The advent of increased automation, data-driven decisions, powerful business networks, and the firepower of artificial intelligence (AI)and blockchainare combining to elevate procurement -- and the professionals who drive it -- to a new plane of greater influence and impact. To learn more about how rapidly evolving technology changes the future of procurement, the next BriefingsDirect panel discussion explores how and why innovation-fueled procurement will fill an increasingly strategic role for businesses. Our future of procurement panelists are Julie Gerdeman, Vice President of the Digital Transformation Organization at SAP Ariba; Shivani Govil, Vice President of Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Products at SAP Ariba, and Matt Volker, Vice President of Supply Chain at NatureSweet in San Antonio, Texas. The discussion is moderated by Dana Gardner, Principal Analyst at Interarbor Solutions. [Sponsor. SAP Ariba.]