Starting Strong as a DMC Field Staff

By: Devin Hahn, Human Resources Manager

Whether you’re looking to start a career in the meetings and events industry or turn a new page in life, there’s no better way to kick-start your next chapter than by getting your boots on the ground! 🥾 In my role, working closely with our field staff, I’ve seen firsthand how this position offers invaluable experience and opens doors for growth. Getting your foot in the door is a lot easier with some hands-on experience under your belt, and working as field staff gives you a well-rounded understanding of the ins and outs of a DMC. By stepping into this exciting role, you’ll get in-depth destination experience and become an industry pro before you know it!

Diving Into the Industry

Why dip your toes when you can jump in headfirst? Starting in a field staff role offers an amazing ground-level view of the meetings, events, and hospitality industry. You’ll have a better understanding of the operational aspects of a DMC while also gaining a deep knowledge of your destination. This is key to curating an authentic and memorable experience for our clients. These staff members are the backbone of event execution, directly influencing client satisfaction and operational efficiency. The following qualities are crucial to ensuring an exceptional program and client experience, so we prioritize them when hiring field staff. 

Does this sound like you?

• You’re friendly, professional, and attentive, especially under pressure!
• You treat others with dignity and respect.
• You assist and support fellow team members.
• You’re adaptable and flexible, ready to meet any last-minute challenge or unexpected change enthusiastically. 
• You have excellent attention to detail.
• You’re proactive in anticipating others’ needs.
• You have good physical stamina as the role often involves long hours standing, walking, and sometimes lifting.
• You are curious and passionate about maintaining a good, general working knowledge of your local destination, from fun facts to historical events.
• You’re proficient in technology as you will often be asked to use mobile apps, handheld devices, and other communication tools.

Follow In Our Footsteps

“Starting as field staff with 360DG gave me valuable hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the industry since my previous event experience was from the hotel side. It helped me learn the various roles we offer field staff from a different perspective by working with the operations team and other experienced team members. This experience made my transition to staffing coordinator smoother by truly understanding what a DMC does from an operational standpoint.” – Nicolette Checo, Staffing Coordinator

Finding Your Path

Since you’ll be collaborating with pretty much every role within the company, being a field staff can help you navigate that next step on the corporate ladder. Our industry has many career opportunities, and this type of real-world experience is key to succeeding in all of them!

• Field staff often work closely with clients, vendors, and event attendees, which provides hands-on experience with the problem-solving skills and event execution expertise needed in Operations.
• You are often taught to pay attention to detail and think creatively. By doing so, you’ll get an inside look at how we bring a collective vision to life, preparing you for a role in Design and Development.
• Being a team player, working with others, and anticipating their needs are crucial parts of the job. That’s why it’s no wonder that some of our past field staff members end up working in Human Resources.
• If you have in-depth destination knowledge, strong communication skills, and a can-do attitude, you may be interested in an Account Executive role in the future.

Follow In Our Footsteps

“Starting my DMC journey as a field staff opened so many doors for me because it gave me experience in various event planning aspects, including transportation, dine-arounds, evening reception set-up and strikes, and more. Every shift I worked as a field staff member prepared me for the organic next step of becoming a Contract Operations Manager with 360DG.” – Alexa Little, Director of Human Resources

Taking the First Step

Nervous about moving forward? Don’t be! There are many things you can do to prepare yourself before applying for a field staff position. Here are some hot tips from our hotshot team.

• Do your research! Gain an understanding of what a DMC does, including its specialization in local expertise, event planning, transportation, and other activities for groups visiting a destination.
• On your resume or cover letter, leverage any transferable experience in the hospitality, tourism, customer service, or event planning industries.
• Get to know your area’s key DMC and hospitality players, including their services, and join any local industry events or groups.
• Get to know your area’s key DMC and hospitality players, including their services, and join any local industry events or groups.
• Learn about trends in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (AKA MICE) industry.
• Become an expert on your city or destination. Familiarize yourself with the best venues, restaurants, cultural sites, and activities.
• Follow 360DG on Linkedin and other social media platforms to receive immediate notifications about any hiring opportunities near you.
• Connect with current 360DG staff (like those quoted in this article!) on LinkedIn. We have a referral form that staff can use to recommend potential new field staff. Meeting up with a local 360DG-er for coffee could be your first step toward getting hired!

Follow In Our Footsteps

“As a field staff, I had the chance to work closely with drivers, hotel and airport staff, restaurant and venue employees, all those who make this industry successful. Although they often work behind the scenes, they all have a huge impact on the results. In my new role, I am very conscious of the importance of every single person. I always make sure our staff respects everyone and they fully understand the bigger picture of what we do: create relationships!” – Viviana Quintero, Operations Manager

Ready to get started on your next adventure? If you’re interested in becoming a 360 Destination Group field staff member, we want to hear from you! Reach out to your destination’s info email address on our contact page to inquire about current field staff opportunities. Best of luck, and we look forward to hearing from you!