Destination Management Companies

What Destination Management Companies does

Association of Destination Management Executives International (ADMEI) is a non-profit membership association founded in 1996 and headquartered in Sierra Vista, Arizona, serving as the self-described Voice of Destination Management Companies (DMCs) globally. Its primary constituents are DMC company members — professional services firms providing local expertise in event management, tours, transportation, entertainment, and program logistics — alongside associate/supplier members, hospitality students, and meeting planners. The association generates revenue from five streams: recurring membership dues, annual conference registrations and sponsorships, certification and accreditation exam fees, and educational product sales.

ADMEI's core offerings are the DMCP (Destination Management Certified Professional) individual certification and ADMC (Accredited Destination Management Company) company accreditation, both built on its proprietary 'Best Practices in Destination Management' textbook and DMC Competencies framework. The association also operates the Emergency Preparedness Certificate Program (EPCP), the Campus to Career student pipeline, two scholarship programs, and a tiered sponsorship product suite ranging from $1,500 Digital sponsorships to $15,000 Platinum sponsorships. Distribution occurs through the ADMEI website (powered by Novi AMS), the annual conference (Costa Rica 2026, New Orleans 2027), quarterly computer-based DMCP exams at global testing centers, and a Find a DMC directory used by meeting planners.

The operating model is event- and credential-driven: the annual conference and DMCP exam cadence (four quarterly windows) anchor member engagement, while roundtables, committees, and mentorship programs sustain year-round community activity. Strategic partnerships with PCMA, SITE, the Events Industry Council, and The Incentive Research Foundation extend ADMEI's reach into adjacent industry bodies. The association has no parent company, no external funding, and is governed by a Board of Directors under President Denise Malo, DMCP.

Name

Destination Management Companies

Legal name

Association of Destination Management Executives International

Website

https://admei.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Association Services & Industry Certification

NAICS

Professional Organizations (81392), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Full-Service Destination Management (Ground Handling & Onsite Operations) (THAHADAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Experiential & Cultural Programming (Tours, Activities, CSR/Voluntourism) (THAHADAF), Corporate Hospitality & VIP Services (Hosting, Protocol, Concierge) (THAHADAG), Group Accommodation Sourcing & Contracting (Room Blocks, Allotments) (THAHADAD)

Keywords

• Destination management association
• DMC certification programs
• Professional association services
• MICE industry standards
• Event industry credentials

Headquarters

HQ city

Wimberley

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: DMC companies and associate members pay annual membership dues to join ADMEI. Membership provides access to resources, networking, certifications, and member-only content.
2. Conference Revenue: Registration fees for the annual ADMEI conference and related events. The 2026 conference was held in Costa Rica; the 2027 conference will be in New Orleans.
3. Certification & Exam Fees: DMCP (Destination Management Certified Professional) exam applications and ADMC (Accredited DMC) accreditation applications generate revenue. DMCP exam: $200 member / $300 non-member. ADMC application: $800 member / $1,600 non-member.
4. Sponsorship Revenue: Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Digital sponsorships for the annual conference and year-round visibility. Platinum sponsorship: $15,000 annually or $13,500/yr for multi-year. Gold: $8,500 or $7,650/yr multi-year. Silver: $6,500. Bronze: $3,500. Digital sponsorship: $1,500 for DMCs.
5. Product Sales: Sale of educational materials including the 'Best Practices in Destination Management' textbook, scholarship donations, and merchandise through the ADMEI Bookstore.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

ADMEI is a nonprofit membership association that provides education, standards, professional certifications, and networking for Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and their suppliers. Its core deliverables are the DMCP professional certification and ADMC company accreditation, an annual international conference, scholarship programs for hospitality students and professionals, and tiered sponsorship opportunities that fund association programming.

Product overview

ADMEI operates as a membership association offering a portfolio of certifications, accreditations, events, and educational programs for the Destination Management Company (DMC) industry. The core offerings include the DMCP (Destination Management Certified Professional) certification and ADMC (Accredited DMC) accreditation programs. The association hosts the annual ADMEI Conference and provides educational programming through webinars, the Emergency Preparedness Certificate Program, and the Campus to Career initiative. Additionally, ADMEI administers two scholarship programs: the Linda Thompson Memorial Scholarship ($2,500 academic award) and the Carol Norfleet Professional Advancement Award ($1,000 continuing education award). The association also offers various sponsorship tiers (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Digital) for suppliers and DMCs. Products are distributed through an ecommerce store and association management platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• DMCP (Destination Management Certified Professional) Professional certification program that validates core skills, expertise, and knowledge required in the destination management industry. Based on the DMC Competencies framework and offered to DMC professionals globally via computer-based and paper-based exams.
• ADMC (Accredited Destination Management Company) Company-level accreditation designating DMCs that demonstrate advanced knowledge and experience essential to the practice of Destination Management, elevating professional standards for accredited firms.
• ADMEI Annual Conference Annual premier in-person conference bringing together DMC professionals, suppliers, and industry leaders for education, networking, certification exam sessions, and the ADMEI Awards Gala.
• Linda Thompson Memorial Scholarship Annual $2,500 academic scholarship supporting hospitality students pursuing careers in the DMC field, including conference attendance and networking opportunities.
• Carol Norfleet Professional Advancement Award Annual $1,000 continuing education award for hospitality professionals who have earned industry certifications such as DMCP, CMP, CMM, CSEP, or CITP.
• Campus to Career Program Bridge program connecting hospitality students with the DMC industry through educational resources, internship opportunities, faculty partnerships, and student/sponsor sponsorships.
• Emergency Preparedness Certificate Program (EPCP) Virtual 8-hour certificate course developed with global security and safety leaders covering emergency planning, risk assessment, medical duty of care, and risk mitigation for event professionals. Member price $399; non-member $475.
• Platinum Sponsorship Top-tier annual sponsorship offering 12 months of visibility, two conference registrations, a webinar series opportunity, and prominent website/email logo placement for supplier partners.
• Gold Sponsorship Mid-tier annual sponsorship that includes awards reception, gala entertainment, corporate gifting, conference app, furniture, off-site evening event, welcome reception, opening keynote, and teambuilding opportunities.
• Silver Sponsorship Entry-level conference sponsorship including award category, board/VIP reception, coffee breaks, emergency preparedness course, lanyards, lunch, photo booth, and WiFi opportunities.
• Bronze Sponsorship Conference sponsorship tier including coffee break, know before you go email, breakout session, lanyards, board/CAB lunches, past presidents breakfast, and DMC institute opportunities.
• Digital Sponsorship (DMC) Affordable year-round digital sponsorship for DMCs including website visibility, one ADMEI email ad, conference logo recognition, and a blog collaboration opportunity.
• Digital Sponsorship (Supplier) Year-round digital sponsorship for suppliers providing website visibility, one email ad placement, and conference recognition.
• DMCP Exam Application Application to sit for the DMCP certification exam. Approved candidates have up to two years to take the exam at global testing centers. Member: $200; Non-member: $300.
• ADMC Application Application for ADMEI Accredited DMC designation that demonstrates advanced knowledge and experience in destination management practices. Member: $800; Non-member: $1,600.
• Best Practices in Destination Management (Textbook) Industry textbook (2nd edition) serving as the foundation for DMCP certification, covering standards, trends, and strategies for excellence in destination management.

Quantifiable outcome

• 20 years of industry excellence recognition through ADMEI Awards
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CORT EventscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum Sponsor of ADMEI. CORT Events provides furniture rental services for events and serves as a key sponsor for ADMEI conferences and programs. Contact: Jack Scafide, ADMEI Board of Directors | Sponsorship.
• CventcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum Sponsor of ADMEI. Cvent provides event management technology and serves as a key sponsor supporting ADMEI's annual conference and programs.
• AFR Furniture RentalcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum Sponsor of ADMEI. AFR Furniture Rental provides furniture rental services and supports ADMEI as a key conference sponsor.
• IMGcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum Sponsor of ADMEI. IMG provides coaching and professional development services and supports ADMEI as a key sponsor.
• Amusement MasterscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum Sponsor of ADMEI. Amusement Masters provides entertainment services for events and serves as a key sponsor for ADMEI programs.
• Kristina OwenburgcoreOthersDirector, Programs & Events at ADMEI. Primary contact for 2026 Annual Conference in Costa Rica.
• Val DelaneycoreOthersExecutive Vice President at ADMEI. Contact for Owner/GM Roundtables. Over 35 years of association, operations, and project management experience.
• Martha SloancoreOthersManager, Member Services and Recognition at ADMEI. Contact for membership, DMCP credential, and ADMEI Awards inquiries.
• International Motorcoach GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor Member of ADMEI. Motorcoach transportation provider based in Wichita, KS. President: Phelps R Hope. Provides transportation services to the DMC community.
• GlobalWorks EventsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNew DMC Company Member of ADMEI. Naples, FL-based destination management company. Managing Partner: Noelle Christie.
• O.K. TRAVEL AB (OK TRAVEL Scandinavia)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerNew DMC Company Member of ADMEI. Sweden-based travel company. CEO: Olga Kosmidis. Provides travel and transportation services.
• B Exclusive Events, LLCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNew DMC Company Member of ADMEI. Boutique DMC in Naples, FL specializing in bespoke events for corporate meetings, incentive trips, and intimate gatherings.
• PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership with PCMA. PCMA President Sherrif Karamat has publicly recognized DMCs and ADMEI's importance to the business events industry.
• SITE (Society of Incentive Travel Executives)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership with SITE. SITE President Aoife Delaney has highlighted DMCs' elevated expertise in health, safety, and virtual/hybrid events.
• Events Industry CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership with Events Industry Council. CEO Amy Calvert has recognized the essential role of DMCs in the events industry.
• The Incentive Research FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership with IRF. President Stephanie Harris has noted DMCs will play a vital role post-pandemic providing critical local insight for planners.
• Hospitality Education InstitutionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerADMEI's Campus to Career program partners with universities offering hospitality/tourism degrees to connect students with DMC career opportunities.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• SITE (Society of Incentive & Travel Executives): SITE is a global association serving the incentive travel and meetings industry, operating very similarly to ADMEI through education, certification, networking events, and advocacy. Both organizations serve overlapping MICE audiences and are formal strategic partners.
• PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association): PCMA is the leading global association for the business events industry, offering education, certification (CMP), and large-scale conventions. Comparable to ADMEI as a standards-setting membership association in the MICE space and a current ADMEI strategic partner.
• MPI (Meeting Professionals International): MPI is a membership association for meeting and event professionals, providing education, certification (CMP, CMM), and global conferences. Directly parallel to ADMEI in business model and target audience of corporate and association meeting buyers.
• Events Industry Council: Events Industry Council is the umbrella association for the events industry, developing standards (APEX), credentials (CMP), and advocacy. Functionally similar to ADMEI as a trade body providing education and standards in the events ecosystem and a current ADMEI strategic partner.
• ILEA (International Live Events Association): ILEA is a global association for live events professionals, offering education, networking events, and an annual conference. Mirrors ADMEI's trade-association structure serving creative event service providers with similar revenue mix of dues, conferences, and sponsorships.
• HSMAI (Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International): HSMAI is a global hospitality trade association providing education, certifications, and industry events. Comparable to ADMEI as a standards and education body serving a hospitality industry niche with recurring membership and certification revenue.

Broad incumbents

• Destinations International: Destinations International is the global trade association for destination marketing organizations (DMOs), serving a parallel but distinct constituency from DMCs. Comparable as a destination-focused membership association with education, advocacy, and annual events.

Emerging players

• ESPA (Event Service Professionals Association): ESPA is a membership organization for event service professionals and venue managers, focused on education and industry standards. Comparable in scope and scale to ADMEI but with a narrower service-provider focus within the broader events ecosystem.
• NACE (National Association for Catering and Events): NACE is a U.S.-based association for catering and event professionals, providing education, networking, and certification. Overlaps with ADMEI on event-industry education but targets the catering/event planner segment rather than destination management firms.

Others

• ASAE (American Society of Association Executives): ASAE is the umbrella organization for association professionals, providing resources and best practices to trade associations like ADMEI. Not a direct competitor but a peer organization supporting the operating model of associations in any industry.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/ADMEInternational
• Xx.com/ADMEIntl

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Destination Management Companies