Member Types
ADME’s Mission is to increase the professionalism and effectiveness of destination management through member and industry education, establishment of standard ethical practices and promotion of the value of the industry to the general public. In support of this Mission, ADME has adopted the following:
Executive
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Management Designate of a parent organization of a DMC that has been in existence for at least two (2) years. May vote on all issues and officers/directors of ADME
Active
CEO (or designate) of a subsidiary DMC owned by an Executive Member/Designate of an eligible DMC or Affiliate. Additionally, a CEO or Owner of a DMC that has met all requirements of Executive Membership status, with the exception of the two (2) years in business stipulation, is also eligible. Upon achieving the required years in business, member must upgrade to Executive Membership by paying the required additional dues at the next anniversary date. Voting rights include all issues, with the exception of Executive Orders, Bylaws, and Elections.
Affiliate
Representatives of firms and individual executives engaged in providing products and services related to the conduct and operation of Destination Management Companies and the services they implement, who are not otherwise eligible for Executive or Active membership.
Associate
Employee, agent or representative of an entity that has at least one Executive, Affiliate, or Active member in good standing who is working at the same business location as the Executive, Active, or Affiliate member. No voting rights are connected with this category; however, this category of member may participate in membership benefit programs sponsored by ADME and may attend the annual meeting at the member fee.
Faculty
Individuals employed as faculty in graduate or undergraduate academic programs in Destination Management and having met one of the following requirements; currently teaching at least two classes per semester; or currently teaching at least one class per quarter; or at least four classes in the past academic year.
Student
Individuals enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate academic program directly related to Destination Management for at least six quarter or semester hours. Verification of enrollment is required.
Membership
Requirements
ADME members must meet certain requirements before they can become members of the organization. This assures a quality membership of dedicated professionals. In turn, this reassures the meeting and events management professional that companies chosen will perform the services at the highest possible level.
The primary criterion is to have a company that can be defined as a DMC. The definition of a DMC Company, as published in ADMExpressions, May 1997 and reprinted annually in the ADME Membership Directory is: A professional services company possessing extensive local knowledge, expertise and resources, specializing in the design and implementation of events, activities, tours, transportation and program logistics.
If your company fits the definition of a Destination Management Company, then you have met the first membership requirement. The remainder of the requirements are:
- Business must be a member of local Convention & Visitors Bureau or Chamber of Commerce if no CVB exists
- Primary focus of legal entity of company must be that of destination management
- Company must provide 4 out of 5 key services listed: Events, Activities, Tours, Transportation and Program Logistics
- Company must carry a minimum of $1M in general liability insurance.
ADME Members are committed to Code of Ethical Conduct. The Association of Destination Management Executives represents the highest levels of Professional and Ethical behavior in the travel, tourism, convention and meetings industry. The association has adopted the Code of Ethical Conduct and its members use them as standards of honorable behavior by which they may evaluate their relationships with their organizations, suppliers, and colleagues.
Benefits
ADME is the one place where you will find a voice for the DMC industry, and only the DMC industry.
We are committed to providing educational and networking opportunities for all members. As an ADME member you'll be part of the ADME web site, with "hotlinks" to all major industry web locations. You will receive our periodic e-newsletter, ADME Quick Notes, featuring information on current trends in our industry, business tips, salary averages, and much more. You will be able to participate at the annual meeting held each Winter. ADME members are listed in the online membership directory, used by potential clients to find DMCs. This directory is regularly promoted to major industry associations and publications.
- Education designed for Destination Management executives
- Networking with peers in a noncompetitive environment
- Representation within the travel/tourism industry
- Advocacy at the legislative level
- Establishment of a professional code of ethics
- Certification program for destination management professionals
- Accreditation of DMCs
- Periodic e-newsletter
- Annual meeting each winter
- Leadership opportunities
- Opportunities to shape the DMC profession by working on ADME committees
- Access to member only information
- Inclusion in online Member Directory