One of the basic tenets of SIG is to create an environment that fosters networking, relationship building and the exchange of information. SIG is unique in its approach by bringing together sourcing professionals and providers from the same marketplace in a primarily non-commercial environment. SIG’s collegial, non-commercial environment has been referenced as a quality differentiator that encourages open discussions as a basis for building long-lasting business relationships. SIG recognizes the value that providers bring to our community and we encourage members to showcase thought leadership, demonstrate subject-matter expertise and build relationships without any pressure to buy or to sell. SIG also understands the need to obtain a ROI from the relationship with SIG, therefore, we have laid out some areas that should enhance your ability to obtain that ROI.
“Provider” (defined as any person from an organization including, but not limited to, technology solutions, advisors, law firms and consultancies that view sourcing professionals as clients/customers) must review and acknowledge the terms of the SIG Provider Code of Conduct to ensure that there is no misunderstanding with regards to expectations.
Provider may not “actively” sell at SIG events or to attendees. This is defined as explaining your product/service without being asked about it, monopolizing a conversation by discussing your product/service, starting demonstrations without being asked, aggressively following up with multiple emails, etc. This does not apply if a “request or connection” has been made by the attendee for information about the Provider’s product/service. The only exceptions are during Speed Networking, Provider Showcase, Networking Booth and private meetings when Providers are encouraged to share information about their company and their products/services.
Distribution of sales or promotional materials (this includes whitepapers, brochures, give-away items, etc.) at SIG events is prohibited except when it is part of a sponsorship in the Provider Showcase, Networking Booth or Tech Lounge at a SIG event. One piece of sales material is allowed at each of those aforementioned sponsored programs.
Presentations for any SIG event should contain no more than one to two slides that describes a Provider’s capabilities, products, services, or any other facts or statistics that are commercial and not specifically related to the presentation topic.
When co-presenting with a sourcing person, Provider should not monopolize the presentation time and allow the co-presenter at least equal time to speak.
Presentations should include one contact slide at the end of a presentation so that attendees can follow up with specific questions.
Copies of slides, whitepapers and research documents are allowed to be displayed at the Summit and other SIG events for attendees to pick up if they are relevant to the membership, and only after they have been approved by SIG staff.
Provider may not monopolize any one attendee’s time at a SIG event.
Provider is encouraged to exchange business cards with attendees when requested and may directly contact that person to follow up on a discussion or request made by the attendee.
Provider may not take attendees away from SIG meals or events, regardless of whether or not they are a client of Provider. Any onsite or offsite activities between Provider and attendees must be done outside the hours of SIG-sanctioned events or must be facilitated by SIG staff.
SIG will be scanning people as they enter the room for all breakout presentations and will provide you the list post-Summit. Late attendees and early departures may not be noted.
It is the responsibility of the primary contact at the Provider company to monitor their attendees during the Summit, both onsite and offsite, as well as at any SIGnature Event or any other SIG-hosted live or virtual event. Failure to abide by the Provider Code of Conduct may result in cancellation of membership privileges based solely upon the discretion of the SIG Executive Team. If you have any questions about this Code of Conduct, please contact your SIG Account Manager directly or submit a contact request.
By typing your name in as your electronic signature, you agree your electronic signature is the legal equivalent of your manual signature on this letter.
