What is event supplier management?
Event supplier management is the ongoing management of the venues and suppliers an organisation uses for events — monitoring performance, maintaining compliance, reviewing rates and managing relationships. Where sourcing selects suppliers, supplier management keeps that network competitive, compliant and high-performing over time.
Sourcing a good supplier is a moment; managing the relationship is a process. Value won at selection is easily lost without ongoing management.
From sourcing to management
Event supplier management picks up where supplier procurement leaves off. Once a network is consolidated and a preferred programme is in place, supplier management keeps it healthy.
What it covers
- Performance monitoring against agreed service levels.
- Periodic rate benchmarking to keep pricing competitive.
- Compliance, insurance and onboarding upkeep.
- Relationship management and periodic re-tendering.
- Feeding performance and spend into reporting.
Why it matters
Without management, preferred networks drift: rates creep above market, performance slips and compliance lapses. Active supplier management sustains the value that consolidation and negotiation created, and is a core component of event category management.
Frequently asked questions
How is supplier management different from supplier procurement?
Procurement selects and contracts suppliers; supplier management maintains performance, compliance and competitiveness over the life of the relationship.
How often should supplier rates be reviewed?
At least annually through benchmarking, with periodic re-tendering to keep the network competitive.