O2C teams are under pressure from every angle right now. Cash flow remains a priority, customer payments are slowing in some sectors, operating costs are still high and finance leaders are being asked to deliver better reporting, stronger forecasting and improved performance with leaner teams.
While parts of the economy have stabilised compared with the uncertainty businesses faced over the last few years, pressure across the market hasn’t disappeared. Insolvencies remain high, productivity growth continues to lag and many businesses are still holding onto cash for longer. Sectors such as construction, retail and manufacturing continue to face strain, which is having a direct impact on payment behaviour and collections performance.
Global uncertainty is also continuing to influence decision-making. Ongoing geopolitical instability, changing trade dynamics and continued economic pressure throughout major markets are making forecasting more difficult and increasing the need for stronger visibility across finance operations. For many O2C leaders, there’s growing pressure to improve resilience while still maintaining customer relationships and supporting commercial growth.
At the same time, AI is dominating conversations across finance. Some businesses are moving quickly, others are still working out where it adds value, and most teams are trying to balance innovation with the reality of day-to-day operational pressure. The conversation has moved beyond whether AI matters and towards where it can realistically improve efficiency and team performance.
That’s exactly why this year’s O2C event is focused on practical conversations, shared challenges and worldly insight from people working in the industry every day.
This year’s keynote speaker is Peter McKenzie, the C-suite coach, bringing experience from leadership roles at Citi and his current position as GM at Anticipa, a Blackstone portfolio company. His session will focus on leadership presence, influence and how finance professionals can strengthen their impact at a senior level through practical, experience-led insight.
Throughout the day, speakers, partners and attendees will discuss the issues restructuring modern O2C functions – from AI adoption and performance improvement to stakeholder pressure, operational efficiency and proving value further than collections.
Here’s a preview of what’s coming to Elevate in Barcelona this month:
09:30 – Arrival, networking, coffee and fresh pastries
10:00 – Welcome session, introductions and audience insights
11:00 – Rakesh: AI impact on careers and results
11:45 – Short break to recharge and connect with peers
12:00 – Peter McKenzie: building confidence and securing C-suite approval
13:00 – Lunch and networking
14:00 – Panel: improving metrics and elevating performance
15:00 – Refreshment break and networking
15:15 – Open discussion: ideas, challenges and solutions
16:00 – Partner hot seat: trends, O2C challenges and insights
16:30 – Closing remarks, main takeaways and next steps
17:00 – Drinks, canapés and conversations
Brought to you by five industry-leading partners: Baker Ing, FIS, Proservartner, Dun & Bradstreet and Marsh – this will be a chance to hear what other O2C leaders are seeing, where teams are struggling and what’s making a difference.
Applications for seats are coming to an end – so if you don’t want to miss out – make sure you’re in the room.