Destination Event Services

Planning corporate and incentive programs in New York City

Visitors to New York are the focus of Destination Event Services, shortened to DES, a destination management firm in the city. It reports more than twenty years in the field, handling special events for overseas and domestic groups, incentive travelers and corporate meetings worldwide. The company was set up to serve the incentive and corporate markets with, in its words, innovative and unparalleled service, and it also plans events in other major US cities.

An idea built on how people travel

The firm's premise is that people travel to connect with other cultures and to explore a place the way a local would. DES therefore builds a network of one-of-a-kind experiences in the destination a client selects, each meant to reflect the city's character while keeping consistent standards of hospitality. For New York it promises privileged access to well-known landmarks, restaurants, hotels and entertainment, together with lesser-known places that locals favor. It contrasts its approach with other operators by offering creative concepts that build a defined city experience around each group.

Working through a program with the client

DES says it works alongside the client on every part of program development. That starts with the meeting goals and objectives, then moves through reviewing and selecting experience options, venues and entertainment. It lists its mission as staying in touch with the client company, the end client and the staff around the clock throughout a program, so that details are not dropped.

What a program can include

The range of services it lists is wide:

• Sports experiences, including meet-the-athlete sessions, and team-building activities
• Fashion experiences
• Culinary experiences, including meet-the-chef events
• Fine dining, and evenings out at the opera, the ballet or on Broadway
• Specialty vehicles and other ground transportation
• Event staffing and logistics support
• Entertainment, creative and decor services
• Community and social responsibility activities that can be built into a program

Image and presentation

The company adds that it follows changes in how people communicate, and says it uses technology and new strategies to achieve strong visual effects at an event, since it sees itself as representing the personal image of its clients. Its intake begins by listening to what the client needs and attending to each detail, and it describes its aim as exceeding the expectations most visitors bring to New York.

Destination Event Services is a destination management company based in New York City. It plans programmes of experiences, events and logistics for visitors to a city, for corporate, incentive and meeting clients from around the world.

Services

• Destination management: full programme planning, from setting meeting goals to choosing experiences, venues and entertainment.
• Experiences: sports and team-building experiences, fashion experiences, culinary and meet-the-chef sessions, and fine dining or shows such as opera, ballet or Broadway.
• Transport and staffing: specialty vehicles, transport, and logistical and event staffing support.
• Entertainment and design: creative concepts, entertainment and decor services.
• Community services: social responsibility activities that can be included in a programme.

Clients

International, domestic, incentive and corporate meeting clients.

Key facts

• Based in: New York City
• Experience: over 20 years in destination management and special events