In 2026, business services are shaped by a deeper adoption of AI and automation, enabling greater efficiency and more data-driven outcomes rather than relying solely on cost reduction. Key developments include a stronger emphasis on outcome-based engagements, the expansion of hybrid and nearshore delivery models, and growing demand for real-time analytics and stronger security. Ongoing talent shortages also influence the market dynamics, prompting companies to prioritize quality and higher-value work over low-cost solutions.
To highlight the evolutions and new growth opportunities of the business services industry in Romania this year, OUTSOURCING TODAY & The Diplomat-Bucharest organize the 12th Edition of THE ROMANIAN BUSINESS SERVICES FORUM & AWARDS on May 21, at InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest, Le Diplomate conference hall.
EVENT MAIN HOURS:
- 15:00 – 16:00 Welcoming Guests & Official Opening Address
- 16:00 – 18:00 CEO LEADERS FORUM
- 18:00 – 19:00 Networking Cocktail & Gala Dinner
- 19:00 – 20:30 THE BUSINESS SERVICES AWARDS GALA
THE CEO FORUM is a platform dedicated to leaders acting in the business services and tech solutions providers in a half-day event with engaging dialogue sessions and valuable networking opportunities. The event is an arena where key players in the field share their insights and business perspective to their peers in the industry.
THE AWARDS GALA continues to recognize, reward and celebrate the success of the most prominent companies acting in the business services industry in Romania.
ROMANIAN BUSINESS SERVICES FORUM & AWARDS is the ideal stage for knowledge sharing, voice expression and objective recognition of the performance proved by professionals and projects, while celebrating and raising the profile of their achievements.
ROMANIAN BUSINESS SERVICES FORUM & AWARDS recognizes the personal contribution and commitment of the most experimented individuals and the added-value projects in this industry in Romania.
- 16:00 – 18:00 CEO LEADERS FORUM
The industry status
The business services are moving ahead with the transformative process, with AI, remote work, compliance, and ethics having shifted from optional considerations to essential requirements. This year, the business services industry is poised for significant transformation as organizations embrace advanced technologies, new workforce models, and rising expectations for speed, quality, and security. AI-driven automation will streamline operations, hybrid and nearshore delivery models will gain momentum, and real-time data insights became essential for decision-making. At the same time, talent shortages and growing compliance demands will push companies to prioritize value, expertise, and ethical practices over simple cost savings – reshaping how businesses engage with service partners in the year ahead.
PANEL THEMES
Globalization and Nearshoring: Romania’s Strategic Role
Romania is emerging as a key regional hub for nearshoring and international business services. Geopolitical shifts, supply chain pressures, and rising foreign investment are strengthening its position as a competitive destination for tech-enabled, high-value operations.
- Exploring Romania as a regional hub for nearshoring and international business services.
- Impact of geopolitical shifts, supply chain resilience, and foreign investments.
- Positioning Romania as a competitive destination for tech-enabled, high-value services.
AI-Driven Transformation of Business Services: Catalyst for growth
AI, machine learning, and automation are rapidly reshaping business services, redefining roles, boosting efficiency, and creating new talent demands. As these technologies expand, organizations must balance innovation with ethical practices and human oversight.
- How AI, machine learning, and intelligent automation are reshaping business services.
- Implications for workforce management, talent development, and operational efficiency.
- Ethical considerations and balancing human expertise with algorithmic decision-making.
Evolving Collaboration Models in Business Services
Clients now expect innovation, agility, and measurable impact—moving shared business services beyond cost reduction to value creation. Partnership models increasingly reflect sustainability and ESG commitments, reshaping how organizations collaborate.
- Clients now demand innovation, agility, and measurable business outcomes—not just lower costs.
- Outsourcing must evolve into a growth enabler.
- How sustainability and ESG commitments influence partnership models.
Talent, Compliance and Cybersecurity: Driving the evolution of Business Services
Global talent shortages and AI-driven skills need to make from upskilling a priority. Compliance with EU regulations and strong data protection are essential, while robust cybersecurity and ethical governance have become foundational to building trust.
- Addressing global talent scarcity and upskilling for AI-driven services.
- Ensuring compliance with EU regulations and data protection laws.
- Building trust through robust cybersecurity and ethical governance.
- 19:00 – 20:30 THE BUSINESS SERVICES AWARDS GALA
THE BUSINESS SERVICES AWARDS GALA, now in its 12th anniversary edition, is dedicated to honoring the exemplary performance of leading companies and projects in business services and acts as a platform to recognize, reward and celebrate the outstanding contributions that have shaped the landscape of business services. The Awards Gala that takes place every year in Bucharest not only acknowledges excellence and performance of leaders, companies and projects in the industry, but also fosters a spirit of collaboration and inspiration, setting a high standard for the future of innovation in business services. Based on rigorously researched information and a Judging Panel formed of prominent names in business, the Gala Awards established itself as a must-attend in your Romanian Gala Awards event calendar.
THE JURY BOARD
- ANDREI MIHAI CRACIUN, Head of Digital Transformation and Data Analysis department, West University of Timisoara
- DAN ZAHARIA, Founder Fab Lab Iasi
- TOMAS HUSNER, Director, Consulting, Finance and GBS Transformation Lead Deloitte Romania
- COLIN LOVERING, Founder of Lovering & Partners
- MIHAELA ROBU, Business Development Manager, ACCA South- Eastern Europe
- CORINA VASILE, Executive Director, ANIS Romania
- Cristina Ionescu, Associate Partner, Advisory, KPMG Romania
