Value of the Destination Management Company
The role of the destination management company has evolved into a far more valuable resource for event and meeting planners. It used to be that DMC's were responsible for only ground transportation and hotel selection. About 10 years ago, I remember contacting DMC's for a 47 passenger bus and tapping them for an off site location for a themed awards banquet.
Now, we consider the DMC a "partner" in producing the whole event. The event and meeting planner is responsible for initial contact and management with the end user client. The DMC is the "second half" of the planner team. They can assist with out of town venue selection, refer the best local attractions and diversions for the group, as well as the "local" connections with any other last minute need my client has.
The event/meeting planner has no less to do in their duties. There is still the planning of the date and theme of the event. Assisting with the registration process, signage, collateral material, procurement of awards, booking of speakers, stage/sound/lighting, show management, event scripting, etc.
One of the greatest contributions of the DMC is saving literally hundreds of hours scouring the out of town location for the best suited venue, and local attractions and support personnel. The combination of the event/meeting planner with the DMC is a great "one-two punch" that the client will see as contributing to a flawless event.
DMC's have come a long way in just a few short years. We as planners embrace their existence.
This issue of News Articles written by Bruce K .Inouye of www.P2 Events.com
(Please contact this author for permission to reprint in any other publication.)