What's Happening?
Morgan Lewis is set to host its annual Tech & Sourcing New York Summit in 2026, with a central theme of 'The Future of Sourcing: AI, Outcomes, and Global Delivery.' The summit, scheduled for November 4, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM Eastern Standard Time,
will bring together legal professionals, sourcing and procurement leaders, business executives, and industry experts. The event aims to explore the transformative trends in technology and sourcing transactions, particularly focusing on how artificial intelligence (AI), outcome-based commercial models, and evolving global delivery strategies are reshaping these relationships. Dr. Lekshmy Sankar, Head of Quantum Security at KPMG, will be among the speakers. The day-long program will include substantive sessions covering topics such as AI and ethics, technology transactions and outsourcing trends for 2026-27, AI-enabled outsourcing, quantum computing basics, cybersecurity and privacy updates, intellectual property issues, and managing vendor and tech dependency. The summit will also feature interactive discussions and networking opportunities, including breakfast, lunch, and a closing reception.
Why It's Important?
This summit is important for the U.S. business and legal sectors as it addresses the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and sourcing. The integration of AI and new commercial models is fundamentally altering how companies manage their technology transactions and outsourcing relationships. For legal professionals, understanding these shifts is crucial for advising clients on new deal structures, risk management, and contracting considerations in an AI-driven environment. Business executives and sourcing leaders will gain insights into optimizing their operations, leveraging AI for efficiency, and navigating the complexities of global delivery strategies. The discussions on cybersecurity, privacy, and intellectual property are particularly relevant given the increasing regulatory scrutiny and the growing value of data and innovation. The event provides a platform for industry leaders to share best practices and anticipate future challenges, which can help U.S. companies maintain competitiveness and mitigate risks in a globalized and technologically advanced market.
What's Next?
Following the summit, attendees are expected to apply the insights gained to their respective organizations, potentially leading to changes in how U.S. businesses approach technology transactions and outsourcing. The discussions on AI-enabled outsourcing and new deal models could influence future contract negotiations and strategic partnerships. The focus on cybersecurity and privacy updates suggests an ongoing need for vigilance and adaptation to evolving threats and regulations. Furthermore, the insights shared regarding managing vendor and tech dependency could prompt companies to re-evaluate their supply chain resilience and technology adoption strategies. The networking opportunities are likely to foster new collaborations and partnerships within the industry, potentially leading to innovative solutions and approaches in the tech and sourcing sectors. The event's emphasis on thought leadership will likely contribute to the broader discourse on the future of technology and business operations in the U.S.
Beyond the Headlines
The themes explored at the Morgan Lewis summit point to deeper shifts in the U.S. economy and legal framework. The pervasive integration of AI into business operations raises significant ethical and legal questions, particularly concerning data governance, algorithmic bias, and accountability. The emphasis on outcome-based commercial models signifies a move away from traditional fee-for-service arrangements, requiring a re-evaluation of value creation and risk allocation in contracts. The discussion on quantum computing, while still nascent, highlights the long-term strategic importance of emerging technologies and the need for proactive legal and business planning. The summit also implicitly addresses the growing demand for specialized legal expertise in technology, intellectual property, and data security, indicating a potential shift in the legal services market. Ultimately, the event reflects a broader trend of digital transformation that is reshaping industries, demanding continuous adaptation from businesses, and prompting a re-examination of existing legal and operational paradigms.
