Best Practices for Working with Vendors and Suppliers

Live Webinar or Recording

October 21, 2025, 2:00 pm - 3:40 pm Eastern

Credit: CPE: 2, ISM: 1.5, QPANJ: 2, ATAPU: 1.5 (Live Only)

Building and maintaining strong vendor relationships is more than just a handshake deal — it's a critical part of ensuring organizational success and minimizing risk. This webinar will explore the foundational principles of managing vendor relationships with professionalism and foresight. Attendees will gain insights into viewing vendor relationships as business partnerships, with a clear understanding of the importance of representing their organization’s best interests above all else. Participants will learn how to establish firm boundaries that avoid personal entanglements and instead foster win-win relationships grounded in clear terms and mutual benefit.

The session will also provide detailed guidance on navigating the complexities of vendor agreements. From reviewing terms of sale, liability clauses, and indemnifications to ensuring proper insurance and certifications are in place, this webinar will help you build contracts that protect your agency or company. Real-world case studies will bring the content to life, showcasing both challenges and successful outcomes in vendor management. You’ll also learn how to monitor performance, provide fair solicitation opportunities, and ensure vendors deliver value — all while reducing risk and increasing service quality.

Topics Covered:

• Professional boundaries in vendor relationships
• Vendor agreement structuring and term review
• Risk mitigation through insurance, licensing, and penalties
• Monitoring performance and ensuring accountability
• Case studies demonstrating real-world vendor challenges and solutions

Your Benefits For Attending:

• Understand how to manage vendor relationships as business partnerships that protect your organization's interests.
• Learn best practices for structuring vendor agreements to reduce liability and avoid unfavorable terms.
• Discover how to monitor vendor performance to ensure quality service delivery and timely compliance.
• Gain insight into common vendor pitfalls and how to address or avoid them.
• Analyze real-life case studies that highlight both risks and successful strategies in vendor management.

This webinar will equip you with the tools to strengthen your organization's vendor relationships while minimizing risk and increasing efficiency. Attending will give you actionable strategies to elevate your role as a steward of your company or agency’s resources.

Who Should Attend:
Professionals involved in procurement, contract management, operations, finance, and organizational compliance who manage or influence vendor relationships.

Level: Beginners/Intermediate
Format: Live webcast
Instructional Method: Group: Internet-based
NASBA Field of Study: Business Management & Organization
Program Prerequisites: None
Advance Preparation: None

Guest Speaker: Kenneth Jones

Level: Basic

Format: Live Webcast

Field of Study: Business Management & Organization

Program Prerequisites: None

Advanced Preparation: None

Aurora Training Advantage is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

For more information regarding administrative policies such as complaint and refund, and cancellation please contact our offices at 407-542-4317 or training@auroratrainingadvantage.com.

This program may be used for Continuing Education Hours (CEH) toward recertification for programs offered by the Institute for Supply Management®, including the Certified Professional in Supply Management® and Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity®.

Qualified Purchasing Agent - New Jersey

Aurora Training Advantage is offering continuing education points designed to recognize dedication to training and excellence in purchasing.