Managing Service Provider Relationships: From Research and Selection to Renewal

Sponsored by: Social & Digital Media SIG, Marketing Technology SIG
Domains: Marketing Management and Leadership, Technology Management
BoK Competencies: Budgeting, Consultant and Vendor Management, Client and Relationship Management, Communications Software and Platforms

Law firm marketing and business development teams are constantly evaluating new platforms—from CRMs and social media tools to website and analytics solutions, and not to mention everything AI these days. Beyond choosing the right technology, we are also tasked with maintaining productive service provider relationships, from first outreach through long-term adoption and renewal. This roundtable will take a practical, service provider-neutral look at how legal marketers can run a smarter, more efficient selection process and move confidently from initial conversations and demos to purchase, implementation, and everyday use. Designed for professionals who regularly engage with marketing technology service providers, this discussion will cover what effective buyers do differently, common pitfalls in the RFP and demo stages, and how to set clear expectations that lead to stronger service provider-client partnerships. Whether you’re evaluating a new tool or reassessing an existing one, this session will help you approach service provider selection with confidence and clarity.

Note: This is a combined Social & Digital Media SIG and Marketing Technology SIG event!

Learning Outcomes:

• Define a clear, repeatable framework for managing the full service provider selection lifecycle - from initial research and demos through purchase and user adoption.
• Discuss proven relationship management best practices, including strategies for successfully inheriting existing vendor relationships when stepping into a new role.
• Explore how to be a well-prepared, strategic buyer, and equip team/firm leadership with the insights needed to make informed purchasing decisions that benefit the entire team.
  
  

Presenters:
Laura H. Fickle, Founder & Consultant, Pennington Solutions
PJ Sawchuk, Principal, Epic Solution Partners

Price: 
Members: Complimentary
Prospective LMA Members: $79