Following the launch of Ovation Global DMC in June 2007, Incentive World caught up with Managing Directors at Ovation Global DMC, Patrick Delaney and Padraic Gilligan to learn about this exciting new development.

Incentiveworld:
Gentlemen, I’d like to start with a very basic question – what is a DMC?

Pádraic Gilligan:
DMCs or Destination Management  Companies are specialist service organisations offering unique local knowledge, expertise, creativity and, above all, contacts in countries all over the world. They are specialists in the depth of their destination knowledge but also in their strategic understanding of the meetings, incentives, conferences and events industry.

Incentive World:
What benefits does a DMC offer to an agency or a corporate customer? Why use a DMC when information is freely available on-line?

Patrick Delaney:
The truth is in today’s demanding marketplace time is often our most precious asset. A good DMC can save a customer hours and hours of precious time – and money - by providing knowledge, expertise, creativity and contacts that match customer needs precisely and help to deliver solutions that meet corporate objectives.

Incentiveworld:
Tell me about Ovation Global DMC?

Pádraic Gilligan:
Ovation Global DMC is a network of DMCs operating in 12 key destinations around Europe and the Gulf States of the Middle East, all under the same ownership. Currently we have offices in Abu Dhabi/Dubai, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Stockholm/ Gothenberg, Zurich/Geneva, London/Glasgow

We are a team of industry veterans who have lived through the dynamic of an ever-changing industry landscape. We understand intimately the unique power of meetings, incentives, conferences and events to deliver on corporate objectives. We have played, and continue to play, key roles in industry associations locally, nationally and internationally. This year, for example, I am serving as international President for the Society of Incentive and Travel Executives (SITE) Being involved in industry associations keeps us up-to-date with business and industry trends and ensures we are all “well connected”!

Incentiveworld:
But what’s your brand story? What’s your elevator speech?

Patrick Delaney:
This is an excellent question and one to which we have spent a lot of time devising an answer. So, if I met you in an elevator and you asked me “what does Ovation do?” this is what I’d say:
“Ovation connects you to people and places so you can express your message creatively, unambiguously and seamlessly all around the world. We intimately know the places, venues and locations that match your creative and practical requirements and our people there can to help open all the doors so that it's just like working in your own backyard. We have been doing this for many years now and, in the process, we’ve gained an understanding of where you’re coming from – ie, we know that your event has to deliver on objectives that are very specific to you. For this reason we tend not to present you with commoditised solutions but work with you, from first principles, to deliver an event that’s all about you.”

Incentive world:
Do you have a mission statement?

Pádraic Gilligan
Ovation Global DMC is the natural “next step” following over 15 years delivering DMC services in Ireland. Our Ireland operation has always been guided by a clearly articulated vision, mission and values context and this continues into the global network too. Our core belief is expressed in the statement: “People and relationships are the DNA of Ovation Global DMC. Through our openness, passion and expertise we develop your vision and make it happen!” For us being successful in business is all about the people and the relationships which we build both internally and externally. These relationships pivot on mutual respect and this, we have found, is the bedrock of our business success.

Incentiveworld:
What are your plans for 2008 and beyond?

Patrick Delaney:
Our ultimate aim is to achieve global coverage, that is, to have Ovation DMC services available at MICE destinations all over the world. In 2008 we will open offices in Portugal and China and, possibly, India. Our growth will be organic in that we will open offices in respond to customer need and actual destination potential.

Incentiveworld:
What is your message for South African MICE agencies and Corporate Meeting Planners?

Padraic Gilligan:
Our message is simple – the unique Ovation touch is now available at over 20 really exciting destinations, many of which can be reached from South African air hubs on one single flight.