"A destination management company 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."
Most of us are familiar with Wikipedia's definition of a DMC, but at Brilliant Transportation, we constantly hear from clients about companies not living up to that description. Not being professional, less than stellar local knowledge, lack of expertise or incompetent affiliates are just a few of the issues coming up.
At Brilliant, we know first hand that finding top affiliates can be a challenge, but if your clients expect and deserve the absolute best, there is only one way to succeed: you and your company have to partner up with the absolute top companies in the industry!
But instead of discussing shortfalls of less than professional companies in this blog, we want to feature those who we consider some of the Top DMCs of 2015. The companies mentioned below are consistently being praised by their clients, fellow industry insiders as well as their affiliates.
Established in 1969 as California Leisure Consultants, ACCESS has grown considerably – from a single-destination “mom and pop” DMC in Southern California, to a globally recognized DMC leader serving more than 100 destinations in 30 countries.
Generally recognized as pioneering and coining the term “Destination Management”, ACCESS is a company rich in experience, tradition and history.
ACCESS considers Corporate Social Responsibility programs one of the most important things they do as an organization and for their clients.
ACCESS Destination Services has been named Hospitality Partner of the Year by HPN Global – one of the leading and largest Site Selection and Venue Finding companies in the world. The award was presented at the 2015 HPN Global Annual Conference in New Orleans. ACCESS is the first DMC to receive this award.
For over four decades, AlliedPRA has lead the DMC market serving hundreds of destinations across North America. So no matter where your next destination might be, they have an entire team ready to help you experience it your way. With AlliedPRA, you have a partner who travels with you from the start, who understands every important aspect of your world, and who is dedicated to flawless execution leading to your overwhelming success.
AlliedPRA redefines destination management by working in partnership with their clients to create lasting experiences, to maximize returns on objectives and to guarantee peace of mind using their local expertise and solutions-oriented approach. In their brochure they state: "Is that special place an event on a map, or in the heart and soul of your company? AlliedPRA has built a leading destination management business based on a single premise: Every organization is one-of-a-kind, therefore every successful event must be too. Our focus is always to understand not just your goals, but your people, your values, your aspirations. In this way, we’re able to personalize and detail your event with the guiding instincts of a trusted friend."
Proudly certified as a women-owned business by WBENC, Destination Concepts inc has firmly established itself as one of the nation’s premier DMC, event design/production and logistics companies. Since its founding in 1998, their high level of owner involvement, creativity and dedication have set DCi apart. From design and development to management and operations to branding and messaging, DCi offers specialized expertise in every conceivable facet of meeting services and logistics.
Building long-term relationships with clients is at the core of DCi's philosophy. They position themselves as a seamless extension of their clients. It is their client's vision they strive to realize, and DCi does so by utilizing the most effective combination of local knowledge and creative interpretation.
For more than a decade its team has delivered top-tier design and management services for events of every conceivable scope in Southern California and beyond.
In operation since 1990, Destinations by Design provides high-quality destination management, event and design services to the incentive and corporate markets. Their mission is, first and foremost, to do things right. There are no second chances. DBD prides themselves in promising and delivering creative, consistent solutions and excellent customer service. Their leaders have the experience, dedication and direction to ensure that everyone at DBD has the tools and knowledge to exceed their clients’ expectations.
Recent clients include a large number of Fortune 500 companies, as well as many of the major hotels and casinos in Las Vegas.
Joyce Sherman and James Nelson, joined by Tami Hance, privately own Destinations by Design. Their commitment to excellence is embraced by each member of their staff and implemented into everyday operations, enabling Destinations by Design to establish an impeccable reputation for providing the finest service and creativity in Las Vegas. As company leaders, they maintain a hand-on approach to all aspects of the business; uniting, empowering and mentoring their team.
Pacific World believes that exceptional environments and extraordinary experiences can help to open up new perspectives. That’s why they offer global destination management based on excellent logistics and a passion for finding the right approach to every challenge. From motivating meetings and inspiring incentive programs to specially tailored conferences and events, Pacific World is dedicated to helping you to achieve your goals.
Pacific World is the result of decades of experience providing creative solutions based on logistical excellence for meetings, incentives, conferences, and events. It is a company that leverages the expertise provided by some of the industry’s leading Destination Management professionals.
Pacific World is the leading destination management company in Asia, with a network of 19 offices spanning eight countries, from Bali to Beijing. Established in 1980, Pacific World Asia has unsurpassed experience and expertise in managing events throughout Asia. They provide events delivery that combines professional organization with the unique flavors of its destinations. For years, they have been offering a one-stop shop service for all event requirements delivering the very highest level of service for corporate meetings, conferences, congresses, special events, incentive travel programs and CSR activities.
People and relationships are the DNA of Ovation Group. Through their openness, passion and expertise they develop your vision and make it happen!
Ovation Global DMC represents the natural evolution of a Destination Management Company (DMC) formed in Ireland back in 1993. Initially a two person operation, today Ovation acts as the Destination Services division of MCI Group and is established as a truly global organization providing associations, corporations and agencies with DMC expertise on five continents.
Ovation Global DMC recognizes its responsibility to protect and preserve the environment and support development in the locations in which they operate. They understand that not only do they need to “Make it Happen” for their clients but that they should do so in a way that grows the business sustainably and responsibly by supporting communities and safeguarding the environment.
Ovation does this through the products and services they offer, producing their events in an environmentally responsible manner and through their social responsibility programs that they offer for clients, helping improve lives for those in need around the world.
Ovation uses internationally created and consensus based sustainability standards and guidelines for their advanced clients to create truly leading sustainable events.
RMC provides premier event and destination management services (DMC) to a distinguished clientele of corporate and incentive groups, associations, travel and meeting planners and other professionals. For more than 26 years, RMC has created custom-designed events and experiences for top-level executives and clients through its network of North American destinations and resorts.
RMC’s acclaimed services include creating, planning and executing themed events; designing team-building activities; organizing resort reservations, ground transportation and local logistics; custom-designing unique VIP experiences; and more. From a Fortune 500 board retreat to a 2,000-guest celebration, RMC’s skilled staff and top-level connections will ensure that your event will meet—and exceed—everyone’s expectations.
As the largest private destination-management company (DMC) in North America, RMC is the preferred provider for select luxury properties including Four Seasons, Montage, the Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis and Westin. Their destinations include: Aspen, Colorado Springs, Denver and Beaver Creek/Vail, Colorado; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah; Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada; Austin, Texas; Los Cabos, Mexico; Palmetto Bluff/Hilton Head, South Carolina; and Savannah, Georgia.
With an award-winning national footprint, 360 Destination Group is a leading full-service DMC.
360 Destination Group's roots go back to 1978 when their founders shaped the destination management industry and carefully grew to a nationwide company serving multiple locations across the United States. Their team has decades of experience in skillfully arranging the essentials for a successful destination event.
Whether it's transportation, decor, entertainment or the unique venue that helps you accomplish your goals - 360 DG promises a culture of respect, responsiveness, creativity, professionalism and true partnership. That stands for both customers and industry colleagues alike. They'll work together to take the finest hotels, sights, sounds, and activities and turn them into memorable events for you and your firm!
I hope you enjoyed reading about the top DMCs of 2015. Feel free to comment and please click below to subscribe to the blog- we would love to stay in touch!