David Freeman, DMCP, CMP, introduced consumers to brown sugar-flavored oatmeal; he’s the 24th member of the American Rabbit Breeders Hall of Fame; oh, and he’s an incredible DMC Network partner, and a past DMC Network board president and treasurer!
David, now the President of Accent on Cincinnati, can add past roles such as “Flavor Chemist” and “Rabbit Convention General Chairman” to his storied resume. However, it’s David’s time as a DMC entrepreneur — a career he’s pursued ever since he purchased Accent on Cincinnati in 1986 — that has been his focus for nearly four decades. David says he’s never looked back and does not regret his DMC commitment for one minute.
We’re not the only ones impressed with all David has achieved. David will be honored with a Hall of Fame & Lifetime Achievement award from ADMEI later this month on the last day of ADMEI’s Annual Conference February 24-26 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Before we celebrate with David in-person, we wanted to find out more about what David has enjoyed about being a DMC owner and a DMC Network partner.
“My entire 36-year experience has been a great memory!”
When asked to share any standout moments from his time with Accent on Cincinnati, David said:
[We’ve] partnered with the Cincinnati Convention Bureau, the City of Cincinnati, local corporations, festivals, fundraisers and conventions through those years and it has all been great. We participated in Cincinnati’s bicentennial celebration in 1988, the World Choir games, the Major League All-Star baseball game, the University of Cincinnati football program during an undefeated season this year, and with the Cincinnati Bengals on their way to the 2022 Super Bowl. Every project was unique and different, but special in every case.
The company has come a long way and we have a great staff who just keep making us better. We survived every downturn and bump along the way and have never had to lay off or furlough a single employee — I am very proud of that.
“DMC Network members really are the best of the best”
David has been an integral part of the DMC Network since he first purchased his DMC, originally called Tourcrafters. He remembers:
Since I was new to the industry, it was a great benefit for me to learn from many of the best DMCs across the country. Now that the DMC Network has expanded across the globe, it is an even more powerful consortium to be affiliated with and to learn from.
“If you love what you are doing, then be a sponge”
We also had to ask such a seasoned DMC partner for advice on how all of us can continue to grow our careers. David shared:
Learn every aspect of the DMC industry. Jump at chances to attend ADMEI or DMC Network meetings, or any other industry educational opportunities. Learn all you can and give it 100% because you will learn, grow, and go far. If you get a chance, study and earn your DMCP, CMP or any other certification you can.
“A dynamic blend of arts, architecture, sports, and entertainment”
Finally, we couldn’t let David pass on the chance to show off his destination. Here’s what he said makes Cincinnati a winning event location:
Cincinnati is a dynamic blend of arts, architecture, sports and entertainment; an easy and safe city to get around in, and everything is on a moderate budget. We are on a fantastic sports high with the Bengals in the Super Bowl and the University of Cincinnati Bearcats making the championship playoffs in college/NCAA Football. The Reds are the oldest professional baseball team and we have MLS Soccer with FC Cincinnati. There is artwork throughout the city, with several great art museums and murals on dozens of buildings throughout downtown. There are plenty of dining options and, like many cities, micro-breweries by the hundreds. We are cozy, convenient and have something for everyone.
We’re grateful to David for making the DMC Network a significant part of his events career. We are so excited to cheer him on, along with Accent on Cincinnati and our other ADMEI Award-nominated DMC partners, in Boston next week!
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