The Association of Destination Management Executives, Dayton, Ohio, is rolling out a new accreditation program that it hopes will simplify the job of sourcing a professionally run, experienced destination management company.

The Accredited Destination Management Company certification will help meeting planners and visitors to identify DMCs that meet established service and performance standards. A sampling of the ADMC standards includes:

• operating as a registered business for a minimum of five years;

• maintaining a permanent, non-residential office with standard business hours;

• providing directly at least four of the five core DMC services: special events, staffing, tours, transportation coordination, and program logistics;

• bringing in 80 percent of the company's revenue from DMC services; and

• staffing the company with at least three full-time employees.

The new designation differs from ADME's Destination Management Certified Professional certification, established in 2001, which accredits individuals, not companies.

More details about ADMC is available at www.adme.org, and the initial deadline for accreditation is September 30. A commission of five industry professionals will review all applications. Companies awarded accreditation in this initial period will earn a Charter Accreditation designation.