Basics & Benefits Of Contacting A Destination Management Company

A destination management company is a professional organization that leverages local knowledge and expertise in designing and handling events, and travel and tour related logistics. DMC's rarely work with end-users. Most of their interaction on behalf of the destination is with corporate clients, trade organizations and travel trade members like tour companies and travel agencies.


A DMC is supposed to know the destination and all the suppliers and venues intimately. For this reason, they can implement a cost effective design for events which won't be subject to costly disruptions because of improper planning or faulty execution. It is also important to note that DMC's have to incorporate the client's goals into the overall design to provide a good ROI.


The DMC begins by analyzing the client's profile in terms of the client's needs and the average profiles and size of the group, and matches it up with suitable venues within the destination. The DMC will design the program to include the corporate message. This means that activities, locations, choice of vendors, signage and the timing of specific sections of the event are all geared towards offering the client branding opportunities and chances for pushing the central theme.


As far as logistics are concerned, DMC's nowadays have it all down to a perfect science with software to take care of everything from confirmations to online booking and departures. Starting from arrivals to check-in at the hotel and event venues, everything can be done on an interactive web portal. The DMC simply oversees the process, enters data wherever necessary and is there to sort out any problems or complaints from individuals.


Also on the oversee list for the DMC are the vendors and service providers. Since it is the DMC that is ultimately responsible to the client, it has to make sure that every person on the staff of every vendor does a good job. The service has to be up to certain standards and the whole event has to go off smoothly without any technical or service-related snafus.


As for accounting, the responsibilities include collection and verification of all invoices from vendors. The DMC has to make sure that only suppliers who delivered as promised be paid in full. The complete records and breakup of all costs are provide to the client, along with detailed explanations of ROI from the event.


There are a small number of DMCs in each destination who have a track record of putting together and managing successful events. It's always best to do some research to find a good DMC, but it can be made easy by selecting an accredited DMC. It is the Association of Destination Management Executives (ADME) that does this accreditation, and they can be contacted for any help required in this regard.


Last but not least, the DMC will know how to put together a green and sustainable event. This requires comprehensive knowledge of and contact with local vendors. The DMC may either be able to find green suppliers, or put together a design that forces suppliers to provide services and do their part in a manner that does not harm the environment.