ProcureCon 2025 brought big ideas for contingent workforce management. From AI to direct sourcing, here are 5 key trends shaping the future.
This year's ProcureCon Contingent Staffing 2025 conference at the JW Marriott in Las Vegas brought together some of the brightest minds in workforce strategy - and this year, the energy was different. The conversations were bigger, bolder, and refreshingly forward-looking. From AI and direct sourcing to the evolution of the MSP and VMS space, here are five trends that stood out.
The buzz around AI wasn’t just hype - it’s real and growing fast. While true use cases in contingent workforce programs are still emerging, it’s clear that suppliers, MSPs, VMS providers, and (most importantly) buyers are ready to dive in. Everyone wants to be part of shaping “what’s possible,” not just reacting to what’s already been done. The appetite for automation, intelligence-driven decision-making, and future-forward workflows is massive - and it's only going to accelerate. Downloading of tactical, admin/resource heavy tasks is what I seen as front and center.
Direct sourcing is no longer a “trend” - it’s a core strategy, and it’s becoming more refined. Many direct sourcing platforms and curation providers are now leveraging AI-style functionality to create smarter, more scalable and more creative candidate pipelines. Interestingly, I see the line between contingent and perm hiring is starting to blur as direct sourcing evolves into a more strategic, talent-acquisition-minded discipline. While operational complexity (think now managing multiple suppliers that make up direct sourcing: direct sourcing technology platforms, curation partners, and EORs) is still a barrier that clients see as cumbersome, the perceived cost savings and control, as well as the sophistication of building these talent pools, are extremely interesting to buyers.
There’s a clear shift happening in the VMS landscape. Many buyers - and MSPs - are vocal about their pain points with legacy tools: lack of flexibility, dated back end infrastructure and tech stack, poor user experience, slow implementations, poor customer service, and sky-high costs. The result? A growing willingness to switch. Agile, boutique VMS platforms that offer faster setup, more customization, and responsive support are winning market share in larger deals and dominating the mid-market. It’s no longer about being the biggest - it’s about being modern, agile, rapid, user-friendly, and service-driven. Learn more: Is it time to switch my VMS provider?
Much like VMS, the MSP model is evolving fast. Boutique providers are shaking things up with more flexible models and better service, and there’s growing interest in hybrid or in-house programs. As contingent programs mature, many are expanding globally, adding new job categories, SOW or direct sourcing, and embracing AI in their service delivery. The days of the one-size-fits-all MSP are fading—clients want smarter, more tailored support.
One of the more refreshing themes this year? The rise of underserved segments. Light industrial, high-volume hiring, and lower-spend programs had a stronger presence than ever before. These categories, often overlooked at large conferences, are finally getting attention - thanks to MSPs and VMS platforms building specific solutions for them. Purpose-built tech and process innovation are unlocking new opportunities for these programs, and it’s clear they’re no longer an afterthought.
ProcureCon 2025 wasn’t just another industry event - it was a snapshot of where the contingent workforce space is heading. Buyers are demanding better tools, smarter models, and real innovation. The future belongs to the players who can move fast, stay flexible, and keep their clients at the center of everything.
We thought you might find these additional articles and resources helpful, coming out of the conference:
2025 Trends & Insights
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