About Summit Events
When it comes to Destination Management in Utah, Summit Events knows what works. We understand the unique challenges planners face when organizing meetings and events. Through our local knowledge and relationships, we partner with our clients to customize programs that exceed expectations. Our vision at Summit Events is simple: we want our clients to fall in love with the places WE love by elevating the attendee experience. How do we do that? We let our clients in on the best-kept secrets our destinations have to offer and make sure they’re completely, utterly, entirely and fully satisfied with every aspect of the Summit Events Experience. Period.
Meet the Team
Laura Falter
Sales Coordinator
Kristyn “Syd” Hancock
Senior Sales Manager
Heidi Hughes, CMP
Senior Program Manager
Alayna Hurt
Program Manager
Sasha Koller
Program Manager
Andrea Kontos
Director of Operations
Melodie Lyman Smith
Operations Coordinator
Dave March
General Manager | Partner
Amy Martin
Sales / Business Dev. Manager
Renee Podber
Program Manager
Pamela Shields, CMP
Sales Manager
Kristin Vance
Program Manager
Rob Walsh, CMP, DMCP
President | Partner
“Summit Events has their finger on the pulse! We view Summit as an extension of our core production team and we value and trust them in every respect.“
Experiential Director, Vox Media
What is a DMC?
Destination Management Company
A professional services company possessing extensive local knowledge, expertise and resources, specializing in the design and implementation of events, activities, tours, transportation and program logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should I Work With A DMC?
Summit Events connects YOU, your goals and attendees with the vendors local to your destination. You benefit from our knowledge of local products, service quality and reliability. Our team will negotiate contracts on your behalf, always keeping your best interests and budget in mind. Summit Events can leverage its relationships and purchasing power to provide the highest quality of service in a cost-effective manner.
How Does Summit Events Make Money?
Summit Events charges a fee for our services. We’ve invested years getting to know our destinations, nurturing our relationships with local vendors and figuring out what works best. We think this knowledge and our local know-how is worth a fee. This fee can be represented in the form of a “Service Fee” or a “Management Fee” based on the time invested in your program or scope of our services.
Can I Call Local Vendors Directly?
Yes, absolutely. We only ask that you let us know if you intend to contact local vendors yourself so that we may proceed with your proposal, costing or program operation accordingly.
Are You A Concierge?
Not really. Typically, a hotel concierge specializes in making recommendations and reservations for individual travelers and families … and it ends there. We partner with groups on pre-planning, event production, event execution and program reconciliations.
Am I Protected When Using Summit Events
Yes. On top of the insurance carried by Summit Events, we work with only the best vendors and ensure that they carry all the appropriate license, insurance and personnel needed.
What If My Program Cancels?
If your program cancels, we will be happy to refund your money less any non-refundable deposits. When applicable, a modest fee may be requested for our time and company resources spent on your behalf.
What Is Your Process?
First, we want to get to know you and your group’s unique needs. This is done during an intake session over the phone or in person during a site inspection. Once we understand your group needs, we look for unique and creative ways to fulfill those needs via a proposal and line item costing. If you decide that we’re the right fit for your group, we ask for a contract and deposit. At this time, your program moves into the “program planning” phase of the process. Here, you work closely with one of our talented Program Managers to fine-tune your program, working with you during the operation and finally reconciling a final bill once your program is complete. Our goal is a totally satisfied client that wants to come back and tell all their friends.
Are There Any Hidden Fees?
No. Before you sign a contract or send a deposit to us, we present you with a line item budget inclusive of all the services you’ve requested. Within the line item budget we account for local taxes, services fees, surcharges and estimated “on consumption” items.
Of course, in the planning process, the budget can and often does change. We will notify you of these changes and adjust accordingly. We pride ourselves on the accuracy of our line item budgets … because we know that no one likes surprises.