That's the provocative question at the heart of this year's keynote at IMPA London 2026, and it's the perfect entry point into what promises to be one of the most thought-provoking editions of the event yet.

Keynote Speaker: Rick Ackermann

We're delighted to welcome Rick Ackermann, Head of Procurement at BW LPG, as this year's keynote speaker at IMPA London 2026. He follows Susan Koefoed, Chair and CEO of IMPA and Finance at Weco Shipping, who opens the day by drawing on findings from the latest IMPA Industry Survey to set the scene under this year's theme: Maritime Procurement and Supply Chain Management: The Here and Now.

Rick brings a rare, practitioner's-eye view to a debate that many senior leaders acknowledge, but few are willing to raise on stage.

The Keynote: "The Advantages of Modern Buying and the Risk of Knowing Less"

Modern procurement teams are more digitally equipped than any generation before them, being able to work with automated workflows, real-time data, and AI-assisted decision-making. But Rick's keynote poses an uncomfortable counterpoint: as the tools get smarter, are the people behind them getting sharper, or simply more dependent?

It Doesn't Stop There: The Leadership Debate

Immediately following Rick's keynote, he's joined on stage by Alex Drew (Group Procurement Director, FLEET Management Limited) and Fiona Kerr (Head of Procurement, North Star Shipping) for a live Leadership Debate: Perspectives on Talent, Knowledge and the Next Generation of Procurement Professionals.

A debate that tackles an uncomfortable truth that many senior figures recognise but few say openly: that as processes mature and tools proliferate, the depth of knowledge being developed by the next generation of buyers may not match what the role truly demands. What are the consequences for commercial performance, supplier relationships and operational resilience? And what must industry leaders do now, rather than later, to reverse the trend?

If you manage or mentor procurement talent, this is not a session to watch from the back of the room.

An Agenda Built Around the Issues That Actually Matter

The talent conversation is just the opening act. Across two full days at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre, Westminster, London (22–23 September 2026), IMPA London 2026 tackles the issues shaping the future of maritime procurement head-on:

Day One moves from strategic outlook straight into sustainability, with sessions on the latest work around the IMPA Maritime Environmental Footprint Initiative (IMEF) and the newly-launched IMPA SAVE Rope Circularity Initiative, bringing the audience practical, real-world looks at how the industry is turning ESG commitments into action.

Day Two is a deep dive into digital transformation and AI. From an accessible introduction in AI Demystified through to first-hand case studies, including AI in Practice: A Shipowner's Perspective with Henning Wegner (Oldendorff Carriers) and AI in Practice: A Supplier's Perspective with Will Rush (Breakwater), the day builds toward The Great AI Debate, a live, audience-driven panel asking the question everyone in the industry is thinking: is AI actually delivering on its promise?

And throughout both days, in true IMPA fashion, delegates are not just spectators. With networking, learning and debating at the heart of every IMPA event, numerous audience Q&A sessions mean that your voice becomes part of the discussion.

Why Attend

IMPA London has built its reputation on tackling the difficult questions the industry needs to ask. This year's programme, anchored by a keynote willing to challenge the very narrative of “progress” in procurement, sets exactly that tone. Whether you are a procurement leader wrestling with how to develop your team, a sustainability champion pushing circularity initiatives forward, or simply trying to cut through the noise around AI, this agenda has been built for you.

Join us at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre, Westminster, London, on 22–23 September 2026

Be part of the conversation that could shape how the next generation of procurement professionals is trained.

Click here to register to attend