by Anne Dugied, Head of External Communication, BNP Paribas Cash Management
It is hard to believe that it is nine years since we first launched the Cash Management University. Over the years, it has become a highly respected event in the treasury calendar, bringing together 250 treasury and finance professionals including over 100 group treasurers and leading industry experts from around the world to share insights, best practices and innovations, and a fantastic networking opportunity.
Since the first Cash Management University, so much has changed economically and technologically, and the role and recognition of the treasury profession has evolved enormously. In such a fast-changing environment, it is essential that treasurers stay informed about the trends, innovations and opportunities that will shape their working and personal lives.
Save the Date: 26th – 27th May 2016, Paris
As we prepare for the 9th Cash Management University, our objectives remain the same as they were nine years ago: to facilitate dialogue amongst corporate treasurers, share strategies and innovations that make a real difference to achieving financial and operational efficiency, and equip treasurers with the tools and skills they need to add value to their organisations. With innovation at the heart of this year’s event, however, the ways in which we are achieving these objectives are quite different.
The Cash Management University will take place once again at Le Pre Catalan in Paris, an intimate venue that allows participants to talk and engage in a relaxed setting. While the venue remains the same, the format of this year’s event marks a significant departure from the traditional industry conference. Last year, participants commented that they particularly valued the emphasis on ‘added value’, ‘peer learning’ and ‘dynamism’. When we designed this year’s programme, we wanted to retain the characteristics that have made the Cash Management University so distinctive, but move away from a format in which treasurers are ‘talked at’. Instead, we are encouraging participants to design the agenda with us, to engage and participate.
Your Conference, Your Agenda: Shape the Cash Management Debate
So how do we do this? The first day of the Cash Management University features a series of inspiring corporate case studies, thought-provoking roundtables and in-depth workshops.
BNP Paribas’ group chief economist William de Vijlder will share his thoughts on the global economic outlook with Philippe Henrotte, affiliate professor finance, HEC Paris.
We will also be unveiling the results of a global survey of treasurers of multinational corporations on some of the key challenges and opportunities that they are facing today. Day one will also include new ‘lightning talks’: short, concise presentations on new ideas and innovations that are shaping cash and treasury management policy and practice.
On the second day, we are delighted to welcome global strategy guru, Patrick Dixon, author of The Future of (Almost) Everything who will offer a compelling view on our digital future, how our personal and professional lives will change and why little data will matter more than big data as predictive analysis becomes increasingly important. He will also uncover the hidden truth about cyber threats as cloud, big data and the internet of things come together, and offer thoughts on how to innovate in an environment where the challenges of legacy system integration, compliance and security predominate.
Then the agenda is yours! During our Open Stage, participants propose and select topics that are of particular interest to them, and engage with industry experts and other treasury professionals on their chosen subjects, sharing experiences and best practices and emerging refreshed and enthusiastic about putting new ideas into practice!
Participate. Innovate. Activate
We have had enormous enthusiasm for the new format, and we are very much looking forward to welcoming both participants from previous events, and new attendees. I would also like to use this opportunity to thank the corporate treasurers from around the world who have helped to create this unique experience by providing insights into what really matters to them, and participating in plenary sessions, roundtables and workshops. In addition, I would like to thank and acknowledge the industry experts who have been instrumental in shaping and delivering such an engaging and progressive agenda.
To find out more about the Cash Management University and be part of what promises to be a unique and highly engaging event, please contact the organisers: [email protected].
