How DMC Hotel Partnerships Work for You

By: Holly Potter-Harvey, Director of Sales, North Texas; Shannon Yarbrough, Director of Sales, Orange County; Jackie Ash, CMP, DMCP, CITP, Director of Sales, Los Angeles; Lina Cantillo, Director of Sales, South Florida

The gang’s all here! We decided to poll some of our 360DG destination leaders on how their hotel partnerships enable them to go above and beyond for planners like you. They’ll share the unique value of working with a DMC to find the perfect hotel for your group, from no-sweat negotiations, problem-solving prowess, and behind-the-scenes partner perks. So, let’s bellhop to it!

Q: How do our hotel partnerships give corporate planners that extra edge?

Holly: Negotiation is our superpower. Thanks to our strong hotel relationships, we often get preferential treatment, discounts, and access to exclusive perks that make planners look like rockstars. DMCs can secure deals that stretch your budget further!

Shannon: At 360DG, we operate as an extension of the hotel team. We know each hotel’s operations, rules, in-house inventory, meeting space capabilities, level of service, logistics, and transportation options. This turns the challenge of finding the perfect hotel into a seamless process—because we know how to make it happen.

Jackie: We don’t just know hotels; we know how to make them work for you. Whether it’s turning an underutilized outdoor terrace into a stunning networking space or reimagining a pre-function area as an interactive breakout lounge, our hotel partnerships mean smoother logistics, enhanced flexibility, and exclusive options.

Lina: We’ve been in every ballroom, walked every loading dock, and solved every property’s unique challenges. A DMC’s expertise will guide you to the best fit for your event while sidestepping the headaches.

Q: How does your local hotel knowledge help smooth out challenges or elevate your clients’ programs?

Holly: With direct lines to hotel staff, we can tackle issues in real time without skipping a beat. That means your event runs seamlessly—no hiccups, no headaches.

Shannon: Last-minute bookings in Orange County? Not for the faint of heart. The Anaheim Convention Center has rules that can trip up even the savviest planner, but we know how to navigate them quickly and get everything greenlit.

Jackie: Picture this: you need to flip a packed ballroom at the Fairmont Century Plaza from a theater-style general session to an unforgettable after-party—in two hours. No sweat! The hotel’s event team, our 360DG crew, and trusted vendors will work in perfect sync to transform the space.

Lina: One client dreamed of an awards dinner on the beach… during hurricane season. Not ideal! Knowing their guests wouldn’t be comfortable if it rained, we worked with the hotel to create the perfect Plan B: a beachside cocktail hour followed by an indoor, waterfront, air-conditioned space for the formal part of the evening. Comfortable guests, happy client, and no umbrellas required!

Q: What behind-the-scenes hotel knowledge makes the biggest difference in pulling off a flawless program?

Holly: Working with in-house AV teams. This has its perks—like free access to equipment lifts or wiggle room with exclusivity clauses. These little things save money, time, and plenty of headaches for our clients.

Shannon: Knowing the hotel rules and logistics is key. A good DMC plans for everything: extended load-ins, vendor requirements, and whether that custom archway will actually fit in the freight elevator. No surprises, just smooth sailing.

Jackie: We know which hotel loading docks can handle quick turnarounds, which banquet teams anticipate every need, and which service elevators will get your AV setup in place faster. These elements make all the difference in delivering the wow factor for your guests.

Lina: It’s not just about the hotel—it’s about the neighborhood. From noise ordinances to lighting restrictions (shoutout to turtle nesting season!), understanding these local nuances ensures nothing throws your event off course. The details might be small, but the impact is huge.

Q: Who are a few of your top hotel partners and what makes them stand out?

Holly: The Loews Arlington and Live! By Loews are a dream team. They value our partnership as much as we value theirs, and that mutual respect makes magic happen. Together, we create seamless experiences you just can’t get anywhere else.

Shannon: The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, The Resort at Pelican Hill, and the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach are basically our ride-or-dies. They get us, they get our clients, and they always go above and beyond to deliver.

Jackie: The Beverly Hilton, Shutters on the Beach, and the Four Seasons Los Angeles bring an unmatched level of dedication and teamwork to our events. From big-picture planning to tiny details, these teams just get it.

Lina: When my clients need a high-end experience with exceptional service, I look to Loews Miami Beach, Loews Coral Gables, 1 Hotel South Beach, and the Ritz Naples because I know that together we can deliver!

Working with a DMC with in-depth local knowledge and deep hotel partnerships makes all the difference. Together, our teams can anticipate your needs, maximize our creativity, and harness otherwise unseen opportunities. Loop your DMC in on your site visit to ensure every detail comes together for a cohesive, elevated experience from the jump. Trust us—this is teamwork at its best!

We live and breathe each destination from sunrise to sunset and know how to bring your brightest ideas to light. Contact us to help you find the ideal hotel partner for your next event. We can’t wait!