They research what new locations are available, what the cost of various sites are, whom they contact, and how to make everything work. The staff is continually educated on all aspects required. Quality independent contractors with special skills and talents are investigated and recruited. Most use only people who have been personally recommended by someone who already has performed outstanding project work. For a large event, it is not unusual to draw on a pool of 150 contractors.
Care is taken to match the project staff with the needs of the meeting professional.
An additional sign of coming of age for this segment of the industry is that of forming an educational association to raise the level of professionalism, to explore the best ways of doing business and serving customers, and to educate those customers as to what they can expect from a destination management company. Destination management companies are architects and general contractors for meeting professionals. They outline ideas via proposals, and once the decision is made, set out to make the desired component happen. Just as convention services managers in hotels and Decorating Companies in the exhibit hall become extensions of your staff, your ultimate outsource partner outside the education sessions and exhibit halls, is your destination management company. Whether in or out of town, begin with the Convention and Visitors Bureau, or if there is not one, the Chamber of Commerce.