From the time they greet you at the airport till they send you home from the last party, DMCs are masters of special events. Here, Special Events Magazine profiles 25 of the biggest DMCs, along with the basics on the major DMC networks.

ACCESS DESTINATION SERVICES

Irvine, Calif.

top officers Christopher H. Lee, DMCP, CEO; Candi Bisconte, DMCP, president

phone 619/299-2200

CLICK HERE! Web site www.accessdmc.com

events handled per year 1,000 plus

annual revenue from DMC services $15 million

capabilities Market coverage includes Los Angeles, Orange County, Palm Springs, San Diego and Las Vegas. Services range from event concept and design to program management and on-site coordination, entertainment services, meet-and-greets, transportation logistics, themed events, event production, re-creational activities and consolidated billing.

noteworthy events The ACCESS Los Angeles office assisted a major health-care company with its “Reach and Teach” theme to stimulate the creative senses by providing yoga instruction, seated chair massage, imaginative art classes and a rock-climbing wall on the lawn of the Long Beach [Calif.] Museum of Art. For a Fortune 500 insurance company, the ACCESS Palm Springs office held a “State-of-Your-Health Fair” offering health-conscious cuisine, an oxygen bar and a variety of stations providing dream interpreters, aura photography, aromatherapy and crystal healers.

ALAN WAXLER GROUP

Las Vegas

top officer Alan Waxler

phone 702/792-8000

Web site www.awaxgrp.com

events handled per year 160

annual revenue from DMC services $15 million

capabilities Company pride is its ownership of an extensive transportation fleet and floral, decor, linen and lighting companies. Specializing in all things Vegas, AWG's capabilities include event planning, tours, golf outings, team-building, professional model appearances and meet-and-greets. “This allows us to provide our clients with service and value,” management says.

noteworthy events The AWG creative team specializes in custom-designed productions; in October, it created a production for a large financial company that included complete video, costumes, music and choreography specifically tailored to send the client's message. The team also recently produced a show based on the last 100 years in Las Vegas featuring live singing, dancing and comedy.

ALLIED EUROPE

Paris

top officer James Hensley

phone 33 1 44 55 05 70

CLICK HERE! Web site www.allied-europe.com

events handled per year 250-350

annual revenue from DMC services $15 million to $20 million

capabilities With offices in Barcelona, Biarritz, Florence, London, Monte Carlo, Paris and Rome, Allied Europe can “completely cover” five major European destinations — France, Spain, the U.K., Italy and Monaco — management says. Clients have access to the company's in-house event management software.

noteworthy events Busy this year with launch of the new Jeep Cherokee, a U.S. insurance company's incentive program for 5,000 taking place simultaneously in London and Edinburgh, and logistics for the annual corporate/sales meeting of a major international telecommunications company, involving 1,800 guests and 12 hotels.

BASKOW & ASSOCIATES

Las Vegas

top officer Jaki Baskow

phone 702/733-7818

Web site www.baskow.com

events handled per year 650

annual revenue from DMC services $8 million to $10 million

capabilities Twenty-nine-year-old company specializes in star power, offering customized tours, VIP concierge service, entertainment/celebrity broker service and transportation.

noteworthy events This DMC is busy now with a car “fashion show” for SEMA at the Las Vegas Country Club; also completed IBM Golden Circle in Bermuda plus Broadway-caliber show for Gartner Group. Staff is proud of being named GEP Partner of the Year for 2005.

BOB GAIL SPECIAL EVENTS

Los Angeles

top officer Bob Levine

phone 310/202-5200

CLICK HERE!Web site www.bobgail.com

events handled per year 275

annual revenue from DMC services $5.1 million to $5.5 million

capabilities Founded in 1978, company offers DMC services augmented by decor, props, entertainment, rental and floral design capabilities.

noteworthy events Busy with events, meetings and incentives for clients including AIG SunAmerica, Kaiser Permanente, Deloitte & Touche, Amgen, Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt, Starwood, Northrop Grumman, American Cancer Society, Siemens Business Services, American Airlines, Sony Pictures, Earthlink and Hewlett-Packard.

BONNIE BOYD & CO.

New Orleans

top officer Bonnie Boyd, CMP

phone 504/523-9700

Web site www.bbcdmc.com

events handled per year 200*

annual revenue from DMC services $5.5 million*

capabilities *The asterisk indicates “pre-Hurricane Katrina,” an event that dealt a wicked blow to hometown DMC Bonnie Boyd & Co., which has offered insider access to the Big Easy as only a sixth-generation native — Boyd herself — can. For an interview in which she describes the local scene, turn to page 20 in this issue.

noteworthy events BBC staged the first corporate event in New Orleans post-Katrina (see page 20); management is picking up business in Baton Rouge, La., Little Rock, Ark., and Orlando, Fla., and predicts a brighter future for New Orleans in 2006.

BRIGGS INC.

New York

top officer Anthony Napoli

phone 212/354-9440

Web site www.briggsnyc.com

events handled per year 200 plus

annual revenue from DMC services $3 million plus

capabilities Big Apple specialist — the oldest DMC in New York — handles corporate meetings, special events and product launches.

CAPITOL SERVICES INC.

Falls Church, Va.

top officer Jill McGregor

phone 703/584-2460

CLICK HERE! Web site www.csi-dc.com

events handled per year 202

annual revenue from DMC services $6.2 million

capabilities Covering Washington and Baltimore, CSI has consulted on high-profile jobs including presidential inaugurations, government meetings and international events. Capabilities include events, meeting management, transportation, tours, entertainment and other convention services needs.

noteworthy events CSI kicked the year off with inaugural parties, followed by a government meeting with more than 1,100 attendees from 55 countries. On the final night of the conference, guests were escorted to the terrace of the Capitol, where they watched the Fourth of July fireworks.

CHARLOTTE ARRANGEMENTS

Charlotte, N.C.

top officer Clarke Allen, DMCP

phone 704/332-8445

Web site www.charlottearrangements.com

events handled per year 450

annual revenue from DMC services $4.8 million

capabilities Company points with pride to capabilities including event design, planning, production and fabrication for both social and corporate markets. Largest transportation producer in its area, with comprehensive logistical services for regional tours, conferences and conventions.

noteworthy events This year, Charlotte Arrangements provided transportation and event management for various corporate clients, plus produced annual awards gala for Hendrick Motorsports.

DALLAS FAN FARES

Dallas

top officer Kaye Burkhard

phone 972/239-9969

CLICK HERE! Web site www.dallasfanfares.com

events handled per year 60

annual revenue from DMC services $9 million plus

capabilities DFF works in Dallas area along with “all the cities that host major sporting events each year,” management says. Company combines a commitment to service with “a huge dose of creativity.”

noteworthy events Work this year has involved Super Bowl, the U.S. Open and Masters golf championships, and incentive programs in Santa Barbara and Pebble Beach, Calif., and Mexico.

DECO PRODUCTIONS

Miami

top officer Sharon Siegel

phone 305/558-0800

Web site www.decoproductions.com

events handled per year 100-200

annual revenue from DMC services $8.6 to $10 million

capabilities Company takes pride in its special event decor, theatrical lighting, floral, specialty linen, stage sets, team-building, tours, dine-around and other service capabilities.

noteworthy events Busy this year with big pharmaceutical events and incentive programs.

DESTINATION CONCEPTS INC.

San Diego

top officer Brynne Frost

phone 800/272-3775

Web site www.destinationconcepts.com

events handled per year 200

annual revenue from DMC services $8 million to $10 million

capabilities Southern California specialists, DCI covers Los Angeles, Orange and Santa Barbara counties, Palm Springs and San Diego. Services include event design and production, general sessions and awards ceremonies, entertainment, day activities, registration and transportation.

noteworthy events This year's highlight: a thrilling sports car stunt show on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier complete with paratroopers. DCi produces events “bound only by your imagination using unparalleled creativity and exceptional service,” management says.

DESTINATION NASHVILLE

Nashville, Tenn.

top officer Rhonda L. Marko, CMP, DMCP

phone 615/851-9190

CLICK HERE! Web site www.destinationnashville.com

events handled per year 1,040 (program elements)

annual revenue from DMC services $5.5 million plus

capabilities The preferred DMC vendor for the mammoth Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, company runs offices both in Nashville and at the hotel.

noteworthy events Destination Nashville handled the post-awards party for the Country Music Association following the 2005 CMA Awards Show in New York.

MAC MEETINGS AND EVENTS

St. Louis

top officer Pat Schaumann, CSEP, CMP, DMCP

phone 314/421-2005

CLICK HERE! Web site www.macmeetings.com

events handled per year 1,000 plus

annual revenue from DMC services $4 million

capabilities The second oldest DMC in North America, MAC's strengths are ground transportation, event management, mobile marketing management, and Web-based technology capabilities, management says.

noteworthy events Highlight of the year has been work with basketball's NCAA Final Four in St. Louis.

MANA, ALLISON & ASSOCIATES

San Francisco

top officers Glenn Allison; Dave Mana

phone 415/474-2266

Web site www.mana-allison.com

events handled per year 300

annual revenue from DMC services $8 million

capabilities Services offered include special event design, production and management, wine country and Monterey/Carmel, Calif., events, dine-arounds, day activities, sightseeing excursions, golf, team-building, airport meet-and-greets, charter transportation and hospitality desk staffing.

noteworthy events Busy this year with an upscale dine-around for 1,800 guests using 28 restaurants and transporting a group from San Francisco to Napa, Calif., on a yacht via San Francisco Bay and the Napa River — a route usually traveled via motorcoach.

ME PRODUCTIONS

Pembroke Park, Fla.

top officers Hal Etkin, CEO; Jim Etkin, president

phone 954/458-4000

CLICK HERE! Web site www.meproductions.com

events handled per year 600

annual revenue from DMC services $15 million

capabilities In business more than 25 years, ME specializes in national and international corporate events, business theater, staging, audiovisual, music and entertainment.

noteworthy events Year so far has included a five-day, high-end technology sales incentive event in Bora Bora, a one-day block party with a “Taste of San Francisco” theme with buffet stations for each characteristic vignette, and the Hooters Pageant in Miami Beach.

METROCONNECTIONS

Minneapolis

top officer Sam Thompson

phone 612/333-8687

CLICK HERE! Web site www.metroconnections.com

events handled per year 870

annual revenue from DMC services $9 million

capabilities Three divisions — event production, conference services, and transportation and tours — each overseen by one of the company's owners, are combined in one strategic group. Company owns a 35,000-square-foot event production facility including a prop and set warehouse; also has a volume contract agreement with a Web-based online registration company, leveraging purchasing power across its customer base.

noteworthy events Noteworthy events this year include turning an entire convention ballroom into the “Wizard of Oz” for 6,000 guests for client Creative Memories, a branded outdoor theme event for 800 for Target Corp., and a “Haunted Halloween” party for 400 children and adults.

OVATION GROUP

Dublin, Ireland

top officers Patrick Delaney, CMM; Pádraic Gilligan

phone 353 1 280 2641

CLICK HERE! Web site www.ovation.ie

events handled per year 120

annual revenue from DMC services $8 million

capabilities With offices in Dublin and Belfast, Ovation offers destination, conference and event management, and holds the “dominant position” in the DMC marketplace in Ireland, management says. Along with technical skills, company prides itself on its people skills: “We know many weird and wonderful people! A key element of success for any DMC is to know interesting people who, in turn, can open doors to unique experiences.”

noteworthy events 2005 has been Ovation's busiest year to date; highlights include special events for insurance clients from the U.S. featuring headliners such as Van Morrison, Lionel Richie and Riverdance. Ovation also handled the YPO Family University for 650 participants, including buyouts of five-star resort properties on Ireland's West Coast (Adare Manor, Ashford Castle, Dromoland Castle and Sheen Falls Lodge), culminating in a four-night buyout of the Four Seasons Dublin. Conference highlights include Apimondia — the world association of beekeepers — for 5,000 participants and the European AIDS Clinical Society meeting for 4,000.

SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE PLANNERS

Scottsdale, Ariz.

top officer James Lammy

phone 480/443-3505

Web site www.swcp.net

events handled per year 200 plus

annual revenue from DMC services $8 million to $10 million

capabilities In business since 1987, offering corporate meetings and incentive programs. In addition to main office in Scottsdale, also operates full-service office in nearby Tucson, Ariz., plus a transportation company.

noteworthy events In April, SWCP provided full DMC services for an incentive program that required five back-to-back waves with an average of 500 guests per wave; services included airport arrival and departure service, customized activities, and both on- and off-site themed events.

TBA GLOBAL EVENTS

Los Angeles

top officer Robert Geddes

phone 818/226-2800

Web site www.tbaglobalevents.com

events handled per year 1,000

annual revenue from DMC services $35 million to $55 million

capabilities Formerly known as Destinator by PGI, TBA's destination management division provides creative development, themed events, decor, entertainment, dine-arounds, customized tours and recreational events, team-building and transportation management.

noteworthy events In 2005, TBA provided DMC services for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer National Race for the Cure, IBM PartnerWorld and eBusiness University, the National Museum of the American Indian grand opening and Super Bowl.

TERRAMAR GROUPS AND INCENTIVES

Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico

top officer Kimberly Clapham

phone 52 624 142 9200

Web site www.terramardestinations.com

events handled per year 130

annual revenue from DMC services $12 million

capabilities Capabilities include serving the Los Cabos and Baja California Sur areas with multilingual staff and creative events, stage management, dinner cruises, team-building, amenities and gifts, spouse programs, weddings and wellness programs.

noteworthy events Company points with pride to its “Baja Outback” tour — an eco-adventure using Hummer H2 vehicles.

THE BEST OF BOSTON LTD.

Waltham, Mass.

top officer Ellen J. Burnett

phone 781/487-0500

Web site www.bestboston.com

events handled per year 900

annual revenue from DMC services $6.5 million

capabilities In business more than 20 years offering events, tours and transportation.

noteworthy events For Boston's “Head of the Charles Regatta,” Best of Boston treated 180 guests to training from an Olympic rowing coach, then put them on river barges to watch the races. For an international group, the company created a Thanksgiving dinner in June, complete with Pilgrims.

THE MEETING MANAGER

San Diego

top officers Terry Hanks; Fabienne Hanks

phone 619/275-0181

Web site www.themeetingmanager.com

events handled per year 300 plus

annual revenue from DMC services $10 million plus

capabilities In business 27 years, serving San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, and the Palm Springs/Palm Desert communities of California. Company pride is its ability to handle citywides of 15,000-plus attendees with “one-of-a-kind events and a full range of services,” management says.

noteworthy events Highlights of this year's events include the “Riders at the Silver Screen” event for National Cattlemen's Beef Association, in which a hotel pool deck was transformed into a 1950s drive-in theater complete with vintage automobiles; Southeast Toyota's golf cart polo game with world-class polo players at the San Diego Polo Club; and a party for iRise guests with a NASCAR race car driver and car for unique photo opportunities.

ULTIMATE VENTURES

Dallas

top officer Laurie Sprouse, CMP, DMCP

phone 972/732-8433

CLICK HERE! Web site www.ultimateventures.com

events handled per year 120

annual revenue from DMC services $4.5 million

capabilities Offering expertise in special events, transportation, conference/convention services, team-building, inbound incentive programs and customized sightseeing tours, UV “features more industry certifications than any other DMC in Texas,” management says.

noteworthy events Highlights of the year include a pharmaceutical launch featuring an interactive LED dance floor and a corporate team-building program on a ranch offering Texas-style competitions for more than 700 guests.

USA HOSTS DESTINATION SERVICES

Las Vegas

top officer Jim Germain

phone 702/798-0000

Web site www.usahosts.com

events handled per year 1,000

annual revenue from DMC services $30 million

capabilities Founded in 1958, USA Hosts owns and operates 11 offices in the U.S. offering custom services for events, incentive group travel, corporate meetings and conventions. (See also the USA Hosts Performance Alliance Partners listing, page 40.)

noteworthy events Company points with pride to its “See It, Be It!” gala dinner for 3,500 at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, featuring a sleek, chic look created from 350 illuminated dining tables, decorated with crisp white linens paired with white spandex chair covers. An imaginative stage and lighting design showcased headline talent Jay Leno.

All statistics are supplied by the companies listed unless otherwise noted. Figures are based on interviews by staff, industry experts and market research. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, errors and omissions sometimes occur. All figures are in U.S. dollars.

GO WITH THE GROUP

Many DMCs band together in systems ranging from networks to formal franchises; here are some of the biggest players:

DMC NETWORK

Nonprofit membership alliance of independently owned and operated DMCs; requires compliance program to ensure customer satisfaction; offers geographic exclusivity; requires annual member fee.

Raleigh, N.C.

top officer Wendy W. Scott

phone 919/954-8123

CLICK HERE! Web site www.dmcnetwork.com

DMCs in system 26

areas served U.S. and Canada

events handled per year 2,000 plus

annual systemwide revenue $105 million

GLOBAL EVENTS PARTNERS

Partnership of independently owned and operated DMCs; requires performance standards; requires branding; offers geographic exclusivity; offers exposure to potential clients; requires monthly marketing fee and incentives on volume.

Washington

top officer Chris White

phone 202/775-5800

Web site www.globaleventspartners.com

DMCs in system 71

areas served Worldwide

events handled per year 250-300 per DMC

annual systemwide revenue $5 million to $40 million per DMC

PRA DESTINATION MANAGEMENT

Franchise system; requires franchise fees and compliance with standards; offers business tools and systems, proprietary DMC software, promotion, referrals and brand identity.

Carlsbad, Calif.

top officer Laura Rednour

phone 760/496-0540

Web site www.pra.com

DMCs in system 17

areas served California, Seattle, Las Vegas, Arizona, Texas, Chicago, Southeast U.S., New York

events handled per year 1,150 locations

annual systemwide revenue $37 million

THE CONTACT DMC GROUP

Sales and marketing consortium of independent DMCs; offers referral service.

La Jolla, Calif.

top officer Lex Lyon, DMCP

phone 800/648-4709

Web site www.contactdmcgroup.com

DMCs in system 21

areas served U.S. and Canada

events handled per year 3,500

annual systemwide revenue $70 million

TRAVEL CONTACTS LTD.

Marketing network in business since 1981; offers referrals and networking among DMCs; requires annual membership fee; screens potential DMC members and monitors client feedback; offers geographic exclusivity.

Camberley, Surrey, U.K.

top officer Lee Dowell

phone 44 845 230 6566

Web site www.travelcontacts.com

DMCs in system 90 plus

areas served Worldwide

events handled per year 1,000 plus

annual systemwide revenue $150 million plus

USA HOSTS PERFORMANCE ALLIANCE

System of 11 company-owned DMCs plus 14 North American and 14 international partner offices. Offers free referrals and geographic exclusivity; requires fees/commissions to cover marketing/administrative costs; offers branding and promotional support; requires performance standards.

New Orleans

top officers Jim Germain, president, USA Hosts Ltd.; Serena Malancon, alliance partner liaison

phone 800/368-4678

Web site www.usahosts.com/performance_alliance

DMCs in system 24

areas served Worldwide

events handled per year 2,600 plus

annual systemwide revenue $232 million plus