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AI is usually discussed in connection with innovation, automation and personal productivity. In his morning talk, “Naked in the Age of AI”, Lukáš Sedláček approached the topic from a much broader perspective. He explored the question of meaning in the face of this new technology, spoke about how AI reflects our desires and ideals, and how people are already projecting even their religious ideas onto it. He concluded with a prediction: the top leader of the future will not only master AI tools, but will also be able to fully develop what is specifically human — both in themselves and in their teams: the ability to create meaning, make ethical choices and show genuine care for others.

On Wednesday morning, one of the programme sessions took place in the industrial setting of a former compressor hall and featured moderator and journalist Terezie Tománková. She spoke about the tools that work in communication with other people, but also about situations where communication breaks down completely. When asked what makes a good politician, she often points to Winston Churchill as an example — a leader who built much of his success on the art of rhetoric. But success also depends on the ability to argue effectively, and we should not forget authenticity either. No perfectly rehearsed phrase or gesture can replace it.

At this year’s eBF, Jaromír Šponar offered an overview of the key AI trends of 2026 and, above all, what they could mean for the future of procurement. Automation will take over part of the routine workload, while the ability to interpret data, work with AI, validate its outputs and make high-quality decisions in a broader context will become increasingly important. At the same time, new legal, security and ethical risks are emerging. This makes it all the more important to distinguish genuinely useful technologies from AI hype and to focus on solutions that deliver measurable value.

The supply chain is no longer just an operational topic. It has become a key factor determining the stability of entire companies. That’s why at eBF we joined forces with our partners from Business Leaders Forum, who are curating the entire Suppliers stage. Together, we are opening topics that truly shape procurement today – from geopolitics and resilience to local vs. global sourcing, win-win relationships, supplier performance management, and risk control. On stage, you’ll meet representatives from companies such as Škoda Auto, Volkswagen Group, Eurowag, Siemens Energy, MOL Group, and more. No theory. Just real business. Come, listen, discuss… and maybe even help reshape it.

This year, we managed to bring a forgotten engine room back to life – a place that until recently served only as a nesting spot for pigeons. We transformed it into the Pigeon House – a lifeline for sustainability. Together with recycling specialists from PackWall, we are renovating the entire space and decorating it with unique elements made from recycled materials. It’s our very own green mastermind lab! What will you find inside the Pigeon House? Above all, inspiration, innovation, and insights into the hottest topics: from financial risks in 2026, through systemic sustainability in times of crisis (INCIEN, Volkswagen), to high-impact workshops – integrated procurement architecture, intelligent auctions, fair play in negotiations, and tech-driven procurement ecosystems. If you care about sustainable and efficient procurement, there’s nothing to think about – come and experience the atmosphere of the Pigeon House

One of the standout program highlights of this year’s eBF will be the Vyjednáváme.cz stage, focused on negotiation, communication, and managing conflict in the most demanding situations. The stage will bring together personalities with hands-on experience in negotiations from the worlds of media, crisis management, and strategic decision-making — Adam Dolník, Helena Sováková, Terezie Tománková, and Blanka Šoulavá. The discussions will explore not only negotiations with an opposing party, but also working with emotions, public pressure, responsibility, and the role of the media in sensitive situations. The stage will offer practical insights and real-life stories that demonstrate that negotiation is not just about arguments, but above all about understanding people and the context in which decisions are made.

A clear highlight of the first day of eBF was the lecture by economist and philosopher Tomáš Sedláček, who injected a healthy dose of optimism into those doubting Europeans’ ability to withstand today’s crises. “I believe that countries like the Czech Republic, where democracy has been successfully re-exported, represent a significant hope for Europe. It is hard to find another system that could ensure peaceful and prosperous coexistence of nations. However, we must learn to stand on our own feet,” he told the audience. Our special guest’s faith was also rooted in the global reach of Czech companies in the field of green innovation.

One of the innovations at this year’s eBF was the introduction of round table meetings, providing space for direct discussions between participants and speakers, including invited personalities and procurement leaders. Radek Špicar, Vice President of the Confederation of Industry and Transport of the Czech Republic, faced numerous questions, having been invited by moderator Marek Dubnický to participate in two round tables. Topics included energy challenges and trade wars as part of the broader competition for Europe’s competitiveness, with the continent facing many tasks ahead. “I see great room for improvement, especially regarding the barriers we have created ourselves within the EU’s internal market,” Špicar pointed out, adding that the much-feared Trump tariffs are “nothing compared to our own regulations.”

This year, the thematic shift of the eBF program towards people and their development was evident on several stages. Among the speakers dedicated to people’s growth professionally and long-term was coach Romana Martincová. In her afternoon lecture on how to keep people motivated, she discussed the differences between employee satisfaction and engagement, as well as our external and internal sources of motivation. “Motivation is essentially a relationship. Each of us can do something to foster our own development,” shared the experienced HR manager, who also appeared on the main stage on Thursday.

This year's eBF festival is on its way! A special Procurement Express is on its way from Prague, Bratislava, Vienna and Warsaw, with a procurement show full of interactive workshops, inspiring discussions and informal networking. Look forward to battles for the best negotiation tactics, fast-paced networking challenges and unexpected purchasing quizzes that will draw you into the action even before you arrive in Ostrava. It's not just about transport - Procurement Express is the first chapter of the festival experience, where ideas, experiences and new industry contacts will come together!