SAP Sapphire 2022: In One Word?
The Return to an In-Person Event Was Many Things, but One Thing Specifically Stood Out
By Clay Thomas, Principal ArganoSCMO2
For those of you who attended SAP Sapphire 2022 in Orlando recently, I wonder … if you had to choose one word to summarize this year’s event, what would it be? Two years removed from the last in-person Sapphire event, a few words come to mind that it most certainly was not: frenetic, crowded, sprawling, impersonal.
It was clear that SAP set out to achieve an event that was very welcoming and layout friendly, with the purpose of showcasing their core, integrated suite tools that reinforce a few more words—this year’s supply chain buzzwords if you will—resiliency and sustainability. The convention floor was segmented into six sections (Cloud ERP, Supply Chain, Business Networks, Customer Experience, Human Experience and Integration Technology) with each surrounded by select partners like us here at ArganoSCMO2. All sessions were delivered in small theaters carved out amongst the attendees and vendors. And space to sit, discuss and socialize was abundant. In a word, it was relaxing.
In a venue that was more navigable and a pace that was much more low key, attendees were able to conduct higher quality conversations at a depth and level of connection that was equally satisfying to both those seeking information and those demonstrating their expertise. Every aspect of the conference seemed specifically intended to emphasize one thing: engagement.
With a conference organized around a simpler structure, SAP was able to much more effectively deliver their key message that by adding more of their tools into your systems toolbox and leveraging the improved usability, capability and interoperability, you can drive more sustainable solutions and processes in a challenging business environment.
The days passed quickly (time flies when you’re having fun) and I was thrilled to see my SAP peers and customers in person once again. And it was a highly accommodating atmosphere that allowed for making new acquaintances rather effortless. All that in a space that, while completely re-invented, felt … in a word … familiar.
Surprising? Yes, it was that too, but that’s still not the one word I would choose.
This year, Sapphire managed to demonstrate SAP’s own resiliency in the face of adversity and highlighted the strength of its community through the overwhelming welcome everyone felt while there. I would love to read your thoughts on Sapphire and learn what one word you would use to describe it. And if we did not have a chance to discuss your supply chain challenges, please reach out to see how ArganoSCMO2 stands ready to help guide your digital transformation.
Oh yes, my one word? I think I’d have to go with: Camaraderie.
