8th CEE Forum with successful B2B matchmaking relaunch

After two years of forced break due to Covid-19, the 8th CEE Procurement and Supply Forum took place again as a face-to-face event in Prague. With more than 250 scheduled B2B meetings between buyers and qualified suppliers from Central and Eastern Europe, the 2022 networking event has brought again tangible added value for all 150 participants.

"Supply chains are currently under constant scrutiny by companies. It is all about alternatives, risk mitigation, reliability and sustainability. New partners are required for this. Eastern Europe is close and therefore a good option," emphasized Olaf Holzgrefe, Head of International at BME. "With over 25 German companies and more than 60 suppliers, the Prague event once again demonstrated the importance of dialogue and face-to-face meetings," Holzgrefe added. Since 2015, Procurement and Supply Forum has been held in cooperation with the Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) in the CEE region. With suppliers from Poland, the Baltic States, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria and the Western Balkans, B2B meetings offer broad access to the Eastern European procurement market. "Good cooperation with the foreign chambers of commerce, led by the AHK Czech Republic, is a solid foundation for our companies."

In addition to numerous B2B discussions, the conference provided an overview of the current framework conditions in Eastern Europe. Jürgen Pfeffer, Director Global Procurement at Bauer Gear GmbH, pointed out in his keynote speech how important collaboration and speed are for business success. The discussion between BME purchasing experts Oliver Casper (VP Procurement, Trox Group), Christian Ott (Head of Procurement & Logistic, August Mink GmbH & Co. KG), Frank Berberich (Global Commodity Manager, JOST-Werke Deutschland GmbH) and Bettina Hühnken (Global Commodity Manager, Minimax GmbH) was also very interesting. One of the topics discussed was the current importance of transparency for companies. The morning session was complemented by a pitch session of five start-ups of European Innovation Council from Israel, Portugal, Poland and the Czech Republic.

In the afternoon, participating buyers were able to specify their needs and requirements in individual B2B discussions with present suppliers. It quickly became apparent that suppliers from the Baltic States in particular have great business potential and still have free capacities.

Comments from participants of the 8th CEE Procurement and Supply Forum:

Anja Görlich, Einkauf Technik, Schülke & Mayr GmbH: "The speeches were very good. I could have more of that! Great insights on all topics. Good to hear we mostly all are on the same “agenda”.

Bettina Hühnken, Global Commodity Manager, Minimax GmbH: "The BME with all its partners guides us to understand the power of CEE procurement and I'm deeply thankful to be a part of it. This platform is a brilliant way to connect with suppliers in just one day."

Petr Jahoda, Sony Dadc: "I liked the venue. The energy of organizers - what an effort! Excellent food! Organizers even tried to arrange some meetings for me on the event. Thank you!"