On September 18, Helsinki hosted one of the global stops of the Commerce & Contract Management Institute’s CMS™ Series, an international program designed to introduce and explore the newly launched Contract Management Standard™ (CMS™). The event was held at Valmet and organized in collaboration with the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) and World Commerce & Contracting (WorldCC).
The day brought together contract and commercial management professionals, academics, and business leaders to discuss the evolving role of contracts in driving clarity, efficiency, and strategic value for organizations.
Markus Mikola shares insights on AI’s impact on contracting
Our CEO, Markus Mikola, was invited to join the panel on AI in Contracting, where the conversation centered on how new technologies are shaping the way contracts are created, negotiated, and managed. Markus spoke about the opportunities and challenges AI brings to the profession and emphasized the importance of balancing automation with human judgment.
Reflecting on the event, Markus said:
“Huge thanks for a wonderful event and the invitation to speak on the AI panel. I really enjoyed the conversations, the energy, and the opportunity to share and learn.”
He highlighted how discussions on AI are no longer theoretical but increasingly grounded in real-world applications that help organizations achieve efficiency while maintaining fairness and clarity in their contracts.
Insights from participants
The event generated thoughtful reflections from speakers and attendees alike, underscoring the CMS™ Series’ role as a platform for learning and exchange.
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Sally Guyer, Global CEO of WorldCC, noted how the themes of AI, contract design and simplification, and human-centricity in contracting naturally complement the Contract Management Standard™ and reinforce its importance.
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Johanna Kauppinen, Legal Counsel at Oy Snellman Ab, emphasized the importance of clarity in contracting and how well-structured contracts can help organizations achieve it.
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Eero Halmari, Senior Manager from Valmet, highlighted how the event showed the strategic role of contracting, noting that the new Standard, together with themes like contract design, AI, and the human element, all strengthen each other and demonstrate contracting’s potential as a true strategic capability.
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Sinikka Ilveskoski, Vice President, Legal & Compliance, Wartsila Marine, called the event a fantastic opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences, noting that the challenge presented to participants was both valuable and rewarding.
These reflections highlight how the CMS™ Series brings together diverse voices and experiences, fostering a community where professionals can learn from one another and collectively advance the discipline.
The Contract Management Standard™
At the center of the discussions was the Contract Management Standard™ (CMS™) itself. Developed by the Commerce & Contract Management Institute, it is the first and only global standard created by and for the contract and commercial management community.
The CMS™ sets out a clear, practical framework of principles and practices designed to improve how organizations handle contracts. Its goals include:
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Enhancing consistency and clarity in contracting.
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Supporting better risk management and compliance.
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Enabling organizations to deliver greater value through effective contract management.
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Elevating the profession by defining shared benchmarks for excellence.
By establishing a universal reference point, the CMS™ helps companies navigate the increasingly complex commercial environment and turn contracts into tools for strategy and innovation, not just administration.
Organizations can download the CMS™ and explore adoption resources at ccm.institute/cms.
The Global Reach of the CMS™ Series
The CMS™ Series is a worldwide initiative to introduce and accelerate adoption of the CMS™ Fourth Edition, featuring one-day in-person events packed with expert panels, keynotes, and networking. Designed to empower the contracting community, it spotlights the standard's role in elevating the profession through consensus-driven innovation.
Events are rolling out across Europe, the Americas, and virtually:
- Europe: Berlin (Sep 18 - CCM Institute in partnership with WorldCC and NCMA), Copenhagen (Sep 25 – Nordic Contract Management Day), London (Sep 18), Madrid (Sep 18), Milan (Sep 18), Zurich (Sep 18), Amsterdam (Sep 18), and Helsinki (Sep 18).
- Americas: Philadelphia (Sep 8), New York City (Sep 9), Boston (Sep 11), and Mexico (Sep 18).
- Virtual: Sep 18 at 3 PM GMT – accessible online for global participation.
Deeper dives continue at major summits, including the WorldCC Americas Summit (Oct 5-6, Denver, USA) and WorldCC EMEA Summit (Apr 20-21, 2026, Berlin, Germany).
For full details and registration, visit info.worldcc.com/worldcc-cms-global-series.
The Helsinki edition of the CMS™ Series was more than just an event; it was a gathering of minds committed to shaping the future of contracting. From exploring AI’s role in drafting and negotiation to rethinking contract design and putting human-centricity at the core, the discussions reaffirmed the importance of collaboration and shared learning.
As the CMS™ Series continues its journey across the globe, it offers a reminder that effective contract management is not only about process, but about people, innovation, and building clarity in a complex world.
