Event and corporate program planning can be overwhelming, especially in a new city. When you need to make magic happen for a group, who can you turn to? Introducing…your local DMC! When you understand what a DMC can do, it’s easy to see why we are can be so valuable to corporate programs. We’ve compiled a list of nine reasons why you should use a DMC partner!
What is a DMC?
Even though DMCs have been around for more than fifty years, this is a question we always get. DMC simply stands for Destination Management Company. But what does that mean exactly?
Well, the Association of Destination Management Executives International (ADMEI) define DMCs more specifically. We are a “strategic partner to provide creative local experiences in event management, tours/activities, transportation, entertainment, and program logistics.”
Now that you know who we are, let’s dive into the reasons why you should use a DMC partner.
As Your Partner, We Work for You
When you are working directly with a supplier, they are representing their venue or attraction. When you hire a DMC, we are working for you. We become an extension of your team. As your DMC partner we have your best interests in mind and will negotiate on your behalf.
We are Local Experts
A great DMC lives and breathes the destination city a planner is travelling to. This is important because it means that we are embedded in the community. If you are a planner that needs help in a certain area, you want someone that understands the ins and outs!
This brings us to our next point…
DMCs Are Well-Connected
A good DMC is a going to be connected to the industry it serves. But we’re not talking just the locals. As your DMC partner, we will be in the mix with the local hoteliers and their various departments. We will be linked to the venue teams. We know the suppliers and the vendors. And we’ll have a solution for every need. These connections are hugely important when you need those little extras. Or when you think of something that needs to be added, in a town where you know no one. Ten more table linens? An extra bus for tonight? A pop-up dinner location for the VIP? When you work with a well-connected DMC like our team, we’ve got you covered.
Curated Supplier List
And not only are our connections plentiful; they are the cream of the crop! When you work with a DMC, it’s important to understand that our list of suppliers is curated to the very best. That is because we’ve honed the city down to the ones that deliver the standard we expect. We cut through the noise of all of the offerings and put forward the best solutions. One of the top reasons to use a DMC partner is the access to the superior suppliers.
Safety and Efficiency Experts
That vetting is also important to you when it comes to safety and efficiency. Do you know which tours have the best safety record? Or which venues offer the most coverage with their labor? How about which transportation companies know the best routes? Having a DMC partner that knows the answer to all of these questions can help your event run smoothly and safely.
DMC Partners Save Money
It’s a common misconception that working with a DMC can cost you money. We usually have better buying power than most groups do. Corporate groups are typically a “one-off” to venues. Unlike DMCs, they are once-a-year programs. On the other hand, DMCs bring repeat monthly business to suppliers.
A good DMC partner will actually help save you money in the long run. When you are transparent with your budget, your DMC will ensure that they work within that number. From negotiating better rates to navigating minimums, your DMC partner will pay close attention to the bottom line. They can pass the savings on to you!
Time Savers
Our favorite reason why you should use a DMC partner involves time. Not only is a DMC saving you money…we are also saving you time. Some programs can have vendor numbers in the hundreds. Imagine the amount of time and energy it takes to email or call each one? Then imagine the follow-ups, the contracting, the invoicing. It can be exhausting!
When you work with a DMC, you have one point of contact. You share your vision and needs; we do the rest! This is especially important the closer you get to program operation (and especially onsite). When you have a change or an update, every minute counts. As your DMC partner, we will be a planner’s boots-on-the-ground. This allows a planner to carry on with other business that needs their valuable time and attention.
We See the Big Picture
With so many plates spinning, it’s easy to lose sight of big picture. As your DMC partner, we will have our finger on the pulse of the program. We will ensure the small details are in place so that a planner’s full event objective is in harmony.
Partner Peace of Mind
Working with a DMC partner equals peace of mind. There’s something very comforting about knowing that you have a dedicated person working in your best interest. When you entrust your program with us, we will take care of it as our own. Our goal is to make you look good.
We know that planning a corporate event can be stressful. We can take the worry out of the experience. Give our team a call and we’ll put your mind at ease.
