SAP to focus on drama and drive at Sapphire Now events

SAP says that the first day will begin with a presentation from Sir Richard Branson, founder and president of Virgin Group, covering experiences as an entrepreneur and business innovator. Then, speaking on the topic of leadership, none other than General Colin Powell, former US Secretary of State will give the keynote at the general session of ASUG, the Americas' SAP Users' Group. SAP Co-CEOs Bill McDermott and Jim Hagemann Snabe will each deliver keynote presentations focusing on the changing needs of the new enterprise, highlighting the changing requirements of the CEO, the business requirements of line-of-business executives, the role of the CIO in driving down costs to fund innovation, and how companies are adapting to the new realities to be best-run businesses. In a new format this year, Sapphire Now introduces a broadcast centre on the show floor at both event locations, featuring pre- and post-keynote shows, as well as shows focused on the future of technology, best-run businesses, external market forces, leveraging technology to gain a competitive advantage and much more. "As the next evolution of this marquee customer conference, Sapphire Now promises to be an amazing experience for attendees through the use of interactive and innovative technologies and highly relevant content on the show floor," says Marty Homlish, chief marketing officer and corporate officer, SAP. "In addition to the impressive roster of thought leaders, presenters and entertainers, attendees will experience first-hand new and future SAP products that they can physically see, hear and touch. It's an entirely new SAP experience, and one that we expect to generate value long after the event ends," she says.