Soar25 exceeded all expectations. Over two days in Boston, procurement leaders, suppliers, partners, analysts, and the Fairmarkit team came together at the Duan Family Center for Computing & Data Sciences for an experience defined by energy, collaboration, and community.
Hosting the event again at Boston University underscored the value of a partnership that has been part of Fairmarkit’s journey since the very beginning. BU was one of our earliest collaborators and co-creators, and continuing to share Soar on their campus highlights just how far we’ve come together.
From the packed workshops and candid panels to the late-night conversations and unforgettable moments at Fenway Park, Soar25 wasn’t just a conference, it was proof of what happens when people show up ready to share, build, and push ideas forward.
It’s hard not to reflect on last year’s Soar24, which set a high bar for what this event could be. But Soar25 raised that bar even higher, blending innovation, connection, and fun in ways that surpassed anything we’ve done before.
Raising the Bar Through Ideas and Collaboration
What made Soar25 different was how actively participants leaned in. Nobody came just to sit back and listen. Instead, every workshop, panel, and keynote became a space for building and co-creating.
One highlight was the opening keynote, where Fairmarkit leadership explored how procurement leaders can adapt in an age where agentic AI agents are moving from concept to practice. That theme carried through the event, surfacing in hands-on sessions where attendees worked together to design their own AI-powered procurement agents. One of the most memorable? DECO, a concept for an agent that could help organizations reduce off-contract spend and serve as a procurement knowledge guide.
Workshops also gave participants the chance to dig into practical challenges. In a session on measuring value and KPIs, attendees worked side by side with Fairmarkit experts to build frameworks for tracking not just cost savings, but also speed, supplier diversity, and risk reduction. These conversations weren’t abstract, they were directly tied to the real issues procurement teams face every day.
And when the Fairmarkit product team shared the innovation roadmap, it sparked excitement about what’s ahead: greater automation, smarter intelligence, and deeper community-driven insights.
If you want to dive deeper into these topics—whether it’s agentic AI, procurement transformation, or value measurement frameworks—visit our Fairmarkit Blog.
Beyond the Sessions: Community in Action
While the agenda was rich, Soar25 was about more than content. It was about connection. The conversations didn’t stop when the sessions ended, they carried on late into the evening, at networking dinners, and even during extra innings at Fenway Park.
The closing Charity Casino Night was another standout moment. More than a fun way to end the event, it reflected the spirit of this community: coming together not only to learn and collaborate, but also to give back.
These shared experiences created space for trust, openness, and relationship-building. They reminded us that while technology may be the enabler, it’s people and culture that ultimately drive transformation.
What We’re Taking Forward
Soar25 wasn’t just a conference; it was a signal of where procurement is headed. The clear message? Technology alone isn’t enough. To unlock value, we must combine AI, data, and tools with the culture and people who bring them to life.
From Boston, we’re carrying forward:
- New ideas for integrating agentic AI into sourcing workflows.
- Fresh feedback to shape our product roadmap and innovation priorities.
- Stronger relationships and a renewed sense of what this community can achieve together.
Thank You
To everyone who joined us, customers, partners, suppliers, analysts, and the Fairmarkit team, thank you. Soar25 was more than an event; it was a movement powered by collaboration, creativity, and community.
We also want to recognize Boston University for continuing to be such a valued partner. From our early days of co-creation to today’s thriving collaboration, BU has played an important role in Fairmarkit’s growth, and it was fitting to celebrate Soar25 together on their campus.
We’re excited to keep the momentum going through ongoing conversations, shared learnings, and next year’s Soar. Until then, keep soaring.
