Logistics

CPO & CSCO Dialogue

Marlene Bar

🎤 Keynote Talk

The Future of Leadership – Human vs. Machine?

Moderation: Thomas Germer, CPO, ADAC SE
Martin Müller-Raidt, Director Procurement, KFW Bankengruppe, Chairman of the Board, BME e.V.

Prof. Dr. Sita Mazumder, Professor of Business & IT, Member of Multiple Supervisory and Administrative Boards, Entrepreneur

• How is artificial intelligence changing leadership competencies?
• What roles do empathetic leaders play in an increasingly digital world?
• What does decision-making look like when it’s based on data, algorithms, and intuition?

💬 Discussion to follow

SME Meet & Greet, guided tour of the exhibition

Meeting Point at the BME Booth, Hall 3

WOMEN IN PROCUREMENT DIALOGUE

PASSION INTO ACTION

Hall 2, Upper Floor

Moderator: Mirjam Zeller, Geschäftsführerin, BME Marketing GmbH

WELCOME RECEPTION OF THE FEDERAL BOARD FOR FIRST-TIME SYMPOSIUM PARTICIPANTS

Marlene Bar

First-time attendees from leadership levels in procurement and supply chain management are warmly invited to network and meet the BME Federal Board in person.

Moderator: Dirk Steffel, Leiter Produktmanagement, BME e.V.

We look forward to seeing you there!

If you are interested in attending, please contact: dirk.steffel@bme.de

Solution Forum 1

More Efficient Purchasing with AI: Automated Free Text Processing in the Intake-to-Order Process

• Intelligent Text Analysis: How to Automate Operational Purchasing Tasks
• From Chaos to Clarity: How AI Turns Unstructured Requests into Orders
• More Time for What Matters: Strategically Relieving Procurement Teams

Moderation: Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Buchholz, Chair of Organization and Logistics, Institute for Process Management and Digitalization (IPD), University of Applied Sciences, Münster

Fabian Heinrich, Co-Founder and CEO, Mercanis

Solution Forum 2

Automation from Order to Invoice

• Efficient design of the entire supply chain through automation
• Using innovative solutions for a seamless supply chain
• Reducing costs and increasing customer satisfaction

Moderation: Univ.-Prof. Dr. habil. Rainer Lasch, Faculty of Business and Economics, Chair of Business Administration, especially Logistics, Technische Universität Dresden

Birgit Schuster, Account Director, retarus GmbH

Solution Forum 3

Resilience and Real-Time Risk Monitoring as Cornerstones of Modern Procurement Strategies

• Mastering Global Complexity with Confidence: How Leading Procurement Teams Navigate Multi-Tier Supply Chains in an Increasingly Volatile and Connected World
• Real-Time Transparency: Leveraging Technology and Data to Gain Immediate Insights into Disruptions, Delays, and Vulnerabilities Across the Supply Chain
• Beyond Tier-1 Thinking: Taking Responsibility Across the Entire Supplier Network – Identifying and Proactively Managing Risks Among Sub-Suppliers Early On

Moderation: Lara Landwehr, Senior Program Buyer, ZF Group, Lemförder Electronic GmbH

Harald Nitschinger, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Prewave

Solution Forum 4

Harmonizing Procurement at Hapag-Lloyd: Digitalization and the Interaction of Procurement, Supplier, and Contract Management

• Hapag-Lloyd’s Procurement Transformation and the Role of Digitalization
• The e-Procurement Journey of Hapag-Lloyd
• Insights into the interplay between sourcing optimization, contract management, and S/4HANA implementation

Moderation: Jasmin Bäumer, Head of Procurement, BÜFA Group Procurement, BÜFA GmbH & Co. KG

Daniel Braune, Head of Indirect Procurement, Investments and CRE, Hapag-Lloyd AG

Break / Transition Time

Solution Forum 5

From Marketplace to Meta-Procurement with Meplato

• Integration and Comparison: Integrating and comparing various procurement processes, systems, and sources in an intelligent offering
• Centralized Control and Analysis: Enhancing transparency and efficiency in procurement
• Strategic Optimization: Maximizing the impact of procurement processes

Moderation: Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Buchholz, Chair of Organization and Logistics, Institute for Process Management and Digitalization (IPD), University of Applied Sciences, Münster

Konstanz Pluskwa, Head of Operations, Meplato GmbH

Solution Forum 6

Moderation: Univ.-Prof. Dr. habil. Rainer Lasch, Faculty of Business and Economics, Chair of Business Administration, especially Logistics, Technische Universität Dresden

This Could Be Your Slot (Open for positioning)

Solution Forum 7

Automation and Artificial Intelligence in Strategic Procurement

• Data analysis as the foundation for strategic procurement
• Using analytical insights to define targeted category strategies
• Sustainable implementation through focused sourcing events

Moderation: Lara Landwehr, Senior Program Buyer, ZF Group, Lemförder Electronic GmbH

Bernd Thannheiser, Director Solution Advisory Spend Management, SAP

Solution Forum 8

Future-Ready with AI: Resilient Supply Chains, Automated Due Diligence, Smart Decisions with the osapiens HUB

• Omnibus & Software Selection: Setting the right course now
• Rethinking compliance: Centralized data as the key to execution
• Proactive vs. reactive: Identifying risks before they become reality

Moderation: Jasmin Bäumer, Head of Procurement, BÜFA Group Procurement, BÜFA GmbH & Co. KG

Alberto Zamora, Co-Founder & CEO, osapiens Services GmbH

Executive Circle 1

Digital Transformation Meets Reality

How Continental is Restructuring Procurement in Challenging Times

• Replacing fragmented tools and manual tasks with efficient end-to-end processes in an integrated solution
• Rethinking supplier relationships – moving together towards greater sustainability and strengthened partnerships
• Mastering complexity through maximum data transparency, automated compliance, and informed decision-making

Jan Schmidt, Head of Purchasing Processes & Systems, Continental AG 

Duration: 60 minutes
Limited group size – advance registration required

Executive Circle 2

From Data to Performance: Building a Strong Supplier Engagement Foundation for the AI Era

• How to build and maintain a single source of truth for supplier data across the organisation
• Strategies for managing supplier risk, performance, and compliance at scale
• The role of collaboration and supplier relationships in driving mutual value
• What AI needs from your supplier ecosystem to operate effectively—and responsibly
• Real-world examples from organisations modernising their supplier engagement practices

Amol Joshi, SVP, Global Sales, Ivalua

Dauer 60 Minuten
Wegen begrenzter Gruppengröße nur auf Voranmeldung

Executive Circle 3

NextGen Category Management – just another attempt, or truly procurement at eye level with sustainable business impact?

• How to elevate Category Management in procurement to the next level and create sustainable business value
• The role AI will play in strategic Category Management in the future
• Why market dynamics and structural disruptions make a scenario-based approach increasingly valuable again

Dr. Matthias Mette, Director, H&Z Unternehmensberatung GmbH
Ralf Schulz, Partner, H&Z Unternehmensberatung GmbH
Sven C. Schumacher, Partner, H&Z Unternehmensberatung GmbH

Duration: 60 minutes
Limited group size – advance registration required

Executive Circle 4

Intelligent Systems in Procurement Controlling

• The AI Control Tower for Analytics, Spend & Performance 
• ML-Based Auto-Classification & Index Mapping
  Precise and consistent assignment of categories, suppliers, and materials
•  Guided, not searched
  Less searching, faster decisions – smart assistance for everyday procurement

Werner Güntner, CEO, SoftconCIS
Bastian Wagner, Software Development, SoftconCIS 

Duration: 60 minutes
Limited group size – advance registration required

Deep Dive 1

Beyond Human Limits: Unleash Cost Reductions Through AI-Driven Analytics

• AI-powered identification of cost drivers that surpasse human capabilities
• Real-time, customized analysis to identify cost drivers
• Guidance for effective cost reduction based on the provided analytics

Dr. Jan Herrmann, Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Tim Romer, Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft

Duration: 60 minutes
Limited participation – first come, first served

Deep Dive 2

enPORTAL GmbH: "Exploring the Depths and Nuances of the Energy Market with DMK Deutsches Milchkontor GmbH"

• The enPORTAL connect tool
• Strategy and controlling
• Nuances of the complex energy market

Wilfried Rademaker, Authorized Signatory, enPORTAL GmbH
Torsten Wiederkranz, Senior Category Buyer Energy, DMK Deutsches Milchkontor GmbH

Duration: 60 minutes
Limited participation – first come, first served

Networking Break at the Exhibition with Program in the Mixed Zones

Deep Dive 3

A True Game Changer for Direct Procurement: Design-to-Source Digitalization

•  AI-Based BOM Collaboration
• Data-driven BOM-based Quotation Analysis
• Cost Estimation both Material & Manufacturing Method based
• End-to-End Collaboration Platform for R&D, Procurement & Suppliers

Ben Grudda, Head of SRM Solutions, SAMSUNG SDS Europe

Duration: 60 minutes
Limited participation – first come, first served

Networking Break at the Exhibition with Program in the Mixed Zones

Thematic Track 1

PROCUREMENT4FUTURE

Moderator: Prof. Dr. Christoph Bode, Chair of Procurement, University of Mannheim

Outlook for 2026: In the Context of Tariffs, Infrastructure Spending, and Defense

• Germany's export-driven growth model is being put to the test
• Outlook for growth, inflation, and interest rates
• Structural reforms to boost growth potential

Dr. Cyrus de la Rubia, Chief Economist and Head of Economics, Hamburg Commercial Bank AG

Transition Break

The Impact of High Energy Costs on Energy-Intensive Companies and Their Decarbonization Path

• As an energy-intensive chemical company, Covestro has set ambitious sustainability goals
• How can sustainable energy supply and economic efficiency be reconciled?
• How does Germany compare in this regard in the international arena?

Ferdinand Rammrath, Chief Procurement Officer, Covestro Deutschland AG

Networking Break at the Exhibition with Program in the Mixed Zones

Procurement Journey-to-Excellence – 7 Steps from “Beginner” to Procurement LEADER at Maturity Level 5: sustainable | strategic | CPO-proven

• Development and implementation of the procurement strategy in alignment with the corporate strategy
• What CFOs like: sustainable and recurring savings through Smart Sourcing and the “CPO Effect”
• Partner & stakeholder management as a strategic value driver

Andreas Schulz, CPO, Helvetia Insurance

Transition Break

 More Than Technology: How EnBW Is Rethinking the Procurement Operating Model with AI

• Why Now Is the Right Time for Change
• AI Agents as Enablers – How Technology Transforms Procurement Processes
• From Experiment to Reality – Successful Implementation with Startup Speed and Enterprise Scale

Olaf Komitsch, CPO, EnBW 

Networking Break at the Exhibition with Program in the Mixed Zones

Thematic Track 2

THOUGHT LEADERS4INSPIRATION

Moderator: Prof. Dr. Michael Eßig, Chair of Procurement and Supply Management, University of the Bundeswehr Munich

From Value Manager to Supply Chain Orchestrator

Expectations for the Head of Procurement

• Procurement has evolved from a cost manager to a total cost optimizer and further to a value manager
• In the future, there will be an increased need for designing, configuring, and managing multi-tier supply chains
• To achieve this, strategies and supply chains must dynamically adapt to changing geopolitical conditions, regulatory requirements, and new business opportunities

Oliver Bischof, Procurement Wind Power, Siemens Energy

Transition Break

The Digital CPO – Our AI Agent in Procurement

• Competitive with AI – Setting the course for the future now
• Experience a live demo! – How the Digital CPO is transforming procurement at Telekom
• Future-proof procurement – Making the most of automation, data & technology

Elisabeth Backes, Group Supply Services, Program Lead Digitalization Procurement, Deutsche Telekom AG
Peter Tasev, SVP Procure to Pay/Procurement Transformation, Deutsche Telekom AG

Networking Break at the Exhibition with Program in the Mixed Zones

Automation, Digitalization, AI – How Can Procurement Processes Evolve to Increase Efficiency and Value Creation?

• The value contribution of procurement in delivering added value to the company
• Continuous improvement to ensure long-term efficiency and effectiveness in purchasing
• Can new tools and solutions—even AI—always be applied with a solid business case?
• Do technology providers adequately support procurement in creating value?

Klaus Blachnik, Chief Procurement Officer, Senior Vice President Procurement, OMV Aktiengesellschaft

Transition Break

Best of Both Worlds: Lokale Nähe und zentrale Effizienz im Einkauf kombinieren

• Global markets demand efficiency, local markets require flexibility
• Companies face the dilemma: centralize or adapt locally?
• Successful procurement organizations manage to combine both intelligently
• The goal: leverage the strengths of both approaches while minimizing risks

Gabriella Honti, Director Procurement Europe, Novelis

Networking Break at the Exhibition with Program in the Mixed Zones

Thematic Track 3

SMEs4SUCCESS

Moderator: Martin Klett, SME Representative, BME e.V.

Digital Procurement at Full Speed: Progress Over Perfection

• SMEs challenge: Small teams juggle operations and digitalization
• Barrier: AI and automation feel overwhelming and distracting
• Solution: Shift focus, simplify, and invest in digital roles to build a modern procurement department

Don Stenden, Director Procurement & FM, AutoScout24

Transition Break

Optimal Purchasing – Work with Strategy: Achieving True Efficiency, Strategy & Savings with AI

• Strategic Transformation: AI-powered Supplier Relationship Management enables companies to transition from reactive purchasing to strategic control
• Efficiency Enhancement through AI: Medium-sized companies automate processes, increase efficiency, and realize savings potential
• Practical Insights: Fischer Sports demonstrates how AI achieves measurable success in practice with concrete examples

Alois Lachtner, Head of Supply Chain Management, Fischer Sports

Networking Break in the Exhibition Area with Mixed Zone Programming

Procuring for Germany's Power Grid of the Future: The Role of Procurement in the Energy Transition Using the Example of SuedLink

• Organization and Structure: Building procurement for the supply of Europe's largest infrastructure project in the energy transition
• Internal and External Stakeholders: The impact of key interfaces and supplier markets on procurement
• Challenges and Solutions: Influences from the project environment and how to handle economic, technical, and regulatory hurdles

Tanja Schmitt, Head of Procurement & Contract and Claim Management DC, TransnetBW GmbH

Transition Break

TBA

Speaker to be confirmed

Networking Break in the Exhibition Area with Mixed Zone Programming

Thematic Track 4

SUPPLY CHAIN4EXCELLENCE

Moderator: Prof. Dr. Anne Meinke, Chair of Supply Chain Management, Dortmund University of Applied Sciences

One Supply Chain: Opportunities from the Merger of Procurement with Component Manufacturing

• Goals from the merger of procurement and component manufacturing
• Approach and initial results
• Further potentials and future outlook

Berthold Kraus, Vice President Supply Chain, Syntegon Technology GmbH

Transition Break

TBA

Speaker to be confirmed

Networking Break in the Exhibition Area with Mixed Zone Programming

Resilience through Hybrid Process Intelligence in the Supply Chain Metaverse

• The ability to respond quickly and effectively to disruptions in the supply chain has increasingly become a competitive advantage
• The integration of artificial intelligence into supply chain processes can significantly contribute to enhancing resilience
• We will demonstrate technological and human-related success factors from the practical implementation of such processes

Dr. Markus Burger, Digital Excellence & Strategic Sourcing Logistics, Siemens AG

Transition Break

PANEL DISCUSSION

Global Procurement and Times of Change: Sourcing Strategies Between Innovation and Constant Transformation

Moderator: Olaf Holzgrefe, Head of International, BME e.V.
Dipl. Ing. (FH) Thomas Lohwasser, Supply Chain Management - Components, MASCHINENFABRIK REINHAUSEN GMBH

Networking Break in the Exhibition Area with Mixed Zone Programming

Networking Break

Start-up Arena

Mixed Zone in the Exhibition, Hall 4

Moderation: Sabrina Winter, Senior Director Procurement Category Management Inflight, Retail and Lounges, Lufthansa Group

Automation of the Entire Product Supply Chain with AI

Dr.-Ing. Alexander Pöhler, Geschäftsführer, assemblean

How to Unlock 20% Untapped Spend: From Punchout Chaos to Best Price

• 20% unmanaged spend – the biggest untapped lever in procurement
• Ø 13% savings, > €1M in 8 weeks – measurable and realized
• GuidedBuying AI as an add-on to SAP Ariba, Coupa, Ivalua, S/4HANA

Wolfgang Lang, Founder & CEO, Guided Buying AI GmbH

Energy procurement in the complex green future

Ilan Momber, CPO / Geschäftsführer Produktentwicklung, onu.energy GmbH

Seven-Figure Savings with AI Agents in Procurement

Moritz Weimer, Co-Founder und COO, Zalion

Strategies for Tomorrow: Business and Politics Between Vision and Reality

Mixed Zone at the BME Booth, Hall 3

Moderator: Alexander Grimm, Political Referee, BME e.V.
Georg Günther, Member of the German Parliament (Bundestag)
Franziska Hoppermann, Member of the German Parliament (Bundestag)
Dr. Lars Kleeberg, Chief Executive Officer, BME e.V.

Networking Break

Start-up Arena

Mixed Zone in the Exhibition, Hall 4

Moderation: Sabrina Winter, Senior Director Procurement Category Management Inflight, Retail and Lounges, Lufthansa Group

Reactive is yesterday – AI agents take action

Erik Oberländer, Co-Founder & CEO, Delvo

kolum GmbH

Women Power: Fast-Tracking with Your Strengths

Mixed Zone at the BME Booth, Hall 3

Moderator: Franziska Prüger, Head of Procurement, AS Creations
Caroline Gollan, Bodybuilder, Two-Time World Champion (2024/2025) in the Figure Division with the NAC Federation
Svenja Meyer, Head of Procurement, duisport – Duisburger Hafen AG

Networking Break

Networking Pause

Network Exchange Stronger together – the BME Sourcing Network Exchange

Mixed Zone beim BME-Stand, Halle 3

New supply opportunities, up-to-date market information and an exciting exchange among network partners. Get inspiration and information from partners of the BME in the field of B2B matchmaking and sourcing. Also get a quick update about opportunities and situation in Ukraine. Meet our country partners and experts and get into dialogue.

Moderation: Lisa Immensack, Senior International Project Managerin, BME e.V.
Rime Benmira, AHK Marokko
Viktor Halych, Independent Business Consultant Ukraine
Sonia Baldassarre, Piemonte Agency
Tina Lukan, Spirit Slovenia
Nevzat Sargin, Turkish Machinery

Procurement in Transition – How Young Professionals Are Transforming Procurement

Mixed Zone in the Exhibition, Hall 4

Julian Hupe, Managing Director, Sana Einkauf & Logistik GmbH
Laura Wohlfarth, Executive Management Associate, Sana Einkauf & Logistik GmbH
Andrea Melchert, Advisor Competence Development, Sana Einkauf & Logistik GmbH