12th Annual Special Events Magazine 25 Top DMCs

It's our annual look at the biggest brands in the world of DMCs—the experts on the best seats and eats in every place worth visiting.

ACCESS Destination Services
San Diego
WEBSITE www.accessdmc.com
TOP OFFICER Christopher H. Lee, DMCP
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 2,000
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $90 million to $100 million
CAPABILITIES Founded in 1969, the ACCESS group aims to combine the knowledge and intimacy of a local, owner-operated DMC with the diversity and efficiency of a single, 45-year-old global brand. Shared standards include longevity, insurance coverage and high levels of customer service. The system consists of 16 individually owned and operated DMCs that are "fully integrated" into the larger, global brand, management says. Shared standards include longevity, insurance coverage and high levels of customer service, according to management.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS Large-scale, outdoor, open-to-the-public events have become an ACCESS specialty in recent years, management says. Last summer, ACCESS produced an eight-day exhibition featuring five interactive, 50-ton art installations that were visited by more 143,000 people. The ACCESS team has also been producing the popular Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia for several years; "the historic event is regularly attended by more than 750,000 people each year," they say.
TRENDS TO WATCH Based on continually growing client demand in an increasingly global world, "consolidation of the DMC industry is expected to continue, possibly at an even greater rate than we have seen so far," management says. "In turn, this will mandate increased sophistication across the industry as a whole. At ACCESS, we view this as an opportunity--to create synergies, to share best practices, and to invest in new thinking and approaches to ensure that we evolve with an ever-changing marketplace."

Advantage Destination and Meetings Services
North Miami Beach, Fla.
WEBSITE www.advantagedms.com
TOP OFFICERS Annie Kelly-Cohen, Jim Post
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 275 to 325
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $10 million
CAPABILITIES In business 19 years in the south Florida market, Advantage has seen 10 employees take and pass the DMCP (Destination Management Certified Professional) exam in the past year, "bringing our total number of DMCP’s in one office to 12--the most of any DMC in the world!" management says. "We are immensely proud of the dedication of our team to the correct processes and procedures a DMC should follow based upon the DMCP exam process."
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS The company became the exclusive DMC for a top TV station this year after launching its “best off-site event ever” in the Wynwood Design District and in an historic bank in downtown Miami. Additionally, Advantage managed more than 25 groups totaling more than 8,000 guests in one month--a company record.
TRENDS TO WATCH "The most striking and positive trend we are seeing is that clients now have a longer booking window," they say. "We have more business booked for 2017 already on the books than in previous years, which is indicative of a renewed confidence in the economy and overall meeting-industry buy trend. Therefore, the confirmation window is finally expanding!" In the bad news: "Latin American markets--particularly Brazil--have slowed considerably."

AlliedPRA
San Diego
WEBSITE www.alliedpra.com
TOP OFFICERS Denise Dornfeld, Tony Lorenz
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 1,400 plus
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $70 million to $80 million
CAPABILITIES With 20 DMCs in its system, the company comprises U.S. corporate offices as well as U.S. locally owned franchise offices. All offices receive global sales assistance, standardized business tools and systems, a quality-assurance compliance program, and centralized, proprietary DMC software to ensure performance and consistency in delivery to clients, as well as brand marketing to support sales efforts. Their specialty: "AlliedPRA delivers events that surpass company goals and touch the human spirit," management says, creating events that "take attendees off the beaten path" and "provide destination experiences that go beyond the ordinary and expected."
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS Highlights this year include winning the AIMIA award for outstanding service delivery and an ADMEI award for outstanding creativity and service delivery. The team has been busy with programs for GM China, Ford Motor Co, UBS, Citrix and AT&T.
TRENDS TO WATCH "Market segments  continue to demand more experiential, hands-on events," management says. "As an industry, we work hard to craft incredible experiences, and in doing so, we make the world a better place. We know that events are extraordinary levers that inspire--moving careers, businesses and entire industries forward as a result of the work we do. In looking at innovative ways to build strong CSR and cause-marketing initiatives, such as the literacy movement, AlliedPRA is spearheading among the global meeting industry. We have the power to effect change in more ways than one."

AXS Group
Denver
WEBSITE www.theaxsgroup.com
TOP OFFICER Nicole Marsh, CMP, DMCP
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 600
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $10 million
CAPABILITIES Specializing in serving Colorado, AXS "continues to create and introduce new products into the marketplace," management says. "Whether it’s producing a new band, developing a classic rock string trio or a fabricating a custom whisky/beer tasting wheel, we don’t rely on other vendors to stay innovative and fresh."
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS In addition to providing the full spectrum of DMC services, AXS produced several custom Broadway-style shows, including casting, choreography, music, production, costuming and make-up. The largest: a Rock 'n’ Roll Ball featuring a cast of 26, including "American Idol" and "The Voice" alumni. See the event here
TRENDS TO WATCH "We’re seeing a rise in the customization of teambuilding events, general session openers, and 'wow' pops of entertainment during special events," management says. "Clients want a say in the look and feel of these elements and ultimately something special that has not been seen or done before."

​Bixel & Co.
Los Angeles
WEBSITE www.bixelco.com
TOP OFFICER Dabney Bixel
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 250 to 300
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $9 million to $9.5 million
CAPABILITIES The Bixel team specializes in producing events at mansions, studio backlots and private clubs, in addition to the many other venues that southern California has to offer. they say. "Our event expertise ranges from the most private of corporate retreats and board meetings, to exclusive VIP social gatherings in a penthouse, to large-scale award shows at the Dolby Theatre. The loyalty of our client base is a testament to the level of service we provide and the integrity with which we provide it."
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS The years 2015-16 have been "groundbreaking," management says, as "our client base has diversified and grown immensely.” Bixel has partnered with a number of multinational companies in the last year, "including one of the largest multimedia companies in the world, a prestigious European automotive corporation and a high‐level Canadian financial institution," among others. “Our automotive program was an unforgettable gem," management says. "Clients rubbed shoulders with Hollywood's finest at the Emmy Awards, then enjoyed a celebrity-guided tour and a VIP dinner at a Hollywood studio backlot."
TRENDS TO WATCH “We have experienced a great deal of last-minute incentive business coming to southern California previously booked in Europe," management notes. "Charitable teambuilding continues to be popular with corporate clients. Clients are requesting far more customized and conceptual events--which is great, because this is our specialty.”

Briggs Inc.
New York
WEBSITE www.briggsnyc.com
TOP OFFICER Anthony Napoli
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 100 to 250
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $13.5 million
CAPABILITIES Company management notes Briggs is the "preferred DMC for all of the major U.S. incentive companies." Provides meeting, product launch and event services for Fortune 500 clients.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS A recent event highlight was a auto company breakfast hosted by former mayor Rudy Giuliani at New York's Freedom Tower, followed up by a private gala in the iconic Rainbow Room with a session from superstar Sting.
TRENDS TO WATCH Though the past year has been flat, management is looking ahead to a "terrific" 2017.

CSI DMC
Washington
WEBSITE www.csi-dmc.com
TOP OFFICER David Hainline
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 720
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $30 million
CAPABILITIES This full-service destination and event management company specializes in galas, festivals, teambuilding, meeting management, transportation, tours, entertainment and other convention services needs. Regions served are Washington, northern Virginia, Baltimore, Florida, Texas, Nashville, Tenn., the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Bahamas.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS Recent programs have served high-profile clients, including Five Guys, Campbell’s, CITGO, Royal Bank of Canada, Ameritas, American Academy of Pediatrics and Imprivata.
TRENDS TO WATCH "Within our cross-destination offices, we have noticed a consistent trend in which clients seem to be requesting specialized services unique to their program and attendees' preferences in all facets, such as teambuilding, behind-the-scenes tours, experiences, conceptual events and more," management says. "With the influx of tourism rising in our markets, this also continues the upward trend with short lead times as the quantity of programs are exponentially increasing."

Destination Concepts Inc.
A Global DMC Partner
San Diego
WEBSITE www.destinationconcepts.com
TOP OFFICERS Brynne Frost, Ana Reilly
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 250 (comprising more than 150 events)
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $19 million to $20 million
CAPABILITIES This privately owned DMC serving southern California features an in-house design team and expansive warehouse of decor inventory, which "gives us an edge in the market for creating unique, one-of-a-kind events that are always on trend," they say. "Our large-scale team provides the foundation for making the impossible possible. With dedicated teams in specialized areas such as event design, graphic design, wholesale buying, entertainment and more, DCi has the support system needed to give clients unforgettable and noteworthy events."
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS Highlights of the past year have included re-creating a New Orleans street in the middle of a polo field in Michigan, complete with working fountains and custom building facades. "We also took a desert lawn back into the '70s with a high-tech chandelier that included two sweeping truss structures overhead suspending a chandelier made entirely of screens that changed colors," they say.
TRENDS TO WATCH “It is safe to say, the event industry is back and thriving,” management says. "We’re continuing to see larger scale productions with an increasing need for more customization and new technology to take events to the next level."

Destination Nashville
Nashville, Tenn.
WEBSITE www.destinationnashville.com
TOP OFFICER Rhonda Marko, CMP, CMM, DMCP
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 250 to 300
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $12 million
CAPABILITIES "Music City" experts and the preferred DMC vendor for Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, Omni Nashville Hotel, Hilton Nashville Downtown, Union Station Hotel and The Westin Nashville (opening fall 2016), this DMC operates three offices in Nashville offering "total" destination management services, management says.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS Highlights from the past year have included coordinating the logistics of a 20,000-person group workout in the middle of a busy downtown street in July, management says, which "tested our stamina in maintaining the masses--not to mention the heat!"  Also, providing transportation for 1,600 through "acres of mud-bogged pastures" for a farm equipment show "presented a new twist on a 'challenging' transfer."
TRENDS TO WATCH Due to the popularity of the Nashville, "hotel availability is low and vendor inventory is stretched," management says. "Nashville continues to be sold out and that’s good news volume-wise on a short-term basis, but even better for 2017 and future years. Groups unable to book Nashville  in 2016 are booking us quickly for future years."

Destinations by Design
Las Vegas
WEBSITE www.dbdvegas.com
TOP OFFICERS Tami Hance, Jim Nelson, Joyce Sherman Nelson
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 325 to 350
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $22 million to $27 million
CAPABILITIES In operation since 1990, DBD provides "high-quality destination management, event and design services, with a 'whatever it takes' service standard," management says. The company has moved into a new 130,000-plus-square-foot facility, which will support both current business and growth for the future. The new space provides space for more than 100 employees with all departments--warehouse, floral studio, design studio, entertainment, sales and operations--under one roof.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS Event highlights have included the "biggest private block party in Las Vegas" with 8,500 people on the historic Fremont Street, featuring four live bands, eight food trucks, ziplines, and 130 DBD staff. Also, the team's spectacular Grand Banquet at the Venetian won a Special Events Gala Award in January. See the event here
TRENDS TO WATCH DBD is proud of its hometown: "One reason Las Vegas is a top choice, year after year, is that there is always something new to see and experience," management says. "Our resort and business partners continually invest in improvements to keep the destination fresh and appealing to business travelers."

DSC-Destination Services Corp.
Vail, Colo.
WEBSITE www.dsc-co.com
TOP OFFICER Kathy Fort Carty
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 400 to 500
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $17 million to $18 million
CAPABILITIES Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, the DSC  team uses "proven, standardized operating procedures allowing for flawless executive of events," management says. Its signature element is embodying the "spirit of the West" with event that highlight the authenticity of its Western destinations, but with a modern twist.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS This year's event roster has included big programs for major clients in financial services, among other industries.
TRENDS TO WATCH DSC points to three big trends: the need for a company's brand and culture to pull through all elements of the program and tie back to the company's business objectives; the demand to incorporate a philanthropic element in events; and the desire of planners to promote local, organic and sustainable causes.

Global DMC Network by JTB Group
Tokyo
WEBSITE www.jtb-global.com/dmc
TOP OFFICER Satoshi Inoue
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 4,000 to 4,500
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $1.7 billion
CAPABILITIES Services include galas and cultural education programs.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS Highlights of the year have included AIA Insurance Asia in Monte Carlo, Toyota World Convention in Japan, and Johnson and Johnson Russia in Singapore, management says.
TRENDS TO WATCH "The economic development in Asia and other emerging regions of the world has enabled more and more people to access one another," management says. "That's why we consider our business domain as a 'multicultural communication business,' which can only be achieved with a deep understanding of the local destinations. With this mindset, we have years of stability as one of the strongest global DMC networks worldwide." 

Hello! Destination Management
Orlando, Fla.
WEBSITE www.hello-dmc.com
TOP OFFICER Paul Mears III
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 5,000 to 7,000
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $100 million
CAPABILITIES Management's goal is to combine expertise in traditional DMC logistical services with an "absolute" commitment to cutting-edge creative event design across the entire organization. Serves markets in south Florida, Orlando, Fla., Washington, Texas, Arizona and Las Vegas.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS Hello Florida re-branded the mammoth Citrus Bowl for a corporate client, an event that included a carpeted playing field and custom stage for superstars Katy Perry and OneRepublic, who entertained 10,000 cheering guests.
TRENDS TO WATCH "Ever-increasing customer sophistication and expectations, coupled with a fiercely competitive market, reward DMCs that relentlessly pursue improvement of their people, technology and creativity," management says.

Hosts Global Alliance
Las Vegas
WEBSITE www.hosts-global.com
TOP OFFICER Jennifer Patino, DMCP
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 3,000 plus
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $40 million to $50 million
CAPABILITIES Founded in 1958, Hosts Global owns five DMCs (in Las Vega, New Orleans, Washington, Baltimore and southern California) and partners with more than 50 other operations. The company continues expansion of its HGA brand, ensuring partner DMCs meet stringent standards including annual review of financial stability, recommendations from vendors and clients, and participation in professional industry associations.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS Recent events have included an award-winning "Dive Bar" project from Hosts Las Vegas and the International Travel and Tourism Show from Hosts New Orleans.
TRENDS TO WATCH "The DMC industry continues to grow and evolve as DMCs become more of strategic partners to our clients and work with them from the beginning of program conception to ensure that the messaging of the meeting is consistent throughout the event," management says. "In addition, risk mitigation and preparedness conversations are now also becoming more common as part of the meeting preparation."

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JPdL Destination Management
Montreal
WEBSITE www.jpdl.com
TOP OFFICER Jean-Paul de Lavison
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 250 plus
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $15 million
CAPABILITIES In business since 1982, the company prides itself on "our local knowledge, supplier relationships and creative event ideas," which provide corporations and associations with turnkey solutions for employee incentive programs and International conferences, management says.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS The year's event roster has included a big night for Cisco--more than 25 events on one night alone--plus a multi-wave incentive program for Nationwide Insurance.
TRENDS TO WATCH "With the exchange rate in favor of our U.S. clients, an increase spend in DMC services is on the rise," management says. "Canada has great value, and we are seeing more incentive programs in our destinations.

Kuoni Destination Management
Zurich, Switzerland
WEBSITE www.kuoni-dmusa.com
TOP OFFICER Rolf Schafroth
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 4,500 plus (global)
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $950 million (global)
CAPABILITIES Management lays claim to the title of "the world’s leading destination management company, with teams of local experts throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Australia, capable of fulfilling logistical and creative requirements of any size and scope," they say.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS In the last 12 months, "We’ve produced millions of dollars worth of highly creatively, complex events," management says. "As a result, our relationships with event planners managing large corporate events, as well as third-party agencies, has increased significantly over the past year."
TRENDS TO WATCH Business is growing, they say, "with our repeat business from key clients having doubled in the past 12 months. We’re excited to continue to work with the next generation of event planners--planners who are tech-savvy, content-specific and with demands driven by excellence and creativity."

MC&A
Honolulu
WEBSITE www.mcahawaii.com
TOP OFFICER Chris Resich
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 225 to 250
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $36 million to $38 million
CAPABILITIES In business more than 33 years, MC&A operates on all the Hawaiian islands, offering full DMC services using its own full-time airport and travel director staff. Its dedicated events and graphics departments, coupled with its 10,000-square-foot prop/decor warehouse, are at clients' disposal.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS The MC&A team is looking forward to serving the International Union for Conversation of Nature's World Conservation Congress, slated for Hawaii in September. The team is also leading the committee organizing events and activities for the 75th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor Commemoration.
TRENDS TO WATCH Bookings are still coming in at he last minute, management says. But in good news, clients are providing better budgets to develop the "extraordinary" events they demand. And, companies are returning to Hawaii on a more frequent schedule, they say.

MetroConnections
Minneapolis
WEBSITE www.metroconnections.com
TOP OFFICER David Graves
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 1,400
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $12 million
CAPABILITIES Four service centers--conference services, event services, production services and transportation services--are combined in one strategic group. The company owns a 35,000-square-foot facility including a prop and set warehouse. Services include teambuilding, and food and beverage management.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS Client roster includes Patterson Dental, IIA, General Mills, Medivators and REMSA.
TRENDS TO WATCH The company sees a bright future in its headquarters city: "In the Minneapolis area specifically there are several global and national groups looking for accommodations," management says. "With a new NFL stadium unveiling this summer, plenty of concerts and other sporting events will take place at U.S. Bank Stadium. In the next few years, the Super Bowl will be held there. There are also international sports teams visiting fall of 2016 along with the NCAA basketball tournament in 2019."

Ovation Global DMC
Geneva
WEBSITE www.ovationdmc.com
TOP OFFICER Sebastien Tondeur
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 10,000 plus
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $70 million to $80 million
CAPABILITIES Ovation’s worldwide reach is its noteworthy capability, management says; the company has offices in more than 100 destinations across five continents. Operations comprise 24 wholly owned DMCs and 51 and strategic partners.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS Quick thinking was required when Ovation France arranged an event in Paris for 2,500 people with only a few weeks lead time. Also, the Ovation Spain team continued in  role as key partners to a number of large corporate clients during the Mobile World Congress 2015. Apart from VIP services, Ovation Spain also handled 10,000 room nights during the Barcelona-based congress.
TRENDS TO WATCH The future? Look for hybrid and virtual meetings, Ovation management says.

Pacific World
Singapore, Barcelona
WEBSITE www.pacificworld.com
TOP OFFICERS Herve Joseph-Antoine, Selina Chavry
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 4,000
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $75 million
CAPABILITIES The 45 Pacific World offices are "fully integrated" as one company with 350 employees worldwide, management says, as opposed to networks of independent DMCs. With in-house creative teams, Pacfic World is able to deliver both logistics and event production in 80 destinations worldwide, the company says. PW has formed strategic alliances with ACCESS in the U.S. and JTB GMT in Japan to cover more than 110 destinations.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS Big events this past year have included an event for Teradata in Paris for 1,000, an incentive in Singapore for 300, and a telecom company in Shanghai for 250.
TRENDS TO WATCH Big trends include an increased focus on risk management and response planning and the desire of clients for local immersive activities. "In China and India, business practices have dramatically changed and require compliance to business ethics, anti-corruption, and financial transparency," management says.

RMC
Aspen, Colo.
WEBSITE www.rmcdmc.com
TOP OFFICERS Nathan Boyd, Shawn Thomson-Palermo
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 500
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $26 million to $30 million
CAPABILITIES The watchword for RMC: "Consistency," management says. "RMC’s leadership team is structured to oversee all 400-plus programs with the same attention to detail, no matter which office you are operating your program in."
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS Clients rave about the company's events at the Arch at Cabo San Lucas, Baja California, featuring snokeling, parasailing and Flyboards, management says.
TRENDS TO WATCH Business in 2016 is preparing to set records, management says: "Space is becoming limited and clients are demanding that they are presented new and creative ideas, activities and/or venues for their events."

Spectra
London
WEBSITE www.spectra-dmc.com
TOP OFFICERS Paul Miller, Wendy Moffatt
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 450
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $14 million
CAPABILITIES Spectra operates in the U.K., Scotland and Wales, offering a "creative, flexible, strong team" that is "operationally focused," management says.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS Exciting new high-rises in London--offering city stunning views--are a hit with clients, management says. At the same time, "Elegant dinners in castles and palaces continue to be the most popular of venues for many clients," they say. Programs continue to look for activity-based daytime experiences in all destinations.
TRENDS TO WATCH The company has seen steady growth in business over recent years, "with 2015 being the best year ever for the company," management says. "Such positive results have enabled Spectra to make significant investment in our staff, DMC software systems, and technology," making good on the company's saying, "Spectra is proud of our history and ready for the future."

Terramar
A DMC Network Co.
Los Cabos, Mexico
WEBSITE www.terramardestinations.com
TOP OFFICERS Lee Chipman, Sunny Irvine
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 210
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $12 million
CAPABILITIES Terramar operates its own fleet with late models for transfers; services also include in-room gifts, decor for theme parties, hospitality desk staff, a proprietary online booking engine, and registration system. Specialties include Baja Outback activities and a media center.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS Highlights of the past year include one-of-a-kind events in Panama and Los Cabos, Baja California, management says, "and the opening of our Cancun office."

360 Destination Group
Irvine, Calif.
WEBSITE www.360dg.com
TOP OFFICERS Shelly Archer, Joe Fijol, Trevor Hanks, Sharon Purewal, Pete Samulewicz
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 700
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $35 million plus
CAPABILITIES "We excel to be passionate, progressive and personalized for our 360 clients every day," management says. The company's “Whole Brain DMC” philosophy--which "embraces right-side brain creativity with no boundary ideas, along with the operational/logistical expertise that comes from left-brain individuals, is the key to our success," they say.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS Management points with pride to its Urban Street Meets L.A. Lounge event, which created two distinct looks in one big space for 3,500 guests. 360's Fire and Ice party took an unfinished warehouse and vamped it up with custom carpet, "fire and ice" projections, sleek furniture and avant-garde entertainment to delight a high-tech client.
TRENDS TO WATCH "Companies are looking for strategic DMC partners to create strategic meeting/programs that integrate many elements of a company’s mission, vision, value and culture," management says. "This needs to happen from pre-program thinking through on-site destination execution. Experiential learning, high-sensory experience/events are a key to build relationships and bonding for customers and employees. The ROI is critical to drive sales, client retention and better brand recognition."

Ultimate Ventures
A DMC Network Co.
Dallas
WEBSITE www.uvdmc.com
TOP OFFICERS Val Lenington, CSEP, CMP, DMCP; Laurie Sprouse, CMP, DMCP
AVERAGE NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PER YEAR 150
ESTIMATED 2016 REVENUE $8 million
CAPABILITIES The UV team is proud of its recent ADMEI award for a custom camp themed program called “Camp WannaHavaFunna.” The team has seven members with DMCP certification.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS Management notes with pride that it is the first to plan a special event on the new event lawn at the Omni Dallas.
TRENDS TO WATCH The building boom in hotels in Dallas and Fort Worth is presenting exciting new venues, and "corporate headquarters moving to the area from all over the country is spurring growth," they say.

Note: DMC groups here represent companies with equity positions in their operations and are included based on revenue estimates. All information is provided by the companies listed. Errors and omissions sometimes occur. Should you be on this list? Send an email to [email protected]

To Market: DMC Marketing Networks

Many DMCs join in groups that function as marketing networks to bring in business and obtain marketing support. Yes, there is strength in numbers!

DMC Alliance
Las Vegas
WEBSITE www.dmc-alliance.com
THE BASICS Invitation-only to join, limited to one member per destination. The alliance does not promote its own brand; "but we  celebrate the individuality of each company, with a common belief that personal attention and service are our collective commodity as an organization." Members must be small businesses, with brick-and-mortar offices in a single destination. Companies must be active members of ADME, be in business in their destination for over five years, carry $2 million in professional liability Insurance, and submit client references to assure quality in service.
AREAS SERVED USA
DMCs IN SYSTEM 10 plus
2016 SYSTEMWIDE REVENUE FORECAST $12 million to $15 million
TRENDS Longer-term bookings are slowly but surely increasing, with a trend toward re-establishing conference themes that will cross from the program content through the special events, they say, along with  continued growth in client interest in branding and expansion of sponsorships to engage attendees and maximize the overall guest experience.

DMC Network
Addison, Tex.
WEBSITE dmcnetwork.com
THE BASICS The network is owned by its member companies. Members of the DMC Network must be accredited through ADMEI while maintaining high service levels (verified via independent audit) and financial solvency as reported annually through their banks and CPAs.
AREAS SERVED U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Panama directly, with Europe, Asia, Africa, Arabia and South America through alliances with Ovation Global DMC.
DMCs IN SYSTEM 30
2016 SYSTEMWIDE REVENUE FORECAST $130 million plus
TRENDS Today's pressures include "high demand and a high percentage of short lead times," they say.

Euromic
Brussels, Chicago
WEBSITE www.euromic.com
THE BASICS The system is made up of independent DMCs, one per country; members may join by invitation only. Members receive sales and marketing support, trade show representation, market intelligence, and client communication services.
AREAS SERVED Worldwide: Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Latin and South America
DMCs IN SYSTEM 44
2016 SYSTEMWIDE REVENUE FORECAST $570 million (which includes DMCs systemwide)
TRENDS The effects of technology, social media and mobile applications, shorter program durations, and geopolitical factors are affecting destination selection, they say.

Global DMC Partners
Washington
WEBSITE www.globaldmcpartners.com
THE BASICS Member DMCs must have a minimum of five years in business as a DMC; two bank references; three client and vendor references; at least $2 million in liability insurance; and membership in two national professional organizations. Fee to join.
AREAS SERVED Worldwide
DMCs IN SYSTEM 55 plus
2016 SYSTEMWIDE REVENUE FORECAST $275 million to $300 million
TRENDS "Companies have always turned to DMCs for their local knowledge on important event necessities such has transportation, off-site dinners, tours and more," they say. "However, clients are now beginning to realize the integral role that DMCs play when it comes to risk management and security. Because of their local connections, DMCs can create customized contingency and security plans, which is becoming more and more of a necessity for both corporate direct and third-party meeting planners."

World Marketing Group
Minneapolis
WEBSITE www.worldmarketinggroup.com
THE BASICS Portfolio of international DMCs only are members by invitation on "mutually agreeable" terms, they say. All participating DMCs have at least one individual who carries a SITE membership, which includes an agreement to honor the SITE code of ethics and $1 million to $10 million minimum liability insurance. Business development fams are produced for the purpose of destination training for clients. Hosted buyer programs are offered in conjunction with the IMEX trade shows in Frankfurt and in Las Vegas. Online destination training modules and digital itineraries are available exclusively through WMG for clients.
AREAS SERVED Connects to DMCs in more than 40 countries.
DMCs IN SYSTEM 31
2016 SYSTEMWIDE REVENUE FORECAST $18 million to $20 million
TRENDS WMG points to rationalization, or streamlining, of the market through strategic sale and purchase of DMC networks. Also playing a role, the entry of new online payment systems, and vendors competing with credit card facilities and big banks.