James Chang

James Chang

VP of Procurement Pluralsight

Monday March 8, 2027

11:40 AM Keynote Panel: Why Won’t They Stay Still?: Navigating The Impact Of Persistent Cost Increases Caused By External Market Pressures

From tariffs and geopolitics to changing regulations and evolving supply dynamics, supplier pricing continues to shift. Procurement leaders are navigating a dynamic market environment spanning energy & utilities, oil, packaging, semiconductors, freight, travel, contingent labor, and more. Join this keynote panel to engage with executives who are finding new ways to anticipate market changes, strengthen supplier relationships, and stay ahead of evolving costs with strategies that are working now. 
Key Takeaways: 
  • Identifying the key market forces (tariffs, geopolitics, regulations, and supply dynamics) driving changes in supplier costs and pricing 
  • Understanding how to distinguish market-driven changes from negotiation opportunities 
  • Developing strategies to anticipate market changes and their potential impact on supplier costs 
  • Learning what strategies are working for procurement leaders navigating ongoing market changes 

2:50 PM Let’s Dish: Practitioner Led Candid Conversations (1 Round Of 35-Minute Discussions)

It's time to get into the real issues shaping procurement today. Join peer-led discussions focused on what's actually happening in the field right now. Exchange perspectives with experienced leaders, share what's working (and what isn't), and explore common challenges in a collaborative setting. These sessions are designed to spark candid dialogue, surface practical ideas, and drive learning through shared experience. 
    1. A Blessing In Disguise: Turning Stressful Situations Into Strategic Opportunities  Jodi Hugdahl, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Fulton Bank 
    2. Bigger Isn't Always Better: Unlocking The Advantages Of Leading Procurement In A Smaller Organization Miles Baxter, Senior Director, Procurement Services, Broadcast Music 
    3. It's Never Going to Be 100%: Building Workable Data With AI For Sustainable Success Eric Dulin, Managing Director of Sourcing, Data & Technology, FedEx 
    4. Are We Losing The Human Touch?: Protecting The Human Side Of Procurement In An AI World  James Chang, VP of Procurement, Pluralsight 
    5. We Have To Do Something Different: Proving Procurement's Worth In The Modern Era Tiffanie Vo-Jones, Procurement Expert 
    6. The Meter's Running: Monitoring AI Usage To Ensure The Costs Don't Get Out Of Hand Lavanya Ravi, Director/Head of Global Procurement, Forter 
    7. Procurement Process Simon Says: Deciding Which Purchasing Processes Should Be Standardized Across An Organization Mike Gordon, Head of North America Procurement, EMD Serono 
    8. No, It's Mine!: Aligning Ownership And Accountability Across Procurement, Product, Legal And ESG  Lisa Miller, Senior Procurement Manager, Manscaped 
    9. Today's Sourcing A-Team: Building A Tech Forward Procurement Team 

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining James.

Download The Latest Agenda