This is about balance: substance without becoming boring, entertainment without being shallow. Make the business parts interactive. Instead of a monologue from your CEO, opt for a short presentation followed by Q&A. Suppliers appreciate that you listen to them. Add gastronomy with character: not standard catering but something special (a local chef, a farm-to-table concept, themed dishes). That makes an impression. For entertainment, you don't need to hire a professional act. Added value works better. Think of a workshop around a theme: for example, how do we make our partnership more sustainable? A demo of an innovative product also works. Or panel discussions where colleagues learn from each other. This feels relevant and fun. Provide icebreakers: a name game, a speed-networking session or a table roulette where you switch tables halfway through. That breaks the stiffness. A good supplier day feels like: 'You value us and you really want to achieve something together.'