eBay is holding a summit for its Certified Providers on February 1-2, 2005, in San Jose, California. The Certified Provider program consists of third-party vendors who provide services to eBay users and replaces eBay's previous Preferred Service Provider program.

To join eBay's Certified Providers program, vendors must pay eBay an annual fee of $3,000 and complete eBay's annual certification process.

This is the first such summit and connects certified providers with eBay category managers to provide both with a better understanding of one another's needs. eBay said the category managers will be giving the providers insight into what types of services and solutions would help improve sellers and buyers in their specific categories. In turn, the providers will provide the eBay managers with a better understanding of their offerings and expertise. eBay expects 50 members of the Certified Provider Program to attend.

http://developer.ebay.com/certifiedprovider