How To Evolve Your Costing When Peanut Butter Spreading Is All You Know?

Abstract:
Most of us know when you're not sure how to allocate costs to a specific product or client, one can always use the peanut-butter-spread methodology...

Speaker: Michiel Vos

Room: The Top Dog

Bio:Michiel Vos grew up on a biodynamic arable farm in Flevoland, where he helped with all sorts of chores and ran a small business selling pumpkins and cabbages. After studying at Wageningen University, he worked as a banker at ING, but decided to return to the farm when his father fell ill.

Back home, he started a salad bar — the first of its kind in the Netherlands. While searching for a place to live in Amsterdam, he ended up in a shopping street. There, he founded De Pindakaaswinkel to give peanut butter the spotlight it deserves. Without any investors or external funding, he successfully built a company that now produces over 15,000 jars of peanut butter per week.

Company description: De Pindakaaswinkel is one of the most beloved Dutch brands, reinventing peanut butter with unique flavors, natural ingredients, and sustainable practices. With shops across the Netherlands, it has grown into a leading name for high-quality, creative spreads.

Using TDABC to Drive Strategic Planning and Profitability Management

Abstract: ERP systems and financial ledgers are excellent at recording what has already happened. But the key questions remain: what could happen next? And more importantly, what should happen next? In this session, Miguel Guimarães explores how advanced cost management practices, specifically Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC), can provide the visibility and control needed to support strategic planning. He’ll clarify the differences between traditional costing, ABC, and TDABC, then share real-world application, including a case from a leading distribution company. Drawing on his consulting experience, Miguel will demonstrate how organizations can structure cost models to continuously improve profitability by aligning cost visibility with both operational and strategic decision-making. You will leave with a clearer understanding of how to design cost models that go beyond reporting and actively support prioritization, optimization initiatives, and long-term planning.

Speaker: Miguel Guimaraes

Room: The Above

Bio: Miguel Guimarães is the Founder and Senior Consultant at Cost and Profitability Consulting Lda and Co-Founder of CostCTRL.com, a software solution dedicated to Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC). With over 20 years of experience in industrial engineering and strategic cost management, Miguel specializes in the design and implementation of advanced cost and profitability models across multiple industries. He has supported numerous organizations in aligning financial insights with operational performance to drive better decision-making. Passionate about bridging the gap between strategy and execution, Miguel brings a pragmatic, data-driven approach to cost transformation and performance management.

Company description: Cost and Profitability Consulting is a boutique advisory firm, specialized in the design and implementation of advanced cost and profitability models. Leveraging methodologies such as Activity-Based Costing (ABC) and Time-Driven ABC (TDABC), the firm supports clients across industry, logistics, healthcare and shared services in aligning financial transparency with strategic execution.

AI for Costing, a dream come true, or an empty promise?

Abstract: AI plays an ever more important role. From almost non-existent 5 years ago, AI has grown to multi-billion market impacting almost all sectors of our societies worldwide. In education, healthcare an business the role of AI is increasing day by day. And who hasn’t asked ChatGPT for some ideas for a weekend trip? So the logical question is how will it affect Costing? And is it already used somewhere? In this session we will explore the opportunities and possibilities of introducing AI in the costing work field. The challenges and difficulties and the impact on our lives as costing specialists, model builders, and users

We want to paint a picture, how the future might look like in the couple of years from now, but also on long term. Topics what will be presented are: Basic understanding what AI is (and what isn’t). How can AI contribute in the costing work field, now and in the future. The challenges in making AI to work. The impact of AI on processes, people and systems.

Speaker: Johan Smals

Room: The Beyond

Eight Months Later: Evaluating the DOGE Initiative’s Impact on U.S. Government Expenditure

Abstract: coming soon

Speaker: Theodore Vagias

Room: The Above

Bio: Teddy has 34+ years of IT leadership across Fortune 200, Federal, and Nonprofit sectors. He has led executive placement, organizational turnarounds, and strategic initiatives, overseeing multi-billion portfolios.

He has mentored hundreds of executives and developed training for future CIOs, focusing on leadership, governance, and performance improvement. His career centers on maximizing value from IT investments for clients and missions.

Company description: Mason Harriman Group, a woman owned small business, is a leading management and IT Advisory firm that consists of former Fortune 200 C-level executives from federal and private sectors. Our team brings decades of experience from a multitude of industries that bring relevant expertise, industry knowledge, and a proven, results-oriented approach to align business objectives with IT strategy to create realistic, tactical plans.

Together, team MHG has enjoyed strong success in our past performances and is widely known as a trusted partner to many agencies in both shaping and executing organizational effectiveness programs coupled with mentor coaching services for both individuals and teams at all levels. Our independent Verification and Validation services focus on turning around programs with potential Fraud Waste and Abuse. We are committed to working in lockstep with your team in a role of support and enablement to execute complex program and project initiatives and implement plans that result in profitable, sustainable growth.

Finance Unleashed: Hardwiring Cost Discipline Into Your DNA

Speaker: Mahmoud Ashmawy

Room: The Beyond

Abstract:Finance isn’t just tracking costs - it’s transforming how organizations think, act, and grow. This session explores how finance leaders are redefining the bottom line by embedding cost-conscious thinking into company culture. Learn how strategic finance shifts from oversight to ownership, enabling smarter decisions, empowering teams, and driving sustainable performance. Discover the bold role finance plays in shaping a leaner, sharper enterprise.

Bio: Mahmoud Ashmawy is a Chartered Accountant and expert cost modeller with a passion for financial clarity and strategic decision-making. As Senior Director at OnPoint Advisory, he leads a team of specialists focused on bridging the gap between budgets and real-world decisions.

With deep expertise across healthcare, telecoms, government, and technology sectors, Mahmoud is a trusted advisor to organizations seeking to unlock the power of cost modeling. His leadership at OnPoint is grounded in a commitment to clear, actionable insights—empowering clients to move from financial complexity to confident choices.

Whether guiding executive teams or shaping industry best practices, Mahmoud brings a sharp eye for value and a deep belief in the role of finance as a catalyst for smart, sustainable growth.

Company description: Bridging the Gap Between Budgets & Decisions. Trusted experts in cost modeling and financial clarity for Healthcare, Telecoms, Government, and Technology sectors.

Spending Smart or Saving Cents: The Battle Between Cost-Saving and Cost-Avoidance

Speaker: Ahmed Dawoud

Room: The Top Dog

Abstract: Details coming soon.

Driving Long Term Value: The Role Of Culture In Profitability Analytics

Abstract: In today’s corporate landscape, data-driven decision-making dominates the conversation. Yet, while robust data and sophisticated data warehouses are essential, they are only part of the equation. The human factor, specifically, organizational culture plays an equally critical role in the success of any profitability modeling initiative. In this session, you’ll learn why data alone isn't enough and how culture and executive buy-in determine long-term success. Russell Vannoy shares lessons from Central Garden & Pet’s 17-year ABC journey, offering practical strategies to build resilience into your own modeling efforts. Whether launching a new initiative or sustaining an existing one, this talk will help you future-proof your analytics practice.

Speaker: Russell Vannoy

Room: The Top Dog

Bio: Russell Vannoy brings 10+ years of hands-on experience in Activity-Based Costing (ABC), helping companies turn complex financial data into actionable strategies. As Sr. Manager, Business Intelligence at Central Garden & Pet, he supports 15+ business units through cost modeling and analytics. With a track record at Athlon Solutions and Acorn Systems, and clients like Ingram Micro, he bridges finance, operations, and IT to drive profitability. He holds an MBA in Finance from the University of St. Thomas. Join this session to gain insights from a proven leader in cost transparency and financial strategy.

How Information Architecture & Design Supports Cost Management Mindsets

Speaker: Christiaan Boiten

Room: The Above

Abstract: The Purple Bridge CostPerformers Network is one of the biggest and most experienced networks of cost management consultants in the Benelux. The track record of our consultants is covering almost all industries and types of cost models. We provide a broad service to design and implement not only cost modelling, but also embed cost management as part of the management control cycle and landscape.

For this conference Purple Bridge offers existing CostPerform customers a unique opportunity to do a Quick Scan analysis on the Design and Set-up of existing CostPerform cost models, data processes and reports.

Bio: Christiaan Boiten is one of the founders of Purple Bridge. He is a leader and visionary in the area of management accounting and control. The key of his vision is expreseed in the words ‘design' and ‘horizontal leadership’. Christiaan Boiten has been working as financial transformation consultant for almost 25 years with a focus on IT costing and Healthcare/Public organizations in the Benelux.

To be announced

Speaker: TBA

Company: Saudi Post

Room: The Beyond

Details coming soon.

Shaping What’s Next: CostPerform Roadmap (Workshop)

Abstract: Join us for an interactive session where your feedback drives the next period of CostPerform software development. This isn’t just a presentation! It’s a collaborative discussion to align our roadmap to user needs. Whether you’re a long-time user or just exploring, this is your chance to influence our roadmap. We’ll share our vision, current priorities, and key challenges, but the focus will be on you. What features matter most? Where should we innovate? What pain points need solving? Your input will influence our development plans, ensuring we build tools that truly bring value to you and other users. Come prepared and ready to discuss, debate, and help shape what’s next! Got an idea? Big or small, half-baked or brilliant...toss it in the Roadmap Idea Box at CostPerform Booth.

Speaker: Bert-Jan de Gier & Jelmer De Jong

Room: The Above

Bio: Bert-Jan de Gier is one of the key minds behind its powerful performance management platform. Since joining the company in 2004 as a Java developer, he has played a central role in shaping the product—most notably building its sophisticated calculation engine. Over two decades, Bert-Jan evolved from developer to product leader, joining the management team in 2018 and becoming CTO in 2022. As a speaker, he brings unrivaled knowledge of the CostPerform application, offering audiences practical insights into its inner workings, capabilities, and strategic value across industries.

Jelmer is a Product Owner at CostPerform, where he bridges the gap between customer needs and technical execution. With a foundation as a consultant, he brings a hands-on understanding of the challenges finance and operations teams face. This experience is central to his approach: prioritizing features that directly empower customers and drive their success. He is passionate about building software that is not only powerful but also practical and intuitive, ensuring that clients can achieve maximum value from their cost and profitability data. Jelmer's mission is to turn complex cost allocation into clear, actionable insights."

Hidden Layers of Profitability: Why Multi-Dimensional Costing Matters

Abstract: Attending this session, you will learn why traditional one-dimensional costing no longer meets today’s business challenges and how multi-dimensional costing provides deeper, more actionable insights. You’ll discover what defines a “dimension,” how to identify relevant ones for your organization, and how multi-dimensional models reveal hidden drivers of cost and performance. Real world examples from manufacturing, services, and retail will show practical applications. By the end, you’ll gain a clear framework for applying multi-dimensional costing to improve pricing, strategy, and decision making in your own context.

Speaker: Maxime Baltus

Room: The Top Dog

Bio: With a background in mathematics and experience as a data analyst at a Dutch bank, Maxime specializes in building valuation models and process frameworks. Currently in the account management team, she designs ETL solutions, support clients in adopting multi-dimensional costing models, and delivers insights through CostPerform metrics to strengthen decision making and performance.