MICE
EVENTS AND
At home, South Africa’ s conferencing, eventing and
So what’ s a DMC?
A destination management company( DMC) is your best friend if your company is participating in an international event or exhibition. This kind of event management company is your middle man – they know the language and understand the business culture in the country you’ re going to, have extensive contacts and direct suppliers, can negotiate and sign contracts on your behalf, know what questions and who to ask, and have extensive experience and local expertise in the industry. That means they know who to avoid and are knowledgeable about best practice. And they can get the ball rolling before you even arrive at your destination.
Do I need a DMC?
A DMC is a meeting planner’ s guardian angel when organising international, national, or regional conferences, meetings, events or exhibitions. They have all the insider information and are resourceful, when you don’ t have the time to be.
They have a contact list of speakers, vendors and local businesses in the industry, and a DMC can offer you discount prices that they’ ve negotiated because they buy in bulk. That can save your company money, as well as time and the hassle of getting numerous quotes. DMCs are more likely to source high quality products and services from reputable companies that they have vetted through experience. Furthermore, they can find the perfect local souvenir for your attendees or business partners.
A DMC saves a meeting planner having to go through unfamiliar logistics in a foreign country or unfamiliar region. They will handle the logistics of deliveries and pick ups, as well as dates due as per your schedule and cancellation fees. Should you wish, your DMC can organise a site visit for key members in your team ahead of the event, too.
Not only that, a DMC can organise your team’ s airport meet and greet as well as transfers, accommodation, convention registration, and temporary staff such as photographers or hosts. If you have any VIPs attending, the DMC can host them, which will ensure that they are in good hands. And they can arrange the fun stuff too, like authentic dining experiences in the evenings, entertainment, as well as shopping and sightseeing once the event is completed.
They’ ll do all of this while keeping your budget in mind or suggesting ways to reduce your costs. Some companies choose to use all the services offered by a DMC, others choose only a few of the most crucial ones.
Where can I find a reputable DMC?
Contact the Convention Bureau where the event or exhibition will be held and ask them for their annual Meeting Planning Guide, which lists convention facilities and service providers. Otherwise, ask them for recommendations of DMCs whose quality of service they approve of. Contact professional meetings industry associations or ask colleagues in the industry about their positive experiences with DMCs.
66 Travel Update | issue 9