3 Reasons to Hire an Accredited DMC

Planning an excellent event is a full-time job — but unfortunately, most of us already have full-time workloads on our plates. If you’ve been tasked with planning a conference or corporate event, bringing in quality help can ensure that your to-do list gets done well. You may want to consider hiring a local expert in the city where your event is taking place. These local partners, known as Destination Management Companies (DMCs), can take your events from good to great and take some key tasks off of your already full plate. 

 

If you’re going to consider hiring a DMC, it’s important to consider talking to an accredited company. The Association of Destination Management Executives International (ADMEI) sets the bar for excellence in standards and practices within the Destination Management Industry. By selecting a company that’s completed its Accredited Destination Management Company (ADMC) program, you can be sure you’re working with an event partner who has demonstrated advanced knowledge and experience essential to the practice of Destination Management. 

Why Accreditation Matters

There are countless DMCs in the industry, but not all have earned accreditation. Achieving the title of an ADMC signifies going the extra mile in meeting rigorous standards set by the Association of Destination Management Executives International (ADMEI). With a global presence and a well-respected reputation, ADMEI sets the benchmark for excellence in the DMC realm. When you spot the ADMC designation on a DMC's website, you can be confident that you're engaging with a partner who has not only met but surpassed industry standards, ensuring exceptional service throughout the entirety of your event.

How Does a DMC Become Accredited?

To become an Accredited Destination Management Company (ADMC), a DMC must go through a rigorous approval process to ensure the highest level of professionalism. Some of the standards that the DMC must meet to become accredited include:

 

• ADMCs have been a registered business for a minimum of five (5) years. A minimum of three (3) years is allowable if the DMC is owned or has been started by an established ADMC in good standing.
• ADMCs maintain a minimum of three (3) full-time employees to cover the areas of sales, operations, and administration effectively.
• ADMCs maintain comprehensive insurance, sufficient to protect clients, including a minimum of $2 million General Liability.
• ADMCs are members of their local Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), Tourist Bureau and/or local Chamber of Commerce.
• ADMCs operate ethically and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• ADMCs accurately represent the expertise, experience, credentials, and services of their companies and their employees to the public.

 

View the full list of ADMC Standards here.

 

Once these criteria are met, the company can apply for accreditation. On the application, DMCs must provide: 

 

• Contact information for primary contact, CEO, and other key points of contact
• Operational Status Information
• Corporate Status of the DMC
• Scope of DMC Activities
• ADMC Required Documents

 

Once an application is submitted, it goes through a thorough review by ADMEI staff before being sent out for review by the Commission. Independent ADMC Commissioners are appointed to review each ADMC application to eliminate potential biases and ensure confidentiality. If the Commission approves the application, the DMC will earn official ADMC status.

Perks of Hiring Accredited DMCs

There are so many reasons to hire an experienced and professional DMC for your next event, but these three just might top the list. 

1. Efficient transportation logistics

If you’re hiring a DMC partner, chances are you (and your guests!) will be traveling to and from the event. Destination Management Companies are experts in their city’s transportation options, and they can seamlessly coordinate airport pickups, provide venue shuttles, and even offer safe transportation options for attendees to return to their accommodations after an event that serves alcoholic beverages. DMCs know about all of the options available in their city, and they can often receive better rates than the average inquirer. 

2. Effective vendor selection

Most events require the coordination of many different vendors. Your local DMC partner will know exactly who to call for your event needs, securing contracts with vendors who have an excellent reputation and proven experience to back it up. They often work repeatedly with vendors they know and trust, which means you’ll be able to rely on their choices with confidence and focus on the other aspects of your upcoming event. 

3. Excellent client experience

Client experience is everything in event planning, and having an expert partner onsite during the event can take your guests’ experience to the next level. DMCs can be present at your event to solve last-minute problems, coordinate with vendors and transportation services, and provide valuable assistance to you in the final details. Hiring an accredited DMC partner could make all the difference in your next event. Find an ADMC near your next event now and begin to plan for an experience your attendees will never forget!