Consulting has always been synonymous with change.
Over the years, organisations have been encouraged to respond to successive waves of transformation, from big data to blockchain, even the Millennium Bug 🐛. Each brought its own sense of urgency and promise of impact.
But nothing has been as seismic as the rise of AI, generating a tsunami of change across both the buying and delivery of consultancy services this year.
What sets AI apart is not just the technology itself, but the speed and scale at which it is reshaping both the buying and delivery of consultancy services. In a matter of months, expectations have shifted, from how demand is defined, to how value is measured, to how services are delivered. A complete structural shift.
For those responsible for consultancy and professional services spend, the implication is clear: it is no longer enough to be a “digital” procurement professional.
The risk now is becoming what can only be described as “digital in an AI world” operating with approaches that are already outdated in a rapidly evolving market. The opportunity, however, is significant.
Those who embrace AI effectively can move beyond process-heavy procurement models towards more intelligent, outcome-focused approaches, improving efficiency, enhancing control and unlocking greater value from consultancy spend.
Why This Matters Now
The pace of change means that waiting is no longer neutral. We’re seeing organisations already:
- Redefining how consultancy demand is identified and shaped
- Embedding AI into sourcing and contract management processes
- Rethinking traditional delivery and pricing models
Those not actively adapting risk falling behind… & quickly.
Join the Conversation
This is exactly why the CPC Annual Summit 2026 will focus on how procurement leaders can adopt AI end-to-end across consultancy spend management.
Bringing together expert speakers and over 150 senior peers, the Summit will explore:
- Practical applications of AI in consultancy procurement
- How organisations are already changing their approach
- What it takes to remain effective in an AI-driven market
For Consultancy Category Managers and Heads of Professional Services, this is a critical moment to step back, benchmark your approach and understand what comes next.
Because in this environment, the question is no longer if AI will change consultancy procurement but how quickly you adapt to it.
Register Your Place
Places for the CPC Annual Summit are limited. To secure your place and join the conversation, register here.
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