By showcasing Belfast City Council's real-world journey, Orla offers Irish local authorities a proven roadmap for transformation - and gives suppliers insight into how councils' expectations are evolving.

This is a session about transformation in action - practical, evidence-based, and directly applicable to every local government procurement professional in attendance.

David Meehan will give an overview of how the CCPC is working to combat bid-rigging and the international trends in preventing tender collusion such as data screening.

Unleashing the power of AI within procurement will free up professionals to focus on the most important tasks. This session will be underpinned by LMT’s research findings on trialling AI in Procurement Evaluations - a one-year, research-based pilot programme with public sector organisations to trial an ‘Evaluation Agent’ in live procurement settings.

Working with SIB's Social Value Unit to help government departments, agencies, and arm's-length bodies maximise social value through public contracts, Dr Lizzie Borelan will talk about the Circular Economy within procurement and supply chain. How buyers and suppliers can implement initiatives that embed sustainability, decarbonisation, and social value into procurement practices.

Des Phelan leads Coillte's efforts to reduce carbon emissions within its transportation sector, specifically focusing on the road freight transport of timber. A key focus is "Bringing SMEs on the Journey" by assisting smaller operators, who often operate within tight margins, to adopt greener, more sustainable practices.

He advocates for collaborating with stakeholders, including suppliers and contractors, to address the high costs associated with transitioning to new, cleaner fuel technologies. Attendees will hear how Coillte can support suppliers on the green journey and how you can implement this into your own supply chains.

During the session, Louise will share her experience as a leader in digital transformation, providing some examples of digital initiatives pursued by the An Post Procurement team.

Richard has spent the past 15 years delivering data and technology transformation across the public sector, with a primary focus on transport. He has supported some of the UKs largest infrastructure programmes with clients such as Network Rail, National Highways and High Speed 2. In this session he will help delegates understand how data can be used to drive performance from capital programs to operations, procurement and delivery.