The Role of Private Events in Sustainability Progress

On 20 April 2026, Procurement Magazine, part of BizClik, partnered with Jabil Procurement and Supply Chain Services to host a private, invite-only boat party in Chicago.

Taking place ahead of Sustainability LIVE: The US Summit, the event brought senior leaders together in a more informal, experience-led setting designed to encourage early dialogue and meaningful connections.

Framed by the Chicago skyline, the evening welcomed sponsors, speakers and senior procurement and supply chain executives. The relaxed atmosphere provided a clear contrast to the structured format of traditional conferences, creating space for open conversation and relationship building ahead of Day 1.

Setting the tone before the summit

The evening began as guests stepped aboard the private vessel, quickly transitioning into a drinks reception as the boat departed. Conversations developed naturally, with attendees sharing perspectives on common challenges across global organisations, from cost pressures to supply chain resilience.

Free from the constraints of formal agendas, the environment encouraged more candid and open exchanges. Leaders were able to engage not only on professional priorities but also on a more personal level.

The guest list featured a carefully selected group of decision-makers, including CSOs, procurement directors and senior supply chain leaders responsible for managing complexity at scale.

Why experience-led networking matters

As sustainability continues to transform, so too do the ways in which leaders connect.

The boat party underscored a growing shift towards experience-led engagement, where the setting plays a critical role in shaping the quality of interaction.

In 2026, sustainability and procurement challenges are increasingly interconnected. Managing cost, mitigating supplier risk and building resilience requires collaboration both within organisations and across industries.

Creating the right environment is key.

By moving beyond traditional venues into a more immersive setting, the event enabled:

• More authentic conversations
• Faster relationship building
• Stronger peer-to-peer engagement
• Greater openness around shared challenges

This approach reflects a broader trend among executive communities, where smaller, curated experiences are delivering greater impact than large-scale networking formats.

Conversations shaping procurement, supply chain and sustainability

While informal in structure, discussions throughout the evening closely reflected the realities facing procurement and sustainability today.

Leaders explored the need to:

• Balance cost pressures with long-term resilience
• Strengthen supplier relationships amid ongoing disruption
• Improve visibility across complex, global supply networks
• Deliver measurable strategic impact at board level

These themes emerged organically, with the setting allowing conversations to evolve naturally rather than being confined to panels or presentations.

“Our private events are intentionally designed to be curated and highly personal, creating an environment for meaningful connection,” explains Millie Wyatt, Global Events Director at BizClik.

“The boat party was a perfect example of this. By bringing people together in a relaxed, experience-led setting, we saw conversations develop naturally, relationships form quickly and, most importantly, meaningful outcomes begin to take shape.

“There’s something powerful about taking people out of traditional settings. It changes the tone of interaction - conversations become more open and considered, and we see people engage with a greater sense of presence. That shift is what makes these experiences so effective for our clients.”

Strengthening partnerships in a premium setting

The collaboration with Jabil Procurement and Supply Chain Services was central to the success of the evening.

By co-hosting the event, Jabil engaged directly with senior leaders in a high-value, low-pressure environment, reinforcing its role within the procurement and supply chain ecosystem.

At the same time, BizClik Media Group showcased its ability to curate premium experiences that extend beyond traditional event formats.

The value of Day 0 engagement

Hosting the boat party ahead of the main summit proved to be a strategic advantage.

By the time attendees arrived at Sustainability LIVE: The US Summit 2026, many had already formed key connections. This early engagement resulted in:

• More productive conversations during the conference
• Increased collaboration between attendees
• Stronger overall event participation

Day 0 experiences like this are becoming a vital component of modern conferences, helping to maximise both networking outcomes and overall attendee value.

A new model for executive engagement

The Chicago boat party highlights a broader shift in how sustainability and procurement leaders are choosing to connect.

Rather than relying solely on formal sessions and structured networking, there is increasing demand for environments that foster genuine interaction and relationship building.

By combining exclusivity, experience and a carefully curated audience, events like this are redefining what effective networking looks like in 2026.

As leaders continue to navigate growing complexity, these opportunities to connect away from the conference floor are proving just as valuable as the sessions themselves.

Interested in joining a future event?

Get in touch to be part of upcoming exclusive experiences with Sustainability Magazine, BizClik and industry partners.