APAC Agenda 2027

Day 1

27 July 2027

9:00AM – 9:30AM

The State of AI in Global B2B Commerce

Keynote

An exclusive look at how leading manufacturers and distributors around the world are adopting artificial intelligence. Drawing on research and insights from global practitioners, this session examines where businesses are investing, the use cases delivering value, the challenges slowing adoption and the opportunities…

9:30AM – 10:00AM

AI-Enabling the Global Distribution Channel

Keynote

Hear directly from a global manufacturing leader about how AI is changing the relationship between manufacturers and their distribution partners. From intelligent sales enablement and product information to channel engagement and customer support, discover how one global organisation is preparing its distribution…

10:00AM – 10:30AM

Digital Transformation in Action: An ANZ Success Story

Session

A leading Australian or New Zealand manufacturer or distributor takes us inside its digital transformation journey. Explore the business challenges, technology decisions, organisational changes and practical lessons behind a major transformation initiative, including the results achieved and what comes next.

10:30AM – 11:00AM

Morning Tea & Networking

Break

11:00AM – 11:45AM

The New World of B2B Search: From Website Discovery to AI-Driven Buying

Session

The way B2B buyers discover products and suppliers is changing. Traditional website search is evolving alongside conversational AI, intelligent product discovery and AI-powered buying assistants. This session explores how manufacturers and distributors can prepare for a future where customers may discover products,…

Richard Isaac

Richard Isaac

Global Director of Search & Discovery

B2B eCommerce Association

B2B eCommerce Association

11:45AM – 12:30PM

Product Content & AI Readiness: Building the Foundation for Intelligent Commerce

Session

AI-powered commerce depends on accurate, complete and accessible product information. This session explores how manufacturers and distributors are addressing product data quality, enrichment, governance and syndication to support better customer experiences and prepare for AI-driven product discovery. The discussion…

Jason Hein

Jason Hein

Global Director

B2B eCommerce Association

B2B eCommerce Association

12:30PM – 1:30PM

Networking Lunch

Break

Main Lunch Program An opportunity to connect with fellow manufacturers, distributors, technology providers and industry leaders.

From Process Mapping to AI Agents: Designing Your First AI Workflow

Workshop

Learn how to map an existing business process, identify automation opportunities and design a workflow combining human decisions with AI agents.

1:30PM – 2:00PM

ANZ Manufacturer Spotlight: Driving Digital Transformation & Growth

Session

Hear directly from a leading Australian or New Zealand manufacturer about its digital commerce transformation. Explore how the business is modernising customer experiences, strengthening its distribution channels, connecting systems and using technology to drive growth. Potential sponsor: Commerce platform, systems…

2:00PM – 2:30PM

ANZ Distributor Spotlight: Building the Next Generation of Digital Distribution

Session

A leading ANZ distributor shares how it is improving digital customer experiences, increasing eCommerce adoption and modernising its operations. Discover the practical decisions, challenges and results behind its digital transformation journey. Potential sponsor: Commerce platform, ERP provider or digital technology…

2:30PM – 3:00PM

The Future of B2B Buying: When AI Agents Become the Customer

Panel

What happens when your next customer isn't a person browsing your website, but an AI agent acting on their behalf? As AI agents begin to take on more responsibility for researching products, evaluating suppliers, comparing prices and managing procurement, manufacturers and distributors face a fundamental shift in how…

3:00PM – 3:30PM

Afternoon Tea & Networking

Break

3:30PM – 4:30PM

Industry Roundtables: Solving B2B Commerce's Biggest Challenges

Roundtables

60-Minute Interactive Practitioner Roundtables Join small, facilitated discussions with fellow manufacturers, distributors and industry leaders. Share experiences, compare approaches and explore practical solutions to common challenges. Roundtable topics include AI adoption, digital transformation, product…

4:30PM – 5:00PM

Tech Tank: The Next Generation of B2B Innovation

Session

Join us for a startup pitch showcase and meet emerging technology companies from the United States, Europe and Asia Pacific developing solutions for manufacturing and distribution. From AI-powered sales and service to intelligent product discovery, automation and next-generation commerce, discover innovative…

Day 2

28 July 2027

9:00AM – 9:30AM

The Future of B2B Buying: What Customers Really Want

Keynote

B2B buying expectations continue to evolve as customers demand greater convenience, transparency, personalisation and self-service capabilities. Drawing on industry research and practitioner experiences, this session explores how manufacturers and distributors are responding to changing customer behaviours and what…

9:30AM – 10:00AM

The AI-Enabled Sales Organisation: Reinventing B2B Sales

Session

How are manufacturers and distributors using AI to make sales teams more effective? Explore how intelligent account insights, sales automation, customer data and AI-powered tools are helping sales organisations improve productivity, strengthen customer relationships and identify new growth opportunities.

10:00AM – 10:30AM

The Next Generation of Customer Service in Manufacturing & Distribution

Session

Customer service is becoming an increasingly important competitive differentiator. Discover how leading organisations are modernising service operations through connected customer data, intelligent automation, self-service and AI-powered support, while improving the experience for both customers and service teams.

10:30AM – 11:00AM

Morning Tea & Networking

Break

11:00AM – 11:30AM

Getting Digital Investment Approved: Building a Business Case That Wins

Panel

Having a great digital transformation strategy is one thing. Securing the investment and executive support to make it happen is another. For digital leaders in manufacturing and distribution, building a compelling business case requires more than demonstrating the benefits of new technology. It means translating…

11:30AM – 12:00PM

Customer Journey Mapping: Finding and Fixing Friction in the B2B Buying Experience

Session

B2B customer journeys are rarely straightforward. From product discovery and quoting to ordering, fulfilment and after-sales service, customers often navigate multiple systems, channels and people to get things done. For manufacturers and distributors, understanding where these experiences break down is essential to…

12:00PM – 1:00PM

Networking Lunch

Break

Main Lunch Program An opportunity to connect with fellow manufacturers, distributors, technology providers and industry leaders.

1:30PM – 2:30PM

Industry Roundtables: From Ideas to Action

Roundtables

Join fellow manufacturers, distributors and industry leaders for facilitated discussions focused on the most pressing challenges facing B2B commerce. Participants will select from dedicated roundtables covering AI adoption, sales enablement, customer service, digital growth, product discovery, data integration, change…

2:30PM – 3:00PM

Afternoon Tea & Networking

Break

3:00PM – 4:00PM

AI Masterclass: From Use Cases to Business Value

Workshop

Moving beyond AI experimentation requires a clear understanding of where technology can deliver meaningful business value. This practical masterclass explores how manufacturers and distributors can identify and prioritise high-impact AI use cases, evaluate commercial opportunities, establish measurable success…

6:30PM – 10:00PM

B2B Commerce Industry Awards Gala Dinner

Session

Join the Asia Pacific B2B commerce community for an evening celebrating excellence, innovation and leadership across manufacturing, distribution and digital commerce. The B2B eCommerce Industry Awards recognise the organisations, teams and individuals delivering exceptional digital transformation, customer…