In most major event destinations you will find a local company who specialises in ‘destination management services’ for events. They are a specialist in the destination and offer a broad range of event related products and services that can be tailored to suit your event.

The service is based on booking, providing and managing certain components of the event at the destination that you would prefer to outsource, due to time or capability constraints. A Destination Management Company (DMC) works on a fee for service basis, which is either incorporated into costs or quoted separately as a management fee, depending on the service provided and how the service provider structures their fees. This type of service can add an enormous amount of value to your event through delivering local content in a creative and cost effective manner. The service provider has local expertise and access to local options that you may not be aware of, which in turn provides you with unique content and saves you money in sourcing from outside the area (which is beneficial in assisting with your carbon footprint). The typical service offerings a DMC provides can be categorised as follows;

• Accommodation and Venue sourcing/booking - provide options and costs to suit a client brief in summary format, in order to streamline the information gathering and selection process for the client. The service is provided with the understanding that the client engages the service provider to make their venue booking. The service can finish once the venue contract is in place, or some DMS’s offer further management of the booking throughout the event planning and delivery stages, on a fee for services basis, if the client requires this level of assistance.

• Team Building Activities and Local Touring Options – source or design local activities to suit a required outcome or brief. Most DMC’s will operate the activities with the assistance of local services, products and personalities. Knowing the capabilities and delivery standards of the local options is the key service offerings in engaging a local DMC.

• Special Events – create local content and support, to assist in the delivery of client ‘special events’. This can include events such as Gala Award Dinners, Themed events, Product Launches, Incentive programmes, Christmas Parties, Weddings, Festivals and Concerts. The support can range from total event management through to management of certain components such as entertainment, theming, activities and staffing.

• Meetings and Conferences – assist with the local set-up and service requirements of business sessions including; audio visual support, sourcing speakers/ entertainers, floor plans, company branding, printing, food and beverage.

For further information please contact Hunter Valley Events on (02) 4933 5400, email louise@huntervalleyevents.com.au or visit www.huntervalleyevents.com.au