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Becoming Accredited

Becoming an ADMEI Accredited DMC is a process. It includes paying a fee, completing a detailed application, and uploading documentation.  

Think you might qualify for accrediation but not sure?  Let us walk you through the application process to see if you are eligible. We are here to help! Contact ADMEI to set up a time to meet. Or, call +1-512-551-0234.

Accreditation FEES*

Accreditation Application

DMC must be in business for at least five (5) years.

Member            $    800.00
Non Member   $  1,600.00

Accreditation Application - Fast Track

A DMC may "fast track" if it has been in business for at least 3 years and is owned or was started as an expansion office by an existing ADMC in good standing.

Member            $  1,050.00
Non Member   $  2,100.00

* Fees includes first year accreditation fee. 

The application form is fairly detailed and includes:

  1. Contact information for primary contact, chief operating officer, etc.
  2. Operational Status Information
  3. Corporate Status of the DMC
  4. Scope of DMC Activities
  5. Documentation Uploads

Download sample Accreditation Application

A document uploads are required toward the end of the application.  The application can be saved and continued.

Document Submission Guidelines
  • Documents should all be in PDF format.
  • Submit current documents within 30 days of submitting application.
  • Document Nomenclature - Use the item number and the bold words in each of the items below followed by the DMC name.
    (example:  1. Articles of Incorporation - XYZ Company)
Document List
  1. A copy of the company’s Articles of Incorporation OR
    1. DMC is not incorporated and will provide a copy of the company’s charter or other governing document that shows evidence that the DMC is a recognized business entity and is in good standing in its state of domicile.
    2. The DMC is a non-US applicant and will provide an equivalent document that the DMC is a recognized business entity and is in good standing at the location of business.
  2. Documentation of tax law compliance or Certificate of Good Standing from the state in which the DMC is incorporated, or has its principal office, and for each DMC office, branch, subsidiary, and affiliate. (if different from the state/province/country in which the DMC is incorporated, when required by law.) Note that accreditation can only be granted to offices of the DMC in states/provinces/countries from which a Documentation of tax law compliance or Certificate of Good Standing is provided.
  3. Balance sheet current within 90 days of application attesting to the company’s financial status or a letter of financial standing from your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent.
  4. Bankruptcy resolution (if applicable)
  5. Lawsuit(s) resolution (if applicable)
  6. Membership certificates of applicable Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB)/Destination Organization (DO), Tourist Bureau, local Chamber of Commerce organization.
  7. Certificates of insurance/evidence of general liability coverage in the amount of $2 million that are in DMC name and not in the name of the clients.
  8. Formal organizational chart noting all company positions and the hierarchy within the company.
  9. Written job descriptions for all job functions noted within the organizational chart. This must include education and experience requirements for each position.
  10. A representative sample service contract (fees and other sensitive information should be deleted)
  11. A representative sample survey.
  12. Download Declaration and Release with Principal/Officer signature.

The application and the supporting documents are reviewed by staff and then sent out for review by the Commission. To ensure confidentiality and no bias, independent Accrediation Commissioners are appointed to review each Accrediation application. If the Commission approves, the DMC will have earned ADMEI Accredited DMC status.

Once a DMC has earned Accreditation, its membership category is upgraded to Accredited DMC Member, and the annual maintenance fee of $250 is billed along with your membership dues. (The non-member annual maintenance fee is $500.) Also each year, ADMEI Accredited DMCs must provide either a completed Reaffirmation application or a Renewal application, depending on the year of accreditation. A sample cycle is provided below.

  • Year 0 (e.g. 2022) Accreditation was earned. Accreditation expiration set to 12/31/2025
  • Year 1 (e.g. 2023) – Reaffirmation application (reaffirming that everything originally submitted is still true)
  • Year 2 (e.g. 2024) – Reaffirmation application (reaffirming that everything originally submitted is still true)
  • Year 3 (e.g. 2025) – Renewal application plus the updated required documents that were submitted with the initial application.

This cycle continues as long as Accreditation status is held. ADMEI sends reminders to each ADMEI Accredited DMC to Reaffirm / Renew each year. Failure to complete the appropriate form will put the DMC out of compliance.

If at any time there is a change in ownership, a Change of Ownership application will need to be completed. ($125) This is similar to a Reaffirmation but captures the necessary changes that have occurred.