Ask the Experts: Insights on AI, Procurement, and Building Smarter Strategies.
Ask the Experts Panel: Navigating the Intersection of AI, Procurement, and Brand Integrity
It’s not every day you get a room full of experts who can seamlessly discuss procurement policies, AI ethics, and sustainability goals while sprinkling in some dry humor. The “Ask the Experts” panel was exactly that — a lively, no-holds-barred Q&A where attendees got to tackle pressing issues with top professionals. Here’s our key takeaways from this insightful session.
1. AI Adoption: The Balancing Act Between Innovation and Risk
One of the first questions asked was about integrating AI into creative services while safeguarding the brand. The concern was clear: how do you prevent AI from going rogue? One panelist responded, “Garbage in, garbage out? No, it’s now garbage in, garbage published,” highlighting the importance of clean data and robust internal policies.
Most companies, the panel revealed, are navigating these waters with careful AI policies and rigorous review boards. Another panelist reminded the audience, “AI is like an intern — it might be eager, but you still need to check its work before it goes public.” The overarching advice? Test, test, and test again. And make friends with your legal team — they’re your AI safety net.
2. Improving Internal Customer Experience with AI
The panel shifted gears to discuss using AI for internal processes like vendor onboarding and purchase order (PO) processing. One expert pointed out that while contracting is one of the current frontiers for AI in procurement, tools to streamline operational processes are just around the corner. “Think of it like orchestration — getting everyone to the finish line without asking them to figure out the ERP system.”
Another panelist joked, “If AI can help me avoid the fourth email about missing PO documentation, I’ll call it a miracle worker.” The key takeaway was that AI has the potential to save time and energy by automating repetitive tasks, freeing up professionals to focus on strategic work.
3. Sustainability & AI: An Environmental Conundrum
When asked about the intersection of AI and sustainability, the panel got real about the environmental cost of server farms. “The carbon footprint of AI isn’t small,” one expert noted, adding, “It’s not just AI — cryptocurrency and programmatic media are in the same boat. We’ve got to figure out how to row together.”
They discussed how companies can use AI to track and reduce Scope 3 emissions by holding partners accountable for their own sustainability goals. “It’s a tool, not a scapegoat,” a panelist emphasized. The consensus was clear: while AI can aid sustainability efforts, its usage also needs to be measured and optimized for energy efficiency.
4. The Risks of Data Sharing in AI-Powered Vendor Relationships
One audience member raised an important question about negotiating with vendors that use proprietary AI models. “Once your data is ingested, you can’t just take it back out,” they pointed out. The panel advised establishing clear contract terms, including usage limitations and data security measures.
“We’ve been here before,” a panelist reminded the audience, referring to past challenges with safeguarding sensitive sales or performance data. “The difference now is we’re dealing with machines that learn — and they don’t unlearn easily.”
5. Human Skills in an AI-Powered World
One of the liveliest moments came when someone ( thanks to J. Francisco Escobar) asked if AI would make humans lazy. A panelist said, “It’s not laziness — it’s complacency. But only if we let it.” Another warned, “The real danger isn’t doing less; it’s disconnecting from each other. My 14-year-old would rather text the dog than call a restaurant.”
The panel argued that AI is shifting the focus away from routine tasks to higher-level critical thinking and strategy. “We’ve been obsessing over the ‘doing’ for years,” said one expert. “AI gives us a chance to spend more time on the ‘thinking.’”
6. The Role of Procurement in a World of AI
A hot topic was how procurement professionals will adapt by 2025. The panelists predicted a shift toward system-level thinking, where teams focus on integrating AI tools across the value chain. “Procurement isn’t just about saving money anymore,” said one panelist. “It’s about building smarter systems that help everyone do their job better.”
Another panelist added, “In two years, everyone here will have their own AI assistant. But remember, AI is your intern, not your boss. You’re still in charge.”
7. The Future of AI Auditing and Spot Checks
The panel wrapped up with a practical discussion about auditing AI outputs and mitigating risks. One speaker shared, “We use a simple but effective rule: human first, AI second, human third. No output goes public without human oversight.” This approach not only ensures accuracy but also keeps humans engaged in the process.
Key Quotes and Mic-Drop Moments
- “If you don’t have clean data, you’re basically building a sandcastle in the middle of a tide pool.”
- “AI isn’t coming for your job — it’s coming for the parts of your job you never liked doing anyway.”
- “Negotiating data value is tricky, but remember: your data’s shelf life might be shorter than you think.”
- “AI is great for cutting costs, but it’s even better for saving time. And time is the one thing you can’t negotiate more of.”
Final Takeaways
The session ended with an open invitation to connect and continue the conversation. As one panelist put it, “AI is evolving fast, but so are we. Stay curious, stay critical, and don’t let the bots outthink you.”
