Defining DMC: Then & Now
A Brief History
We’ve been called a lot of things over the years from “travel agents” to the wince-worthy phrase…“party planners” (eek!). But the truth is: we are much much more than those titles give us credit. When our President and CEO, Bonnie Boyd started in the business 30 years ago she was referred to as a “ground operator.” Even then, she was doing the same work she does today welcoming corporate clients to the city of New Orleans for meetings and incentive trips. She was coordinating everything from dinners and galas to transportation and tours with the grace and knowledge of a native New Orleanian. In 1980, Bonnie worked operations on her very first program—a memory of which she remembers every detail from her black blazer to the visiting company’s excitement. She was hooked. She knew this is what she wanted to do; she just did not know what to call it.
Breaking Boundaries & Defining DMC
As event and travel expectations grew, our industry continued to break the traditional boundaries of our field. By the mid-1980s, the term Destination Management Company was born to encompass our entire scope of services. We are destination-specific event professionals who understand hospitality, production, logistics, and relationships. We work with the best local event pros in the business. We understand the nuances of our town and how to manipulate those to meet your budgetary goals. We understand what makes a productive meeting and an unforgettable incentive trip in New Orleans. And above all, we know our city like the back of our hand and we love sharing it with our clients.
Although the DMC term is fairly new, the principals upon which we stand are simple: smooth logistics, strong relationships, and authentic experiences. Today, as expectations continue to grow, DMC’s are not afraid to evolve to meet the needs of our clients. One thing that ties our industry together is our ability to push the traditional boundaries of hospitality and events.
To learn more about the Destination Management Industry and how to hire the best in the business, visit the international DMC association website – ADME.org (Association of Destination Management Executives International).
