Important work happens under the banner of associations. They are the driving force behind industries, organizations, and individuals that are united by a common goal. Typically, their work involves education and advocacy, which directly benefits their valued membership. All that important work requires additional partnerships to help them focus on their goals. It may surprise you to realize that one of the most important partnerships an association can have is one with a destination management company. Here are just a few reasons why an association needs a DMC.
First, what are the various types of associations that can benefit from this relationship?
What are the Different Types of Associations?
Not all associations are alike. Slight nuances between them cause them to fall into one of three categories.
Professional Societies
Professional societies (or organizations) are associations that are focused on specific industries. These associations were created to provide support to their target industries through education or services. Examples of these would be Professional National Association of Home Builders, American Bar Association, or the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Trade Associations
Trade associations are groups of organizations vs individuals. These associations are there to help propel industries – and industry adjacent companies – as a whole. They offer networking, education, and advocation for their membership. A great example of this would be American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). These associations offer significant benefits to their members.
Social Associations
Social associations are the smallest of the three. These are typically clubs, sorority/fraternal, or enthusiast groups.
Each one of the above has its own set of needs. But a common thread that runs between them all is that they all do fundraising to generate revenue. Associations typically have annual events or programs that require destination planning and support. And when you need that kind of support, it pays to have a partner in the planning process. And an association needs a DMC to be that partner.
An Association Needs a DMC Because They Have Small Planning Teams
Association boards or committees are usually comprised of small teams. Sometimes the event departments are even teams of one.
When an association partners with a DMC, they increase their team immediately. A DMC will become an extension of the association’s committee and will work on their behalf, in their best interest. They join forces, the association will have access to the DMCs infrastructure. Their sales team, operations team, and staffing resources will be working on behalf of their partnership, essentially doubling the amount of hands on deck.
An Association Needs a DMC Because They Have Bigger Things to Focus On
Associations are focused on their priorities and goals, which typically don’t include planning events. Their teams have bigger fish to fry when it comes to raising membership, pushing advocacy, or continuing education. One of the biggest reasons that associations need a DMC is because they need someone else to focus on the minutiae of the event planning. DMCs will take care of the event planning, which allows association’s internal teams to keep their core objectives moving forward.
An Association Needs a DMC Because They Don’t Have a Local Resources
Even when associations are nationwide, they are headquartered in a main city. When it comes to planning their annual events in other destinations, they don’t have a foothold in the local community. This is where associations truly need a DMC partner.
Destination management companies are embedded in their local cities. They have relationships with local suppliers, staff, and resources. Their access to the city is an immediate shortcut for an association. It allows them to save an inordinate amount of time in the planning process. Not only does this allow them quicker access to the best options in the city, it also is a huge cost savings. And that is important to an association, because of the next point…
An Association Needs a DMC to Help Them Maximize a Strict Budget
When you are on the board for an association, you understand how important budgetary management is. When revenue comes from very strict streams, you need to watch every penny. That includes both hard and soft costs. Hard costs are the tangible items. Associations want their spend to be on the best and most cost-effective options when it comes to elements. Soft costs come in the form of time. With so many plates spinning, association planners need to make the most of their time. This is where an alliance with a destination management company can change everything.
Associations need a DMC to get them to their finish line with the most streamlined budget and in the shortest amount of time. DMCs will take the extra work out of the process to save them money.
An Association Needs a DMC to Help Drive Sponsorship and Fundraising
In the 1950s, associations used to generate most of their revenue from membership dues. Those tides have turned. According to ASAE’s Operating Ratio Report, associations now rely mostly on nondues revenue. This means that fundraising, sponsorship, and events are more important than ever.
When those types of events are driving so much of an important revenue stream, they need to be something special. This is where DMCs can hugely benefit their association clients. If there is one thing that a destination management company knows how to do, it’s how to throw an amazing party.
An essential reason why an association needs a DMC is to make use of their creative abilities. Leaning on a DMC partner will allow an association to take advantage of their incredible event planning skills. By creating magical moments for members that include spectacular entertainment, engaging venues, in exciting destinations, it generates a buzz. When members want to attend these events, sponsors usually follow. Between member attendance and sponsorship engagement, associations are creating an environment for additional revenue opportunities.
There has never been a more beneficial pairing than an association and destination management company. If you are an association, finding a partner that you can trust for your planning needs has never been easier. Start the journey by contacting our team of professionals. We’ll show you how we can help support your goals to further the important work that you do every day.
