programme for E-invoicing 2024
Topics that will be covered during the conference: Developments in E-Invoicing and E-Procurment, ViDA, E-Invoicing in the E-Procurement Cycle, E-Invoicing abroad, International e-invoicing obligations, CTC (Continuous Translate Control), Challanges of onboarding customers and suppliers, Laws and regulations, PO-driven invoice, New technologies in improving financial processes
RECEPTION AND REGISTRATION At Bluepoint Brussels
OPENING BY CHAIR Francesca Vanthielen
Belgium’s Mandatory E-Invoicing
Wouter Bollaert, Adviseur-generaal a.i., Fod Financien
E-invoicing: A catalyst for Digital Transformation
Sofie Vandermarliere, Senior Manager Indirect Tax, Deloitte & Bram Fouache, Indirect Tax Partner, Deloitte
BREAK AT THE NETWORK SQUARE WITH ONE-TO-ONE MEETINGS
Roundtable: Global E-Invoicing Strategies for Compliance
Michel Gilis, GENA of Chair Interop Working Group
BREAK-OUT SESSIONS ROUND 1
Global Travel Meets E-Invoicing
Dirk Willekens, E-Invoice Program Manager, Billit
Navigate the Complexity of New E-Invoicing Mandates
Nicolas Dominiak, Lead Solutions Consultant, OpenText & Sven Geenens Senior Manager, PwC Belgium
Beyond Compliance: E-Invoicing as a Catalyst for Supply Chain Transformation
Arjan Sloot, Country Manager Benelux, SPS Commerce
BREAK-OUT SESSIONS ROUND 2
E-Invoicing, Financial Data and Its Potential
Olivier Smekens, CEO, KBC Invoicing Services powerd by Soluzio & Vincent Siau, Product Manager, KBC Invoicing Services powerd by Soluzio
Mastering E-Invoicing Implementation: Lessons From the Leaders
Meike Le Roux, Director, EMEA Business Development, Avalara
The shape of things to come: e-invoicing as an enabler of e-government v2.0
Christiaan Van Der Valk, General Manager of Indirect TaxTech, Sovos
LUNCHBREAK ON THE NETWORK PLAZA WITH ONE-TO-ONE MEETINGS
BREAK-OUT SESSIONS ROUND 3
Update & Dialogue: E-Invoicing, From Legal Obligation to Opportunity in Your Digital Transformation
CARINE LUCAS, EXPERT DIGITAL INNOVATION, AGORIA
Understanding the EU e-Invoicing through Policy and Benefits
Irena Rivière-Osipov, TEAM LEADER FOR EU EINVOICING POLICY, EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Update & Dialogue: Discover Peppol
Serge Libert, EGOV Project Manager of FOD Beleid en Ondersteuning, BOSA
Beyond Compliance – Why you need a network
Phil Bailey, Head of Network Expansion, Pagero
Update & Dialoog: The Future of Accounting
Stefanie Worm, Manager, KPMG Belgium
AFTERNOON BREAK ON THE NETWORK PLAZA WITH ONE-TO-ONE MEETINGS
H.Essers Preparing for the Future Within a Digitalized Purchase-To-Pay Process
BRENT WAGEMANS, Senior Manager Group Finance, H.Essers
Wrap up by chair Francesca Vanthielen
E-Invoicing Award 2024
At the Network plaza incl. networking drink
Welcome and Registration
The Heliview employees will welcome you to the conference, they will check you in and provide you with a badge.
Of course the coffee or tea is ready for you!
Opening by Chairman Francesca Vanthielen
Welcoming and opening by chairman Chairman Francesca Vanthielen.
This year’s theme is: Prepare for Belgium’s Mandatory E-Invoicing from 1 January 2026.
Belgium’s Mandatory E-Invoicing
Wouter Bollaert, Adviseur-generaal a.i., Fod Financien
Let yourself be taken along Belgium’s Mandatory E-Invoicing, focusing on the landmark legislation approved in early February. Explore the broader framework of the new law and gain insights into specific measures for its practical implementation. Learn about the strategic highlights designed to guide businesses through compliance and maximize efficiency. This session will provide essential information for companies preparing to adapt to the new requirements and leverage the benefits of mandatory e-invoicing. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the evolving regulatory landscape.
E-invoicing: A catalyst for digital transformation
Bram Fouache, Indirect Tax Partner & Sofie Vandermarliere, Senior Manager Indirect Tax of Deloitte
During this keynote session we will delve into the transformative potential of e-invoicing in today’s digital landscape. In an area where digitization is omnipresent and crucial for business continuity and growth, e-invoicing emerges as a pivotal catalyst. During this session we will navigate the evolving landscape of e-invoicing and e-reporting obligations and we will provide a comprehensive understanding of how e-invoicing can serve as a powerful driver for broader digital transformation. From streamlining financial processes to enhancing compliance, e-invoicing holds the key to unlocking efficiency through digital innovation.
While attending this session, you will learn more about:
- Understand the evolving landscape of e-invoicing and e-reporting.
- Underpin the challenges and benefits for your business.
- Gain insights into how e-invoicing can serve as a catalyst for broader digital transformation initiatives.
Morning Break with In-Person Meetings
At the network plaza you can meet the partners of this conference while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea. In-person meetings also take place here.
Roundtable: Global E-Invoicing Strategies for Compliance
Michel Gilis, GENA of Chair Interop Working Group
This session looks at strategies an international company can implement to comply with e-invoicing obligations. Standard networks versus national platforms and formats will be discussed, as the approach in countries without mandatory e-invoicing. The impact of ViDA DRR within Europe and beyond is discussed. The importance of a centralised approach rather than from local branches. Learn how to select the right service provider for global coverage. Finally, learn how to keep focus on business process, outsource technical details, avoid exceptions and ensure transparent management.
Global Travel Meets E-Invoicing
Dirk Willekens, E-Invoice Program Manager, Billit
Carlson Wagon-Lits Travel (CWT), a global leader in corporate travel with a rich history, has partnered with Billit, Belgium’s leading e-invoicing service provider, to present a real-world case study on navigating e-invoicing challenges faced by international companies. Gain valuable insights into how CWT implements the “European Norm on e-invoicing,” utilizing Peppol BIS-based e-invoices for European entities, and the specific challenges encountered, such as managing identifiers. Learn how to turn mandatory requirements into opportunities, and prepare today for the demands of tomorrow.
Navigate the Complexity of New E-Invoicing Mandates
Nicolas Dominiak, Lead Solutions Consultant, OpenText & Sven Geenens Senior Manager, PwC Belgium
During this session, we will share our experience in anticipating the challenges of e-invoicing mandates across EU, ensuring compliance, and optimising organisational processes.
While attending this session, you will learn more about:
- Challenges related to e-invoicing mandates.
- Best practices sharing to be ready for the upcoming mandates.
- Solutions to meet mandate requirements and implementation project timeline.
Beyond Compliance: E-Invoicing as a Catalyst for Supply Chain Transformation
Arjan Sloot, Country Manager Benelux, SPS Commerce
An invoice starts with an order. An order starts with an agreement to enter into a business relationship. It’s time to recognize that e-invoicing isn’t just about legal compliance. In this presentation, we’ll explore an alternative definition of compliance that encompasses the full nature of transactions. We’ll discuss the different approaches required for mandatory versus voluntary e-invoicing scenarios and why e-invoicing alone can’t drive true business transformation. After all, it’s just one part of the entire value chain. Join us to learn how e-invoicing can be a catalyst for supply chain transformation and unlock substantial business benefits.
After attending this session, you will know more about:
- Understanding the importance of aligning e-invoicing with trading partner and business requirements in addition to legal compliance requirements and what this means for companies.
- Key considerations for implementing e-invoicing, whether mandatory or voluntary, and the (unspoken) relationship with EDI.
- Using e-invoicing as a potential accelerator and bridging the gap with the broader value chain to drive business transformation by addressing real business challenges.
- Strategies for quick and efficient onboarding beyond high-volume trading partners.
E-Invoicing, Financial Data and Its Potential
Olivier Smekens, CEO, KBC Invoicing Services powerd by Soluzio & Vincent Siau, Product Manager of KBC Bank N.V.
E-Invoicing is increasingly becoming a facilitator for innovative financial data use cases. One example is the partnership between KBC and Soluzio, where a financial player steps into the world of e-invoicing. This model is unique due to its seamless integration, offering businesses significant efficiency and accuracy gains. Crucially, invoice data serves as the backbone for new, value-added services.
After attending this session, you will know more about:
- The strength of a bank (cyber & data security, KYC competencies, trust) combined with the technical expertise of a FinTech.
- E-invoicing as a ‘means to’ but not an end goal.
- How to use obligation as a facilitator to growth and insights.
Mastering E-Invoicing Implementation: Lessons From the Leaders
Meike Le Roux, Director, EMEA Business Development, Avalara
As e-invoicing mandates roll out in more countries around the world, businesses are experiencing firsthand the benefits (and challenges) of implementing e-invoicing software. To provide deeper insights into these experiences, Avalara conducted a comprehensive research study that highlights the most common pitfalls in e-invoicing implementation and how addressing these challenges can significantly benefit your business.
While attending this session, you will learn more about:
- The obvious and not-so-obvious mistakes in early stages of implementation.
- The reasons e-invoicing programs are often more time-consuming than expected.
- Why 74% of organisations employed additional resources for e-invoicing implementation.
- How to integrate e-invoicing with your ERP and maximise your return on investment.
The shape of things to come: e-invoicing as an enabler of e-government v2.0
General Manager Indirect TaxTech & VP Regulatory, Sovos Compliance
E-Invoicing and e-audit are accelerating the shift to e-Government 2.0 based on requirements to share objective source data from business operations. In this session, Christiaan Van Der Valk will dive into the challenges and opportunities companies face with maintaining a data defense as governments gain unparalleled levels of insight into every aspect of the economy. E-Invoicing and e-audit are accelerating the shift to e-Government 2.0 based on requirements to share objective source data from business operations. In this session, Christiaan Van Der Valk will dive into the challenges and opportunities companies face with maintaining a data defense as governments gain unparalleled levels of insight into every aspect of the economy.
After attending this session, you will know more about:
- Understanding the Impact of E-Government 2.0
- Navigating Data Defense Challenges
- Identifying Opportunities in the Evolving Regulatory Landscape
Lunch Break with In-Person Meetings
Lunch is waiting for you at the network plaza. While enjoying a sandwich, you can discuss the morning program with fellow participants or obtain information about your issues from partners. The in-person meetings also take place here.
Update & Dialoog: The Future of Accounting
Stefanie Worm, Manager, KPMG Belgium
As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of finance and technology, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve and understand the transformative changes impacting the accounting world. In this session, we will explore how we KPMG, as an accounting firm, embark on the journey of e-invoice compliance together with our clients to make sure they are ready to thrive in the future of accounting.
While attending this session, you will learn more about:
- Don’t miss the digital train
- E-invoicing is just a start
Debate & Develop: Beyond Compliance – Why you need a network
Phil Bailey, Head of Network Expansion, Partner Development of Pagero
A workshop to help you develop and fine-tune your own global strategy for and beyond e-invoice compliance. Together, we will debate how to persuade decision makers in your organisation to invest in your ideas; how to cut through differing departmental priorities; and, how leveraging a network-first approach will transform government-enforced change into a competitive advantage.
During the session insight and practical examples will be shared to help you meet the short-term demands on your business and develop long-term growth strategies.
Bring along your questions and real-world challenges for an open and interactive discussion, solution-seeking, and guidance on how to tackle these challenges for your organisation.
While attending this session, you will learn more about:
- What a network is, what it is not and why it matters.
- How to get buy-in from decision-makers.
- The real impact on AP and AR.
- What success looks like and what the future holds.
Update & Dialogue: E-Invoicing, From Legal Obligation to Opportunity in Your Digital Transformation
Carine Lucas, Expert Digital Innovation, Agoria
Businesses are digitising at an accelerated pace. E-Invoicing is one piece of a much bigger puzzle. However, in reality, achieving success with digital projects can be challenging. Based on the book she co-authored Carine outlines the path leading from clear ambitions to broad-based adoption and lasting impact. This is not so much about technology, as it is about clarity, organisation and communication.
With practical tips, concrete tools and telling examples, Carine makes successful digitalisation tangible and realistic for everybody. In this way, she helps you significantly increase the success rate of your digital projects.
After attending this session, you will know more about:
- How to clearly specify and communicate ambitions and goals for digitalisation.
- How to manage digitalisation projects, with focus on maximal Return on Investment.
- What the crucial roles are within project teams and organizations.
Update & Dialogue: Understanding the EU e-Invoicing through Policy and Benefits
Irena Rivière-Osipov, TEAM LEADER FOR EU EINVOICING POLICY, EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Irena Riviere-Osipov, team leader at the European Commission, will provide valuable insights into the European Commission policy for eInvoicing. Irena will discuss the policy’s impact on businesses, including SMEs and public administrations, highlighting benefits such as reduced administrative burdens, improved data accuracy, and increased tax revenue forecast. The session will be divided into two parts: an overview of the policy, implications, benefits, and strategic opportunities for eInvoicing, followed by an engaging discussion with Irena, in which active participation from the audience is encouraged.
Update & Dialogue: Discover Peppol
Serge Libert, EGOV Project Manager of FOD Beleid en Ondersteuning, BOSA
Join Serge Libert for a guided tour into the most critical, but also misconceived component of the roadmap towards effective digitalization: Peppol. Where does it come from? Where does it drive us to? What does it consist in? Is it just another channel to exchange data, or rather a real breakthrough in the IT realm? These questions and many others will be touched in this not to miss session.
While attending this session, you will learn more about:
- How Peppol helps massive adoption of e-invoicing and beyond.
- How does it matter to your business.
- Are these benefits achievable? How? When?
Afternoon Break with In-Person Meetings
At the network plaza you can discuss the sessions with fellow participants while enjoying a drink or discuss your problems with one of the partners. The in-person meetings also take place here.
H.Essers Preparing for the Future Within a Digitalized Purchase-To-Pay Process
Brent Wagemans, Senior Manager Group Finance of H.Essers
This session looks at the approach, pitfalls and impacts of implementing a Purchase-To-Pay solution within a multinational context. This involves replacing software that was 15 years old, so on a technological level, this represents a major step forward.
While attending this session, you will learn more about:
- The importance of Master Data.
- The importance of Change Management.
- Dealing flexibly with changes in scope (internally within finance department and externally).
Join us on H.Essers’ transport and get further inspiration on accounts payable yourself!
Closure by the Chairman of the Day
Chairman Francesca Vanthielen will conclude the conference day and look back.
E-Invoicing Award 2024
With great pride the E-Invoicing Award will be presented for the third time! These award aims to recognise and praise the exceptional efforts of organisations in advancing the e-invoicing landscape. Especially with new legislation set to come into force from 1 January 2026. The E-Invoicing Award 2024 will be presented at the E-Invoicing Conference.
We will honour those who have demonstrated excellence, innovation and transformational impact in their respective fields. Celebrate with us the pioneers who are shaping the future of e-invoicing and inspire the next wave of digital transformation.
This moment will take place at the networking square. You can enjoy drinks, bites and chat with fellow participants and business partners.
The award will be handed out by Jack Hamande.