Opening Keynote
Purpose in Action: Bringing Who You Are to Everything You Do
Thriving in today’s fast-changing professional landscape requires more than productivity—it demands sustained energy, resilience, and a mindful approach to well-being. This session will explore the connection between energy, performance, and resilience, and how leaders can protect their well-being while navigating constant change and uncertainty. Attendees will gain practical, science-backed insights to prevent burnout, sharpen focus, and lead with clarity and purpose. By strengthening personal energy and resilience, professionals can show up more engaged, effective, and prepared to navigate the changing tides of procurement.
Attendees will takeaway:
- Actionable strategies to prevent burnout and sustain focus
- Science-based tools to enhance performance while protecting well-being
- Practical exercises to build resilience and lead through uncertainty
About Suneel Gupta
Suneel Gupta is a bestselling author, Harvard Medical School faculty member, and healthcare entrepreneur who helps leaders and teams perform at their best under pressure. His work bridges the science of well-being with real-world leadership and performance, offering practical strategies that improve focus, energy, and resilience. Suneel has advised some of the world’s leading organizations and is known for translating research into actionable tools that empower professionals to thrive in demanding environments.
Closing Keynote
Keys to Collaboration for High-Performing Teams
As the EPIC 2026 Educational Procurement Innovation Conference comes to a close, join us for an energizing and insightful keynote designed to help you navigate the complex human side of procurement with confidence and clarity. In a time of shifting priorities, evolving compliance requirements, and increasing pressure on budgets and resources, collaboration and negotiation skills have never been more critical.
In this powerful closing session, Kwame Christian will reframe the way you think about negotiation—moving beyond conflict and competition to focus on empathy, trust, and connection. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, attendees will learn how to approach challenging conversations with curiosity, strengthen relationships with colleagues and suppliers, and achieve outcomes that support both institutional goals and long-term partnerships.
You’ll leave this session inspired, equipped, and ready to lead through change—closing EPIC 2026 with renewed confidence and a fresh perspective on collaboration in procurement.
Attendees will takeaway:
- Techniques for building rapport quickly and fostering trust
- Strategies to defuse tension and navigate difficult conversations
- Practical negotiation tools to improve outcomes across budgets, compliance, and organizational change
- A people-centered approach to collaboration that strengthens professional relationships
About Kwame Christian
Kwame Christian is the Director of the American Negotiation Institute, a nationally recognized expert in negotiation and conflict resolution, and a bestselling author. Known for his engaging and relatable style, Kwame teaches professionals how to negotiate more effectively by leading with empathy, curiosity, and emotional intelligence. His work has helped organizations across industries transform difficult conversations into opportunities for connection and progress. Kwame’s approach proves that negotiation isn’t about winning—it’s about creating value, strengthening relationships, and navigating change together.