What is a DMC?
What does a DMC do?
A Destination Management Company, or DMC, provides full-service event planning and hospitality services for groups based outside of the area and traveling to the DMC’s destination. For example, we are the DMC for Seattle and the surrounding region and work with clients from all over the world to help them host events in Seattle.
DMCs manage meetings, conferences, conventions and special events for their clients. They may provide services such as selection and coordination of venues, catering, transportation, lighting and audio-visual services, and entertainment. They also help clients with budgeting, program development, marketing, and on-site event logistics.
Event Experience (that’s us!) is a member of the Association of Destination Management Executives International (ADMEI). ADMEI wrote a helpful article (Evolution of the DMC: Renewing Business Relationships with Deeper Trust, Transparency and Understanding – ADMEI) about DMCs as well. Their definition:
“Today, a Destination Management Company is officially defined as a professional services company, possessing extensive local knowledge, expertise, and resources, specializing in the design and implementation of events, activities, tours, transportation, and program logistics. This definition identifies the dual role DMCs play in both designing and implementing programs for their clients.”
Why work with a Destination Management Company?
DMCs can be valuable resource for event planners, helping to ensure that all aspects of an event are expertly managed. You will ensure the best possible experience by correctly allocating budget decisions, partnering with the right vendors, and providing the best suited experiences for your attendees or group.
DMCs do not replace the company’s event planners/client, but rather they come alongside to provide resources and support. No matter where you’re traveling and planning from, it’s like having your own team onsite to deliver on shared goals and expectations.
What services do DMCs provide?
These are some of the services that we at Event Experience provide to our clients visiting Seattle or the Pacific Northwest (yes, we also plan events in Portland, Spokane, and Vancouver, B.C., just to name a few). Most DMCs provide these services or similar ones:
- Local Activities and Excursions
- Audio Visual and Multi-Media Solutions
- Event Design and Décor
- Dine Around Coordination
- Event Entertainment and Production
- Food and Beverage Planning
- Hospitality and Logistics Staff
- Hotel Management
- Hybrid and Virtual Events
- Offsite Events
- Onsite Event Management
- Theme Development, Branding and Collateral
- Transportation
- Venue Sourcing
- Video Production
Do you have more questions about what a DMC does or what it’s like to work with one? We’d be happy to talk with you and help. As a member of the DMC Network, we are here to help with any events in our region, or get you connected to the best resource in your destination city!
See more in Destination Management