The past few years have brought major shifts in how organizations manage their contingent workforce—from the rise of skill-based hiring and direct sourcing to new compliance challenges and the increasing role of AI. As companies recalibrate their strategies, what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change? This panel brings together industry leaders to discuss how contingent workforce programs are evolving, what innovations are driving success, and what the future holds for talent strategy, supplier relationships, and program optimization. 

Key Discussion Points: 

• How organizations are rethinking supplier management, talent pipelines, and workforce agility. 
• The role of AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making in contingent workforce programs. 
• Predictions for 2026 and beyond, including emerging trends in compliance, workforce planning, and supplier partnerships

When it comes to building and managing contingent staffing programs, procurement and talent acquisition don’t always see eye-to-eye. Procurement is focused on cost, risk, and compliance, while TA is driven by speed, quality, and candidate experience. In this session, you’ll engage in candid discussions and scenario-based exercises to unpack where these priorities clash — and where they can align. Together, you’ll co-develop strategies to bridge the gap, foster collaboration, and ensure your program is serving the business first.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the distinct — and sometimes conflicting — goals of procurement and TA
• Explore strategies to build alignment without sacrificing the strengths of either function
• Develop a roadmap for creating a more collaborative, business-first contingent staffing program