Certifications – A New Standard

In today’s competitive and fast-paced tourism industry, project managers are worried and rightfully so. Clients are looking more often at quality and flow of a program, rather than the price tag. Honestly, who wants to attend a poorly designed program that feels more like torture than a reward?

Certifications are the client’s guarantee that an individual or a DMC is up to date with the latest knowledge and research in creating meetings, incentives, conferences, and events that go above and beyond expectations.

So what certifications should you be looking at, when looking for a professional DMC for your next program? Below is a list of recommended certifications, and how they increase the value of your program:

ADMC

Accredited Destination Management Company is an accreditation program by the Association of Destination Management Executives International. The ADMC program is designed to elevate professional standards and designate firms that demonstrate advanced knowledge and experience essential to the practice of destination management. The ADMC designation assists the meeting planning community by identifying and qualifying standards and criteria that are indicative of the highest quality Destination Management service providers. To become an ADMC, a DMC will have to meet and adhere to 17 ADMC standards, such as having at least one DMCP on staff. The accreditation is reevaluated each year, to make sure the DMC is still up to standard.

DMCP

Destination Management Certified Professional is earned by professionals who demonstrate the highest level of knowledge and commitment to the destination management profession. To earn the DMCP designation, an individual must have years of experience in the field, active involvement in continuing education programs and have passed an exam that covers the body of knowledge of all aspects of destination management. This certification is good for five years; recertification requires continuing demonstration of active involvement in the destination management community and continuing education in all aspects of destination management. The DMCP is one of the hardest certifications to acquire and is therefore recognized as the diamond standard in the MICE industry.

CIS

Certified Incentive Specialist is an entry-level certification program, aimed to introduce emerging professionals or junior executives, learn the fundamentals of incentives, and achieve a higher understanding on the marketing and sales part of the business. The program is designed to elevate the quantity and quality of professionals in the incentive travel industry.

CMP

Certified Meeting Professional is a certification launched to enhance the knowledge and performance of meeting professionals, promote the status and credibility of the meeting profession, and advance uniform standards of practice. Today, the CMP credential is recognized globally as the badge of excellence in the meeting, convention, exhibition, and event industry. The qualifications for certification are based on professional experience, education, and a rigorous exam.

Another good trick at finding professional DMCs is looking at the local Convention and Visitors Bureau to check if the DMC is a member. This signals the commitment of the DMC and shows they have knowledge, insight, and they are a professional part of the destination.

Did you know Hadler DMC Scandinavia is the first European DMC to become an Accredited Destination Management Company, and is still the only ADMC in Northern Europe? Hadler DMC Scandinavia has since 2014 helped three colleagues earn their DMCP and two earn their CIS. Hadler DMC Scandinavia offers professional MICE services hundreds of destinations across the 7 Nordic countries, with local staff ready to help you create memorable moments for you and your guests.