DMCs – New Models for the Future?

by Padraic Gilligan, Managing Partner, SoolNua Since this blog began over two years ago I’ve posted a number of times on the evolving world of DMCs. These posts were then gathered together using the excellent Publicate and posted with the title “How important are DMC’s in today’s marketplace?” on the Site Global Linkedin Group. I’m… Read more »

Malaga – authentic Andalucian charm for Meetings and Events

by Padraic Gilligan, Managing Partner, SoolNua That I couldn’t locate a pub in downtown Malaga showing either Arsenal v Everton or Ireland v Italy was intensely frustrating. The first match was a quarter final cup clash against strong opposition and Arsenal were to score 4 glorious goals to progress to the FA cup semi-final. Ireland… Read more »

Can DMCs protect their intellectual property? ADMEI14

by Padraic Gilligan, Managing Partner, SoolElla The best laid plans of MICE and men… I should be writing this blog post from Washington DC where the Association of Destination Management Executives International (ADMEI) is holding its annual conference. However, severe weather on East Coast USA caused my plans to be abandoned – having reached Boston… Read more »

5 steps to success for Destination Management Companies

by Padraic Gilligan, Vice President, Ovation Global DMC The debate about the future of Destination Management Companies has crossed the Atlantic and has generated good commentary on the pages at MeetPie, the  excellent on-line platform of CAT Publications, publishers of Meetings and Incentive Travel magazine amongst others. In his comment there my good friend David… Read more »

Athens, Greece: open for business meetings and events

by Padraic Gilligan, Vice President of Industry Relations, MCI and Vice President of Ovation Global DMC Athens Greece – wide open for business meetings Do a Google search for Athens and you’ll get more results for the town in Georgia, that spawned REM (the thinking person’s rock group) than the city in Europe that gave… Read more »

Geeks, Trojans and lessons from Mad Men (for DMCs)

by Padraic Gilligan, Vice President, Ovation Global DMC Padraic is disappointed I’ve posted twice recently on technology and the DMC sector and while there has been some reaction and commentary I admit to being somewhat disappointed by the overall response. Maybe it’s silly season ennui or vacation time detachment but other than some Retweets, Tahira’s… Read more »

Bodrum: Wonders Never Cease!

by Padraic Gilligan, Vice President, Ovation Global DMC Bodrum used to be called Halicarnassus, was the birthplace of Herodotus, the father of History and was home to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world – the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. I learned this from classical scholar and teacher, Pádraic O’Sullivan, under an azure sky… Read more »

The Value of Meetings Industry Associations – Site at 40

by Padraic Gilligan, Vice President, MCI and Vice President, Ovation Global DMC I have always believed in “giving back”. One of the easiest ways to do this is to participate in industry associations. The meetings industry space is well populated with associations seeking your membership so it’s sometimes difficult to decide where to spend your… Read more »

Montreal = Arcade Fire? / Final Night at ADMEI

by Padraic Gilligan, Vice President, Ovation Global DMC Montreal = Arcade Fire  The blizzard abated, the snow stopped falling and clear blue skies returned to Montreal. Thus I was coaxed out of the warm cosiness of the Sheraton into the streets of the city hoping to experience something of its personality, its uniqueness, its soul…. Read more »

Destination Branding a la Montreal – More Tales of ADMEI

by Padraic Gilligan, Vice President, Ovation Global DMC It’s not what I say about my brand, it’s what you say about it. The first session at most industry events features a word of welcome from the destination’s official authorities – someone from the Ministry of Tourism, the Chair of the CVB, the Mayor etc. It’s… Read more »