The Positive Purchasing Team Returns from DPW Amsterdam 2025… Where AI Met Procurement’s Future
We’re back from DPW Amsterdam 2025 with a shared sense of Procurement’s next steps.
This year’s theme was all about putting AI to work, and it was impossible not to feel that shift. Everywhere you looked – from keynote stages to casual coffee chats, the conversations revolved around how AI is changing the way Procurement thinks, acts, and delivers value. But there is a sense that capability has been forgotten and we need to train our procurement teams.
Our reflections on DPW Amsterdam 2025
CEO, Jonathan O’Brien said:
“AI is moving faster than we can adopt it. There’s incredible technology out there, but it’s still fragmented islands of brilliance, with little integration, the data is not there at scale yet and there are lots of over promises. The next generation of AI can only deliver its potential when it becomes one of the team — alongside brilliant, strategic procurement specialists with advanced data, AI, and change management skills.”
Business Development Manager, Sarah, echoed similar thoughts:
“DPW Amsterdam showcased how AI can revolutionise procurement, drive savings and unlock strategic value etc. But in the conversations I had, a different story emerged: one about underutilised platforms, frustrated teams, and ROI that never appeared. Here’s what stuck with me – technology is absolutely crucial for a modern procurement team but we can’t forget about capability.”
That sentiment seemed to resonate across the halls of Beurs van Berlage. The buzz wasn’t just about what AI can do, but how Procurement can truly make it work by combining capability, governance, and a future-ready mindset!
Our Stand... And a Few Familiar Faces
Our team loved connecting with procurement professionals from across the globe! From those exploring their first steps into AI to others already transforming their functions with intelligent digital tools.
And yes, our Capella ducks made a comeback (some of them even reuniting with last year’s “Dutch cousins” who never made it back home…), plus a lucky someone also won a collection of Jonathan’s books!
Procurement’s Future – Human-Led, AI-Powered
If there was one big lesson from DPW Amsterdam 2025, it’s that the road to AI in Procurement is not just about algorithms or automation – it is all about leadership, learning, and people.
AI is bringing a new era of data, agility, and intelligence to Procurement. But it’s the human capability behind it (the skills, judgement, and strategic thinking), that will turn that promise into real-world value.
See You Next Year DPW Amsterdam!…
Find out more about our world-leading digital platforms, high-impact training and consulting for strategic procurement and negotiation where capability is at the heart of everything we do, here.