What is a Destination Management Company?

What is a Destination Management Company?

A destination management company, also commonly referred to as a DMC, is a firm that is hired to provide services for the planning and implementation of event programs and services in a destination. The value of a DMC primarily rests in the company’s extensive knowledge of the local area as well as its professional relationships and local resources, the DMC is the destination expert and their involvement is essential to collaborate with a meeting planner to run a corporate event and meeting smoothly. It is the company with the local knowledge, expertise and resources working with the design and implementation of events, activities, tours, transportation and program logistics.

Who Hires a DMC?

Event Planners choose to work with a DMC if the event is outside of their local area for the following reasons:

• A DMC knows which caterers, transportations services, hotels, and other facilities will provide the best service to meet the client needs.
• Understands cultural norms and expectations–and knows when prices are being jacked up, or unnecessary extras are being added to a bill.
• A local planner knows where and how to find the best entertainment, freshest food, most helpful staff, and best travel routes.

What does a DMC Do?

A DMC maintains local knowledge of the area or region they represent, specifically with regards to the local coordination and implementation of everything from program and event logistics to event activities. In short, a DMC is essentially a highly specialized consultant for practically every aspect of out-of-town event programming.

Destination management companies are architects and general contractors for meeting professionals. They outline ideas via proposals, and once the decision is made, set out to make the desired component happen. Just as convention services managers in hotels and Decorating Companies in the exhibit hall become extensions of your staff, your ultimate outsource partner outside the education sessions and exhibit halls, is your destination management company.

DMC’s offer, but are not limited to, the following:

• Creative proposals for special events within the meeting,
• Guest tours,
• VIP amenities and transportation,
• Shuttle services (including statistics) to assist with future planning,
• Staffing within the convention center,
• Picnics and other outdoor activities, such as team building,
• Entertainment, both headlines and talented locals, and sound and light professionals
• Decor and theme development,
• Ancillary meetings management professionals,
• Advance and onsite registration services,
• Housing,
• And whatever else the meeting professional might need to insure his/her event is successful

In addition to providing local expertise, a DMC also acts as one key contact throughout the event planning process. Often, the DMC will also be able to leverage lower prices by using their purchasing power to negotiate for preferential rates with local vendors and suppliers. In non-English speaking countries, a DMC may also help to overcome language barriers.

The time and effort saved can make it extremely cost-effective to use this type of partner no matter where you are. They will have the most current information on sports events, cultural activities, festivals, and just plain fun and facts to help you be the best you can be for every meeting and event you manage. Your staff can then concentrate on the organization-related details that only you can handle.

Sources: ADMEI, The Balance MB.com, Wikipedia, Maritur Mexico.