In an era of transparent ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting, demonstrating genuine sustainability is a key opportunity to enhance your brand’s reputation. The success of your sustainability goals, along with your professional credibility, hinges on the due diligence you perform on your partners.
The solution is to know precisely what to demand. This guide provides a framework for vetting a Destination Management Company (DMC) to ensure they are a true partner in building your event’s positive legacy.
1. Look Beyond the Checklist: Scrutinize Their Sustainability Framework
A committed partner’s strategy is integrated, not isolated. It should be built on clear pillars that address the full scope of their impact.
Environmental Action: Move past vague promises. Demand specifics on sustainable venue sourcing, data-backed waste reduction strategies, and tools like carbon calculators that align with global standards like the GHG Protocol.
Social Responsibility: An event’s impact on its host community is a critical measure of success. Ask how your DMC actively invests in the local economy, champions diversity, and integrates authentic, respectful community engagement into their programs.
2. Demand Verifiable Proof: The Core of Due Diligence
Claims without proof are a red flag. A transparent and serious DMC will readily provide evidence of its commitment. This is where you separate the leaders from the laggards.
Global Certifications: Independent, third-party certifications are the clearest proof of a company’s commitment. This dedication is demonstrated by multiple Ovation offices holding prestigious sustainability credentials:
Ovation Spain DMC, Ovation France DMC, and Ovation Arabia DMC hold the ISO 20121 for Sustainable Event Management, while Ovation Denmark DMC is recognized with the Green Key environmental certification. This isn’t just a stamp; it’s an audited assurance of competence that informs us of high standards for all our global offices
A Proactive and Ethical Supply Chain: The most significant impact and risk lies in the supply chain. A truly dedicated DMC is not just selecting sustainable suppliers; they are actively developing them. As Sonia Nicolau, Procurement & Sustainability Director at Ovation Spain DMC, puts it:
“A DMC’s role today extends beyond logistics; we are catalysts for change in the destinations we operate. True sustainability isn’t just about our own certifications—it’s about actively partnering with and elevating our entire supply chain. We are pushing our local partners to align with global standards because that is the only way to guarantee our clients a truly responsible and impactful end-to-end experience.”
Alignment with Global Imperatives: Ensure your partner’s strategy is informed by global best practices. For a deeper understanding of what event sustainability entails, refer to authoritative resources like the Sustainable Event Standards from the Events Industry Council (EIC), the global voice for the business events industry. A knowledgeable partner will be familiar with and inspired by these frameworks.
3. Confirm Global Consistency for Local Impact
Your standards for excellence should not be dependent on geography. A global DMC with a unified sustainability protocol ensures you receive the same rigor, quality, and assurance in every destination. This structure allows for the seamless execution of responsible events that are both globally consistent and authentically local.
Let’s Build Your Legacy, Together.
Choosing your DMC is a strategic decision that directly affects your event’s ESG outcome. It requires a partner who can mitigate risk, navigate complexity, and deliver a guaranteed standard of quality.
If you are ready to move from pledges to proven impact, Ovation Global DMC is ready to collaborate. Let us help you design an experience that meets your objectives, inspires your attendees, and builds a legacy of positive change.
Contact Us to Secure a Partner for Your Next Responsible Event.