SmithBucklin + MCI Form Strategic Partnership with DMAI and the Destination Marketing Industry
CHICAGO - Sept. 18, 2006 – SmithBucklin, the world's largest association management company, announced today that the SmithBucklin + MCI Global Partnership has formed an elite Alliance Partner relationship with Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI). Alliance Partner status is reserved for a select group of service and product providers that are valuable resources for destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and make a significant investment in the association.
SmithBucklin joined together with MCI in February 2006 to create the SmithBucklin + MCI Global Partnership, delivering seamless association and event management services worldwide. MCI is the foremost global association, communications and event management company with 14 offices throughout Europe and Asia.
"This partnership with DMAI solidifies a relationship we have long fostered with hundreds of DMOs," said SmithBucklin Chairman and CEO Henry S. Givray. "Over the years, DMAI members have played an important role in helping us create extraordinary value for our client organizations."
"We are pleased to show our commitment to the destination marketing industry and look forward to a long, productive future working together," said Roger Tondeur, MCI President. MCI has also been selected to open a DMAI office in Brussels and spearhead the expansion of DMAI's international presence.
"SmithBucklin and MCI have proven to be unparalleled partners to the DMO community. They have created a culture of respect and friendship with DMOs and have keenly tapped into the valuable resource DMOs provide meeting professionals and their clients," remarked DMAI President & CEO Michael D. Gehrisch. "We are honored that the SmithBucklin + MCI Global Partnership has chosen DMAI as the first and only industry organization that they support with a substantial financial contribution. Their involvement with DMAI underscores their belief that DMOs are the strength of the meetings and conventions industry."
In February 2006, the DMAI Foundation awarded its annual Spirit of Hospitality Award to SmithBucklin for its continued support of destination marketing organizations.
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About SmithBucklin
SmithBucklin is the world's largest association management and professional services company providing flexible, tailored full-service management and function/project-specific services to more than 235 trade associations, professional societies, technology user groups, government institutes/agencies and corporations. SmithBucklin's mission is to drive growth and build sustained competitiveness for client organizations. Founded in 1949, the company employs 750 professionals specializing in all phases of association activity including executive management, member and chapter administration, convention and trade show management, marketing and branding, Web services, education and programs, government relations and financial management. SmithBucklin manages more than $200 million in annual client budgets from offices in Chicago, Washington, DC, St. Louis and Durham, NC. SmithBucklin is 100% employee owned. For more information, please visit www.smithbucklin.com or call 1.800.539.9740.
About MCI
Founded in 1987, MCI is the foremost pan-European association, communications and event management company with offices in Brussels (Belgium), Petersfield/London (UK), Geneva, Zurich (Switzerland), Paris and Lyon (France), Berlin and Stuttgart (Germany), Barcelona and Madrid (Spain) and Singapore. MCI is a thought leader in building community around brands, products, services, companies and institutions. The company employs 350 people and its turnover by year-end 2004 was 83,7 M€ (CHF 129,7 M). For more information please visit www.mci-group.com.
About SmithBucklin + MCI Global Partnership
The SmithBucklin + MCI Global Partnership delivers seamless association and event management services throughout the world. The Partnership sets the industry standard for service excellence by bringing together U.S.-based SmithBucklin, the world's largest association management company, and MCI, the foremost global association, communications and event management company. With nearly 1,000 professionals in 18 offices around the world, the Partnership affords associations, corporations, and government institutions and agencies with ready-access to leading expertise, as well as unmatched purchasing and negotiation power. The Partnership delivers services in association management, creative production and special event management, professional conference organization, marketing and communications, meeting and conference management, and incentive travel. Association management services include executive management, member and chapter administration, convention and trade show management, marketing and branding, Web services, education and programs, government relations and financial management. For more information, please visit www.smithbucklinmci.com or call +1.312.321.5179 in North America or +32.2.7434435 in Europe.
About Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI)
DMAI represents 1,300+ professional members from 600+ destination marketing organizations throughout more than 25 countries. Called the International Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus until August 2005, the association has worked to enhance the professionalism, effectiveness and image of destination marketing organizations since 1914. Get updated information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at www.destinationmarketing.org or call +1.202.296.7888.
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