PSC LIVE Chicago: Exclusive Q&A With Microsoft Director

Heading to Chicago for in co-location with Sustainability LIVE, the latest instalment of Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE will take place on 28-29 May.
With one ticket unlocking access to three stages, the event will provide an exclusive opportunity to network and collaborate at the intersection of sustainability, procurement and supply chain.
Across two days, attendees can look forward to a range of keynotes, panel discussions, fireside chats and masterclasses to equip them with the knowledge to stay ahead of the curve in these dynamic industries.
To secure your place in Chicago, click here.
AI-powered innovative solutions
Microsoft creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.
As an extension of the Microsoft Cloud, the Microsoft commercial marketplace connects customers to a comprehensive catalogue of cloud and AI solutions from Microsoft software partners.
With simplified purchasing and management, the marketplace makes it easier for customers to find, buy and deploy the right solutions for their organisation.
Please could you start by introducing yourself and your role?
I'm Kristyn Maddox, Director of Product Marketing for the Microsoft commercial marketplace.
What made you want to sponsor Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE Chicago?
We continue to hear from procurement professionals how the Microsoft commercial marketplace helps streamline how they get the SaaS and AI solutions their organisations need.
Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE was the perfect opportunity for us to engage with leaders in this space, learn about what is top of mind for them and share what's new with the marketplace.
What do you hope to achieve at and after the event?
We're looking to help procurement teams understand the value of aligning any Microsoft business to their third-party Azure-based software needs by adopting the Microsoft commercial marketplace.
Additionally, we want procurement teams to know that there is an opportunity for them to get discounts on their Azure infrastructure by having a cloud consumption commitment.
Eligible marketplace purchases count towards that commitment, helping them maximise IT investments.
What emerging trends do you believe will shape the future of the procurement and supply chain industry over the next decade?
The cloud landscape is complicated right now. SaaS and AI needs are proliferating and IT budgets continue to balloon.
It's important for companies to get the most out of their technology investments and balance the need to innovate quickly without sacrificing the appropriate safeguards.
Analyst groups are seeing tremendous momentum in customers adopting cloud marketplaces to solve these challenges.
For us at Microsoft, our marketplace provides a single catalogue with thousands of vetted solutions, including those from the leading AI software companies. And, importantly, the marketplace centralises IT while giving companies the proper financial operations levers to empower technology transformation.
We're excited to see more and more customers buying with confidence through the marketplace to increase efficiency and spend smarter.
A strategic hub for innovation
Chicago, a leader in logistics, trade and manufacturing, is the ideal setting for Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE's in-person US debut.
The cityâs rich industrial heritage and strategic position make it a natural choice to launch a global dialogue on modern supply chain strategy.
It also reflects the eventâs growing global ambition. Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE has already attracted thousands of attendees and speakers from leading organisations including Unilever, IBM, Siemens and SAP â and the Chicago edition promises to be no different.
Convene Willis Tower
Located on the third floor of Chicagoâs iconic Willis Tower, which was the worldâs tallest building until 1996, the Convene Willis Tower is a premier event venue situated in the Loop neighbourhood of Chicago.
Its exquisite design of the building is inspired by Chicagoâs motto âUrbs in Hortoâ (City in a Garden) and features an abundance of natural light and plenty of incredible views of the surrounding city.
Join us on 28-29 May at this iconic venue and delve into the evolving intersection of procurement, supply chain and sustainability.
NEW Innovation Zone
Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE Chicago is elevating its impact and global relevance with the launch of a brand-new âInnovation Zoneâ â a curated stage designed to spotlight the most exciting and transformative technologies driving procurement and supply chain forward.
Across two days, this space will host a series of focused 15-minute technology pitches, giving pioneering startups, scaleups and solution providers the chance to present their innovations to a high-calibre audience of thought leaders, investors and C-suite executives.
From AI-powered decision-making tools to predictive logistics platforms and next-generation spend management systems, this new space will highlight practical solutions that deliver measurable business value.
To secure your tickets, click here.
Networking opportunities
Beyond insights and trends, Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE Chicago represents a unique opportunity to network with industry experts and peers.
Join us in Chicago and take part in this transformative journey. Discover how leaders in sustainability, procurement and supply chain can work together to achieve sustainable development goals. Get your tickets TODAY!
Essential diary dates for 2025
Discover the essential diary dates for Procurement Magazine and Supply Chain Digital, as well as its sister publications, Manufacturing Digital and Sustainability Magazine.
To follow Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE on LinkedIn, click here.
To enter for the Global Procurement & Supply Chain Awards, click here.
- Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE Dubai | 29 April
- Sustainability LIVE Chicago | 28-29 May
- Procurement LIVE Chicago | 28-29 May
- Supply Chain LIVE Chicago | 28-29 May
- Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE London | 23-24 September
- The Global Procurement & Supply Chain Awards | 24 September
Explore the latest edition of Supply Chain Digital Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE.
Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.
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