The next chapter of indirect procurement starts here
Two days. One room. The future of indirect procurement - shaped together.
📅 October 6–7, 2026 · 📍 THE QVEST, Cologne
We're excited to welcome you to the apadua Indirect Procurement Days (IPD). A deliberately small circle of Chief Procurement Officers and Heads of Indirect Procurement, brought together for depth of conversation, not size of audience.
This year's circle already includes senior representatives from AXA Konzern AG, Breuninger, Covestro, BĂśFA, Swisscard, RheinEnergie, ERGO Group, Wabtec and others.
Here, ideas collide, innovation flourishes, and the future of indirect procurement takes shape, among peers from across the DACH region who face the same decisions you do.
Join us and contribute to shaping what's next for indirect procurement.
Why attend apadua Indirect Procurement Days?
IPD is built around people, not agendas - with a welcome reception, a shared dinner, and dedicated space for the conversations that don't fit into a 20-minute session. What makes this different from most procurement events isn't the stage time. It's who's in the room.
- The right room, not just a full one. Every seat belongs to someone facing the same decisions you are. No vendors pitching, no oversized audience to get lost in.
- Insights you can use Monday morning. Real cases, real numbers, from people who've actually done the work, not theory.
- A network that outlasts the event. The conversations that start here tend to continue long after October.
Agenda at a glance
Day 1 · October 6, 2026 · 13:00–18:30 CET
A relaxed start followed by a focused afternoon program, before the day winds down with dinner among peers.
| 13:00–14:00 | Arrival & snacks |
| 14:00–18:30 | Keynotes, panel sessions & workshops |
| 19:00 | Networking dinner |
Day 2 · October 7, 2026 · 08:00–16:00 CET
A hands-on day that starts easy and builds toward practical takeaways - with plenty of room for one-on-one exchange along the way.
| 08:00–09:00 | Networking breakfast |
| 09:00–16:00 | Case studies & workshops |
The detailed program with speakers and session topics will be announced shortly.
Your ticket includes overnight accommodation, all meals, and the networking dinner. Everything you need for two focused days, taken care of.
Get a glimpse of what's ahead
Across both days, three core topics will shape the conversation:
Core Topic 1: From Cost Center to Strategic Driver
"Indirect Procurement isn't overhead, it's leverage."
How do we earn a permanent seat at the table and prove we belong there?
Core Topic 2: AI - From Pilot to Performance
"90% of CPOs are planning it. Fewer than 4 in 10 have moved beyond pilots."
What separates the teams actually harvesting value from those still running POCs?
Core Topic 3: Procurement Experience – Make Buying Easy
"More expectations. Same budget. Fewer resources."
Can procurement be both compliant and effortless?
Meet the Hosts of IPD26
Visionary leaders shaping the future of indirect procurement.
Apadua’s Indirect Procurement Days are a rare opportunity to connect with peers who are shaping the future of indirect sourcing. This is not a traditional conference room experience; it’s an open, hands‑on and fun forum where everyone participates, procurement leaders as well as category experts. Expect lively debates, experience exchange, and the chance to explore how state-of-the-art sourcing can unlock measurable value. You’ll leave with fresh perspectives, actionable insights, and a stronger network - ready to translate the best ideas into outcomes for your company.
Great procurement isn’t just about cost savings - it’s about driving real impact. At IPD, we’re bringing together the brightest minds in indirect procurement to challenge old ways of thinking, share bold ideas, and create meaningful connections. No distractions, no fluff - just high-quality conversations in an exclusive setting. If you’re ready to shape the future of procurement, this is where you need to be.
IPD isn’t just another conference - it’s a space where top procurement leaders come together to rethink, refine, and revolutionize indirect procurement. We’re creating an environment where ideas spark, innovation thrives, and professional relationships grow. If you’re looking for a fresh perspective and a high-caliber network, join us at "The Qvest" and be part of something truly special.
Don't miss IPD26 - reserve your seat
Speakers at IPD26
At IPD26, our speakers bring more than theory, they bring deep expertise, hands-on experience, and the kind of real-world perspective that only comes from tackling procurement challenges every day. Through keynotes, interactive discussions, and practical case studies, they turn vision into execution and share what actually works.
This builds on what made IPD25 such a success: participants left with actionable strategies, fresh ideas, and the confidence to put insights straight into practice.
Because when experts share openly, the whole community moves forward and IPD26 continues that momentum.
Birte Rautenberg
Head of Business Services Procurement
Covestro
Markus Sinz
Co-Founder
apadua
Björn Frese
Interim Manager, Advisor & Implementer
EIGHTY4 Solutions
Roald Vink
Lead Buyer Indirects
BĂśFA
James Meads
Founder
Entrepreneurial Procurement
Dirk Nothhelfer
Head of Tactical and Operational Procurement
ERGO Group
Konrad Auinger
Executive Interim Management fĂĽr Einkauf, SCM & Operations
AIM Procurement
Gregory N. Vider
Co-Founder
apadua
Lars Wolfram
Co-Founder
talentsconnect
Our partners
The success of the Indirect Procurement Days has always been built together with strong partners. Their expertise and industry experience bring valuable perspectives to the event, turning IPD into a space for practical insights, inspiring dialogue, and real collaboration.
At IPD26, our partners once again play a key role in making the conference relevant and impactful for every participant.
What participants say
What a wonderful event in a gorgeous setting with like-minded procurement professionals who all have a passion for the indirect space. Not your typical procurement conference but so much more engaging with workshops and inspiring TedTalk like contributions. It's kind of telling that Gregory, Markus and the apadua team would choose this kind of setting. Well done to the team and I'd love to return. P.S. Never neglect your indirect spend!
A highly professional and innovative approach to shaping the ideal setup for an indirect procurement event. Personally, I gained valuable insights into optimizing IT systems to enhance efficiency, allowing sourcing teams to focus more on the “fun” and engaging aspects of their work. It’s inspiring to see how many professionals in indirect sourcing are committed to driving meaningful change in procurement. Learning is a continuous journey, and this event reaffirmed that exciting times lie ahead for the sourcing community.
Indirect procurement is a fascinating and incredibly diverse field, as highlighted during IPD24, where professionals showcased their unique ability to deeply understand the organizations they serve. Few departments have such broad exposure to senior management, making this profession truly distinctive. It's a career path that deserves recognition as an exceptional way to build business acumen and excel in stakeholder management.
The first apadua Indirect Procurement Days (IPD) set new standards, both in terms of content and attendees. Small but nice, this event was beyond all existing gatherings in the community. High calibre attendees exchanged over trend setting topics in a very nice atmosphere and location. Although AI is becoming a buzzword in procurement as well, at the IPD it became much more tangible and ready to go! It was also confirmed that indirect procurement is a thrilling career path. Many thanks to the organisers of apadua!
The first apadua Indirect Procurement Days were incredibly well-organized and provided great opportunities to exchange ideas and connect with others. I left the event with valuable takeaways and interesting insights on several topics that were discussed over these two days. The overall atmosphere was engaging and the scenery of Villa Rothschild couldn’t be more beautiful!
Where we'll meet – and how to get there
Venue & Accommodation
IPD26 takes place at The Qvest, one of Cologne's most striking design hotels. Housed in the city's former historic archive building, just minutes from the Rhine and the heart of the old town. Its unique blend of industrial heritage and contemporary elegance creates exactly the kind of setting we want for IPD: inspiring, memorable, and a little unexpected.
Both the conference venue and your overnight stay take place at The Qvest, so there's no need to switch locations, arrange separate transfers, or plan your day around checking in somewhere else. Accommodation is included in your ticket price. Simply arrive, settle in, and focus on what matters: the conversations, the connections, and the content.
Getting there
By train
Cologne is one of Germany's best-connected cities by rail. Depending on where you're arriving from, the most convenient stations are:
- Köln Hauptbahnhof (main station): Right in the city center, ~10 minutes by taxi to The Qvest.
- Köln Messe/Deutz: On the opposite bank of the Rhine, well connected via ICE and regional trains.
- Köln Ehrenfeld: A good option if you're arriving via regional connections from the west.
By plane
Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) is the closest airport, roughly 20–25 minutes from the venue by taxi or car. It's served by a wide range of European carriers, making it an easy option for international guests.
By car
Driving to Cologne? Use this link for the fastest route directly to The Qvest: Route via Google Maps. Parking information will be shared closer to the event.
Key Facts
About the apadua indirect procurement days
The apadua Indirect Procurement Days are, first and foremost, about people. From the welcome reception to the dinner party and dedicated networking sessions, every part of the event is built to spark real conversations and lasting professional relationships.
IPD24 and IPD25 brought together procurement leaders shaping the future of indirect procurement, building momentum around learning, innovation, and cross-industry exchange.
Now, IPD26 takes that momentum further. What started as a bold idea has grown into an established annual platform for practical insights, thought leadership, and genuine connection; driving excellence in indirect procurement, one conversation at a time.
From First Steps to Full Speed: The IPD Story So Far
Stay connected
If you need further information, please contact us at ipd@apadua.com or at +49 221 6430 3472.
We look forward to welcoming you at the apadua Indirect Procurement Days 2026!
Author
Sarah is responsible for relationship management at apadua. When she is not talking to service providers and customers, asking questions, listening or typing, she enjoys being out in nature. Her favorite places are the mountains, but she also likes to be carried away by the sound of the waves.
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