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.
Here are the top 5 Takeaways from ProcureCon Contingent Staffing 2025
1. AI Is Gaining Serious Momentum - Even If Use Cases Are Still Catching Up
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.
2. Direct Sourcing is Maturing - and Blurring into Talent Acquisition
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.
3. VMS Frustration Is Peaking—Buyers Want Better
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?
4. The MSP Model Is Getting a Makeover
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.
5. Historically Overlooked Segments Are Finally Getting the Spotlight
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.
Final Thoughts
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.
About the Author - John Clark
John Clark is the Founder, President and CEO of Conexis VMS. He has over 20 years experience in the workforce solutions arena having designed, built, and run over 100 Contingent Workforce programs in a wide range of industries. John is passionate about the mass adoption of VMS tools for programs of all sizes and complexity and believes in building solutions that are practical, simple, and easy to use, that end users embrace.
Read more insights from John: 2025 VMS Trends | Contingent Workforce Best Practices 2025
Additional Reading
Additional Resources:
We thought you might find these additional articles and resources helpful, coming out of the conference:
2025 Trends & Insights
- Key VMS Trends 2025: The Future of Vendor Management Systems
- 15 Contingent Workforce Best Practices 2025
- VMS Trends to watch for in 2025 (Webinar)
Learn More about VMS Software & Contingent Workforce Management
- Is it time to switch your VMS provider? 5 Questions to ask yourself
- Can I switch my VMS without changing my MSP?
- Vendor Management Systems: The Top 5 Misconceptions you need to know
- Conexis VMS Education Center - a free resource library to answer your VMS & Contingent Workforce questions
VMS Features You Should Have
- OPEN API: VMS Trends - Harness the Power of Open APIs
- Shift-Based Functionality: 5 Ways a VMS helps manage Shift-Based Contingent Workers
- White Label: How a White-Label VMS can grow your business
- Customization: Why Customization is important when choosing a VMS
About Conexis VMS
Conexis is an award-winning VMS tailored specifically for mid-market contingent workforce programs. Leveraging the latest technology, Conexis delivers the expertise, reliability and security of enterprise systems, while offering the flexibility, user friendliness and tailored service you require. Conexis delivers enterprise level software - without the enterprise level complexity and cost. Learn more about our Company and why organizations Choose Conexis VMS.
Contact Us
Whether you are looking to change your VMS solution, or just getting started, we are here to help. See how easy Conexis is to use by taking a quick 2 minute Self-Guided Tour. Contact Us for a Free No-Obligation Consultation to discuss your workforce challenges (and get immediate actionable insights) or Book a Personal Demo Today!
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