The most undervalued ingredient in selecting the right DMC

Our take here at Cohera: Operational strength is the single most overlooked and undervalued ingredient a top destination management company (DMC) needs to deliver for any program. A DMC can deliver jaw-dropping creative ideas, but if they can’t operate successfully, none of those creative decor ideas or corporate event themes matter.

Creative ideas matter. Inspired themes matter. Beautiful design matters. But without disciplined, thoughtful operations behind them, even the most imaginative concepts fall flat. Execution is what transforms ideas into experiences that actually work.

Operations as a full-circle experience

When we think about operations, we don’t see isolated moments—we see a continuous cycle that begins at contract signature and extends well beyond the final farewell. Strong operations touch every phase of a program, and each phase matters just as much as the next.

Here are five operational moments we believe every planner should examine when evaluating a DMC.

From sales to operations—without the hand-off headaches

A seamless program starts with a seamless transition. How does information move from the sales team to the operations team? Are key details carried forward accurately, or lost in translation?

At Cohera, we involve operations early—often during site visits—and treat the final contract as a living document that guides execution. Fewer handoffs. Fewer assumptions. Better outcomes.

Vendor agreements that protect the bigger picture

A DMC’s vendor relationships are only as strong as the agreements behind them. Planners should feel confident that vendor contracts reflect the same standards, confidentiality, and accountability outlined in the client agreement. Alignment here protects the integrity of the entire program.

Field staff who know the assignment

Field staff may support multiple programs across multiple partners, which makes training and alignment essential. Clear expectations, consistent onboarding, and destination-specific guidance ensure that every interaction reflects the program’s intent—not just generic support.

Dedicated operations leadership on-site

During a live program, focus matters. We believe an operations manager should be fully dedicated to one program at a time—not juggling competing priorities. That level of attention allows for faster decisions, smoother adjustments, and calmer problem-solving when it matters most.

What happens after the event still matters

Strong operations don’t end when the last guest departs. Post-program surveys, recap reports, internal knowledge sharing, and streamlined contracting for future programs all contribute to better experiences down the line. A DMC that learns from every program is a DMC that continuously improves.

Why it all adds up

Great operations aren’t flashy—but they’re foundational. They’re what allow creative ideas to shine, guests to feel cared for, and planners to trust that every detail has been accounted for.

When you’re evaluating a DMC, don’t just ask what they can dream up. Ask how they bring it to life.