DPW Amsterdam 2026 Redesigns Event to Speed Up Decision-Making
Amid the rapid evolution of technology and artificial intelligence, DPW Amsterdam 2026 is reimagining its event to assist procurement leaders in making quicker and more effective decisions. Taking place from September 30 to October 1, 2026, at RAI Amsterdam, the event will feature a larger expo hall, an innovative startup pitch arena, and enhanced networking opportunities.
Founder Matthias Gutzmann of DPW, a leading tech conference for procurement and supply chain professionals, stated, "Access to information and technology is no longer the primary challenge for procurement organizations. The new hurdle is determining what matters, what works, and what to do next. That's why we've redesigned DPW Amsterdam to help attendees eliminate what isn't relevant, validate what matters, and accelerate the decisions that drive progress."
The redesigned DPW Amsterdam will introduce several new elements aimed at streamlining the decision-making process. The event will now host approximately 22 custom-built sponsor activations, compared to about seven in 2025. These activations will include immersive structures, demo environments, and customer case studies, offering a deeper way to evaluate technology beyond a brief booth conversation.
The centerpiece of the event will be the new Center Stage, designed to anchor the experience with a more intuitive layout. The traditional booth grid will give way to a more open format that encourages closer interaction with founders and live demos. The Startup Pitch Arena will also adopt a circular format, placing startups at the center of the audience and enhancing the live engagement experience.
Attendees can look forward to new content formats, such as a dedicated Podcast Stage with approximately 30 seats, and interactive workshops that allow for hands-on experimentation. The number of sponsored roundtables will increase from two in 2025 to six in 2026, providing more opportunities for focused discussions on topics like indirect spend, contract lifecycle management, and source-to-pay.
Networking will be integrated into the event infrastructure, with longer breaks between sessions to facilitate continued conversations. Additional networking opportunities will be available through informal gatherings like a bowling social and a 75-square-meter gaming zone. AI-powered matchmaking will also evolve to incorporate behavioral signals, helping attendees identify relevant connections.
DPW is also transforming how attendees measure the value of their time at the event. The DPW Unpacked experience, previously delivered post-event, will become a live feature within the DPW app. Attendees will be able to see personalized insights during the event, including connections made and content attended, to better understand where they are gaining value and identify areas for improvement.
The event will also expand its awards program, adding a Digital Innovation Award and an Influencer/People's Choice award to recognize both technology innovators and procurement practitioners. This will give attendees the chance to learn from organizations and individuals demonstrating effective digital procurement practices.
With these changes, DPW Amsterdam 2026 aims to help procurement leaders navigate the expanding technology landscape by eliminating noise, validating ideas, and accelerating the decisions that can drive their organizations forward.