Leading supply chain industry body SAPICS has opened the “Call for Speakers” for the 2026 SAPICS Conference, which takes place in Cape Town in July. Next year’s SAPICS Conference is a milestone event because it coincides with the organisation’s 60th anniversary.

The theme for this not to be missed landmark gathering, which celebrates SAPICS’s foundation in 1966, is “Legacy to Leadership: 60 Years of Connection, Collaboration and Transformation”. “The theme reflects both the heritage of SAPICS and its continued focus on shaping the future of supply chain management in Africa,” explains SAPICS president Thato Moloi.

“For six decades, SAPICS has connected and developed generations of supply chain professionals. In 2026, we’re not just celebrating the past, we’re looking to the future. This theme is a call to all supply chain professionals to step forward and help define the next era of supply chain excellence in Africa.”

Speakers are invited to submit proposals before the deadline

The annual SAPICS Conference is Africa’s leading education, knowledge sharing and networking event for the supply chain profession. Speakers are invited to submit presentation proposals that explore critical issues as well as emerging trends before the deadline of 20 January 2026, for consideration by the SAPICS speaker selection committee. “We are looking for confident, engaging supply chain practitioners, industry experts, thought leaders and innovators who have success stories, insights, knowledge and skills to share with the supply chain community,” Moloi expands.

SAPICS Conference speakers can share inspiring or educational experiences, enlightening expertise and insights, new technology and concepts, and case studies. Their contributions can take the form of a 40-minute presentation, a panel discussion or a workshop. Solo or multiple speakers will be considered for general presentation sessions at next year’s event. Robust panel discussions also form part of the programme, and SAPICS welcomes topic proposals as well as applications to manage a panel. The workshops offered are interactive, educational sessions for small groups.

“Whatever form your contribution takes, the SAPICS Conference is the ideal platform for you to advance our profession’s body of knowledge,” states Moloi. “By sharing your supply chain experiences and expertise, fellow professionals from around the globe will be able to benefit from your knowledge. Being a speaker at the annual SAPICS Conference is a way to give back to the supply chain community and to grow professionally.”

The SAPICS speaker selection committee is looking for fresh perspectives to ensure impactful, engaging and diverse content for 2026 attendees. All speakers are selected on merit and relevance, and presentations that directly promote specific products, services or monetary self-interest will not be considered. There is the opportunity to showcase products and services at the conference exhibition.