Of all the supply chain and logistics topics we have written about over the past nine months, our postings on performance-based outsourcing (PBO) have been among the most popular (see “Performance-based Outsourcing in Logistics” and “Performance-based Outsourcing: What’s in It for ‘We’?).  The reason is simple: many third-party logistics providers (3PL) and their manufacturing and retail customers want to break free from the rut they find themselves in and take their relationship to a higher level of sustained value and performance.  Is performance-based outsourcing the answer?

This question, coupled with strong demand from 3PLs and logistics and procurement executives, have led us to organize “Performance-based Outsourcing: Maximizing the Value of 3PL-Customer Relationships,” a 1.5-day seminar to be held February 9-11, 2010 in Orlando, Florida at the Rosen Centre Hotel. 

This seminar is a must-attend event for logistics and procurement executives at manufacturing and retail companies responsible for 3PL selection, contracting, and relationship management, as well as business development and account management executives at third-party logistics companies responsible for sales, contract negotiation, and managing customer relationships.  The seminar will address the following questions and topics:

• What is performance-based outsourcing? 
• How is PBO different from gain sharing and other types of contracts? 
• What are the steps to creating a successful PBO relationship? 
• Who is practicing PBO today and what benefits have they achieved? 
• What are the main obstacles to implementing PBO, for both customers and 3PLs? How do you overcome these obstacles?

We already have several great speakers and panelists confirmed, including:

• Kate Vitasek, a well-recognized authority on performance-based outsourcing, lead researcher and faculty for the University of Tennessee’s Performance-based programs, founder of Supply Chain Visions, and author of a forthcoming book titled “Vested Outsourcing” to be published by Palgrave Macmillan.
• Todd Shire, Logistics Sourcing Strategy Manager at Intel.
• Richard MacLaren, President and General Manager North America at Unipart Logistics, a leading logistics service provider with extensive experience managing PBO contracts with clients such as Jaguar.
• George Abernathy, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Transplace, with more than 20 years of industry experience at both traditional and technology-based, transportation-focused providers.

The seminar will kick off Tuesday, February 9 with an evening networking reception.  A full day of presentations, panel discussions, and workshops is planned for Wednesday, plus an entertainment/networking event in the evening.  The seminar will conclude on Thursday with moderated “think tank” sessions in the morning where attendees will discuss and share their perspectives on 3PL-client relationships, as well as the opportunities and challenges they see with PBO and how to address them.  The seminar will end at noon with a wrap-up discussion of next steps.  We’ll be fine-tuning the agenda in the days and weeks ahead, so please check the website for the latest updates.

The cost to attend is only $495, which includes all meals, receptions, and program materials.  Attendees should make their own hotel reservations at the Rosen Centre Hotel by calling 800-204-7234.  ARC has contracted a reduced rate of $180 per night, based on availability, if reservations are made by January 15, 2010.  When making reservations, please specify that you will be attending the ARC Forum.  

Online registration will be live soon, but you can register today by calling 781-471-1000, or send us an email at info@arcweb.com to obtain a registration form.

Space is very limited, so early registration is encouraged.  Priority will be given to logistics and procurement executives at manufacturing, retail, and third party logistics companies.  Consultants and technology vendors that are interested in attending please email us and we’ll place you on a reserve list in case space is available.

Finally, if you are a logistics or procurement executive that would like to share your experience and perspective, as a presenter or panelist, on how to maximize the value of 3PL-customer relationships, please send me an email at adriang@arcweb.com.  We’d love to include you on the agenda.

Are you ready to take 3PL-customer relationships to a higher level of sustained value and performance?  Take the first step by joining us in Orlando!