Recent debates between DMCs and event planners highlight the misunderstanding around the value of using a DMC and the invaluable resource they represent for planners. Both sides heartily welcome exchanges of this sort to enhance understanding and cooperation between them.
The annual ADMEI Conference gathers professionals from destination marketing companies for several days of networking, education and activities focused on helping DMCs enhance and evolve their businesses. In one of the most enthusiastically received events at the latest conference held in Puerto Rico earlier in February, DMCs got to hear directly from clients on what they look for in a DMC partner.
The top requirements in a DMC from planners representing a cross section of the industry were:
“a proposal that hits the mark”
“to be unique — something that I couldn’t book myself”
“creative problem-solving and exceeding client needs”
“the DMCs must constantly evolve and be a step ahead in terms of creative ideas”
On the other side of the coin, DMCs would like planners to acknowledge proposals which represent hours of work, in a timely fashion.
In another panel discussion between client agencies & DMCs at C&IT’s Incentives Retreat, the debate centered around cost & creativity, with DMCs stressing that they are not selling commodities but rather service and added value for the client by creating & delivering a seamless event.
Marc Schwabach, DMCP CIS CITP, Managing Director of Ambiance Incentives, Spanish partner DMC at Preferred DMCs and Member of the Board of Directors at the Association of Destination Management Executives International (ADMEI) comments on this topic: “Our input is more than doing simple reservations; DMC’s aren’t reservation centres anymore. Our value lies in creating experiences, using our local know-how.”
The Association of Destination Management Executives International (ADMEI) is a membership association for Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and is the premier resource for education, standards, and practices within the Destination Management industry.