Why Work with a DMC for your Corporate Events?

Corporate events and meetings such as travel incentives are critical to a company’s success. However, planning for a corporate event, more so an out-of-town can be a challenging and demanding task, especially if you have minimal to zero knowledge about the destination. That is why working with an outside Destination Management Company (DMC) is something that you should consider.

You may argue that this is something of a needless expense. What if you have an event planner of your own? What if you are a keen traveler and you have online resources like blogs and travel forums to use as references? Well, a DMC is what you would like to call “local talents”. This means their information is more accurate and up-to-date.

According to the Association of Destination Management Executives International (ADMEI), a DMC is “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.” Thus, when you have the right DMC as your partner, it can become an extension of your team and your brand. Having said that, as the person in-charge, you can spend more of your time and energy on internal politics and making sure the company goals are being met. Remember, when you are the in-house meetings professional, you wear multiple hats – from providing the view to your stakeholders on the program’s ROI to the overall company’s goals, to making sure the program content and design truly reflect the company’s culture.

If that were not enough, the following are specific reasons to convince you to work with a DMC for your corporate events

1. Represents your company

A DMC represents you. It acts as your eyes and ears on the ground, keeping you informed while helping you find better and more effective ways to achieve your goals for the event. In addition, DMCs understand and respect the relationship that you have with your client. With this in mind, they will make sure to extend all information and alternatives to you; therefore, you can provide these things to your client, as well as your team. At the same time, DMCs ensure exemplary planning and execution.

2. Expertise

DMCs deal with specialized travel, excursions, events, and more on a daily basis. They not only have the resources and know-how but also the experience to get the job done efficiently and effectively. They’ll be able to make recommendations for your group based on their previous experiences and knowledge of what’s going to be the best options for your specific requirements.

3. Local knowledge

While information is becoming more accessible via the Internet, local knowledge and expertise are irreplaceable. Familiarity is a strength of DMCs. 

They have extensive local knowledge, expertise, and resources; they are objective about venues and attractions, realistic about travel times; and will explain nuances that only local experts can share.

Also, hiring a DMC benefits you from its knowledge of local products, a network of suppliers, and buying power; your partner will negotiate on your behalf, keeping your best interests and budget in mind. A DMC  leverages its relationships and purchasing power to provide the highest quality of service in a cost-effective manner.

4. Partner in achieving your goals and objectives

A DMC is the meeting in charge’s guardian angel, giving you freedom from headaches. Knowing whom to call upon, what, and how to negotiate, the proven quality of services to be provided, and the office, staff, and credit resources to conduct business are welcome resources for you and will make your tasks easier. Using a DMC also avoids duplication or extra work and enhances and gives support to achieve your goals and objectives.

5. Creative solution provider

With years, even decades, of experience under their belts, DMCs are able to create something that will wow your guests, company, and yourself. DMCs can provide multiple ways to design an unforgettable holiday/event while staying within your budget. Moreover, they always make sure that every little thing goes smoothly and contracts are fulfilled.

Many times, the meeting manager does not have the luxury of time to research the best solutions in a foreign destination. With this comes DMCs as event architects providing creative solutions. They are there to help you out in case of emergencies and unforeseen setbacks. 

You always hope that any trip goes off without a hitch, but inevitably sometimes things can go wrong. Mishaps can be inevitable – holidays have gone wrong, weather issues, unexpected location problems, etc. But with a DMC, you will never be left on your own. Addressing such issues are all part of their duty of care.

6. Choices for various products and services

DMCs have a wide range of products and services you can avail of. It includes, but are not limited to the following:

• complete or partial destination services;
• detail-oriented assistance in all facets of programs;
• recommendations and hotel reservations; 
• search sites and attractions;
• planning and management and service for conventions, meetings, and events;
• restaurant recommendations and reservations;
• transport management;
• tours and tourist activities;
• gifts and amenities
• translation services
• a personalised, individual-oriented array of services for leisure and business travelers, groups, and individuals; and
• other services that help the individual or tour group experience.

7. Guides you all throughout

Professionals at a DMC will always have an outside perspective to your plans and will keep working on developing uniquely original concepts. They are most useful when the event is held in a location with which the hiring organization’s meeting planner is not familiar. Rather than try to make arrangements long distance with unknown persons and companies, it is prudent to select a reputable DMC in the city of service to handle local logistics.

8. Simplicity

One point of contact and payment keeps all details in line and on time. DMCs know which suppliers provide the best services and which ones to avoid.

 and they continually stay on top of the latest trends.

9. Strong relationship with local suppliers

A DMC’s relationship with its suppliers is a critical factor when it comes to incentive and event planning. With this impeccable relationship comes higher chances of best prices, flexibility, and good onsite assistance. 

10. Cheaper in the long run

Hiring a DMC is more affordable than you think. Because of the volume they do business with local vendors, you often get better pricing, not the same pricing if you were to call the vendor directly. DMCs research what location best suits your event and budget. The time and effort saved can make it extremely cost-effective to use DMC.

The advantages of using a comprehensive, well established DMC include the fact that the staff is often creative people who can offer their clients first-hand knowledge of destinations, as well as local buying power. It will save you time, effort, and – most importantly – money. It will eliminate stress by providing a support network from inception to completion. Finding the right DMC partner assures the confidence that the event objectives will not only be met, but exceeded, and ensures repeat business for you and your team.