Negotiating with Suppliers

Sharpen your negotiation skills, outmaneuver supplier challenges, and gain the upper hand in an unpredictable market—join us for this exclusive peer-driven session!

March 04, 2025 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Event Assets

Please login or register for a UWEBC Member Account to access this event's assets.

1. Full Event Recording: Negotiating with Suppliers File Type: Video
2. UWEBC Presentation Slides: Negotiating with Suppliers File Type: PDF
3. Associated Bank Presentation Slides: Vendor Management File Type: PDF
4. Exact Sciences Presentation Slides: Negotiation Fundamentals File Type: PDF

Description

In today’s uncertain global landscape, procurement professionals must navigate supply chain disruptions, shifting trade policies, and increasing cost pressures—all while maintaining strong supplier relationships. How do you secure the best value while mitigating risk?

At this UWEBC Procurement Peer Group event, you’ll hear fellow UWEBC members Steph Baerenwald, VP Vendor Management Office at Associated Bank and James Altwies, Associate Director of Strategic Sourcing at Exact Sciences share their real-world experiences, and how they help their teams sharpen their negotiation skills. Through these interactive discussions - including small group breakout sessions - you’ll gain fresh perspectives on supplier negotiations that go beyond traditional cost-cutting—empowering you to drive long-term value and resilience in your supply chain.

Now more than ever, geopolitical shifts and economic uncertainty are reshaping supplier dynamics, making negotiation tactics a critical competency for procurement teams. This peer-driven session will explore how organizations adjust their approaches to supplier collaboration, price negotiations, and contract flexibility in an unpredictable environment. Whether you’re looking for fresh insights or tested best practices, this event offers a unique opportunity to learn from a network of experienced professionals who understand the challenges you face. Don’t miss this chance to elevate your negotiation strategies and stay ahead in an ever-changing marketplace!

Add this event to your calendar

Please note that adding the event to your calendar is not the same as registering. Please also use the button above to register for this event.

Agenda Items

9:00 AM	Welcome and Opening Remarks
	Jenny Patzlaff - Supply Chain Practice Director, UWEBC
9:15 AM	Member Spotlight: Associated Bank
	Steph Baerenwald – VP Vendor Management Office
9:50 AM	Member Spotlight: Exact Sciences
	James Altwies – Associate Director of Strategic Sourcing
10:20 AM	Break

10:30 AM	Negotiations Training
	James Altwies – Associate Director of Strategic Sourcing
11:00 AM	Breakout Discussions - Discuss and Apply
	All Participants
11:45 AM	Debrief on Breakout Discussions
	All Participants
11:55 AM	Wrap Up

12:00 PM	Adjourn

Additional Information

Location: Zoom

Contact: Events Team, events@uwebc.wisc.edu