I am planning to have our company's first ever supplier conference. I've been to these conferences put on by my customers and all it turns out to be is a read session of documents and I walk out disappointed.

What ideas do y'all have that will make a supplier conference worth the time and expense to show up. I would like the conference to emphasize team building, supplier accountability, building long term relationships, etc.

Any suggestions for agenda, ice breakers, team building activities?

One of the main points is to discuss issues that are relevant and current to you and your suppliers. Where is your organization going and how would they fit in the picture. What kind of skills and technology you expect them to have in the near future, say 5-10 years. They must feel that they can express their concerns openly, without being threatened . A possible opening remarks could come from an elaboration of the ISO 9000 principle of mutually beneficial supplier relationships. (http://www.iso.org/iso/en/iso9000-14000/understand/qmp.html#Principle8)

Having dynamic speakers help too. How many suppliers you expect to come?

Some material from a Northrop supplier symposium is available @ https://oasis.northgrum.com/general/presentations.htm