Agenda

The Meet the Buyer Zone provides suppliers and SMEs with the opportunity to book one-to-one meetings with senior education sector buyers, fostering direct connections and collaboration within Northern Ireland’s £1bn education procurement landscape. Participating organisations include Education Authority Northern Ireland, Ulster University, Crown Commercial Service, Queen's University Belfast and NWUPC.

This session will explore how education procurement is driving sustainability and social value across Northern Ireland. Panellists will discuss practical approaches to reducing environmental impact, embedding social outcomes in contracts, and meeting regulatory expectations. The conversation will also highlight successful initiatives and the role of suppliers, schools, and colleges in achieving measurable results, giving attendees clear guidance on integrating sustainability and social value into everyday procurement decisions.

This session will examine how digitalisation and technology are reshaping procurement in education and the wider public sector. Panellists will discuss the benefits of automation, data-driven decision making, and e-procurement platforms, alongside the challenges of adoption, integration, and skills. The discussion will also provide insights into how institutions can use technology to improve efficiency, compliance, and transparency while preparing for future demands, giving attendees practical perspectives on balancing opportunity with risk in digital procurement.