The decision to build or buy AI tools has become one of the most important strategic questions facing sourcing teams today. As both agentic and generative AI tools and company investments in these capabilities accelerate, leaders must weigh cost, speed, scalability, and control to determine the right strategy for their organizations. Participants will argue for the approaches they feel offer the best outcomes and lead to the most successful results.  

• Evaluating if building, buying, or mixing the two is the best strategy for agentic and generative AI tools for procurement 
• Understanding the key factors that influence these decisions  
• Identifying where hybrid AI strategies are emerging as practical long-term approaches  

Debating for Make: 

Debating for Buy: 

Richard Stevens, Head of Procurement, Senior Director of Global Procurement, GoDaddy 

Debating for Both:  

Jesse Ramirez, Director, Strategic Sourcing - IT, Engineering & Customer Operations, Etsy