Home › Business kits › Professional and online services
Event planners need the basic DTI, barangay, mayor's permit and BIR steps. The extra one is DOT accreditation as a MICE Organizer, for those who organize congresses, conventions, meetings or exhibitions for a fee. The DOT text does not say this is mandatory. What owners miss: MICE renewals run only from April 1 to June 30, and late renewals pay a 25% surcharge.[1]
Does DOT accreditation apply to you?
DOT defines a MICE Organizer as an entity managing or organizing congresses, conventions, meetings, exhibitions or similar events for a fee. DOT's guidelines do not say whether accreditation is required.[1]
Weddings, debuts and birthday parties are not named in that definition. If you plan mostly private parties, accreditation is less likely to matter. If you bid for company conventions or government events, ask the client if they require a DOT-accredited organizer.
Cost and the renewal window
The DOT fee table lists ₱1,400 for Regular accreditation and ₱2,100 for the higher tier, plus ₱300 for the sticker. Regular accreditation is valid 2 years and renewable. MICE renewals run from April 1 to June 30, and late renewal adds 25% of the accreditation fee.[1]
Confirm with DOT which fee applies to you before you budget.
Your suppliers' permits are your problem too
When something goes wrong at an event, the client calls you. Ask caterers for their sanitary permit and staff health certificates, and ask venues for their fire safety certificate. Put payment terms, cancellation rules and supplier responsibilities in writing. For food partners, see the catering kit.
Before you book your first client
- Decide if you will handle private parties, corporate events or both.
- If you bid for conventions, ask clients if DOT accreditation is required.
- Write a client contract with deposit, payment schedule and cancellation terms.
- Ask each caterer for their sanitary permit and health certificates.
- Ask venues for their fire safety inspection certificate.
- If accredited, mark April 1 to June 30 on your calendar for renewal.
Questions people ask
- Is DOT accreditation required for event planners?
- DOT's guidelines define MICE Organizers and set fees, but do not say accreditation is mandatory. Treat it as optional unless DOT or your client says otherwise.
- How much is DOT MICE accreditation?
- The fee table lists ₱1,400 for Regular and ₱2,100 for the higher tier, plus ₱300 for the sticker.
- How long does accreditation last?
- Regular accreditation is valid 2 years. MICE renewals are filed from April 1 to June 30.
- Do wedding planners need DOT accreditation?
- Weddings are not named in DOT's MICE Organizer definition. Ask DOT if your work counts as similar events.
Sources
Checked 13 November 2026. We link the agency's own page for every requirement. Rules change; confirm with the office before you pay.
- DOT Guidelines on the Progressive Accreditation System (approved 19 March 2018) · Department of Tourism (Supreme Court E-Library copy) · 19 March 2018
The extra permits, in one table
| Permit or registration | Agency | When it applies | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOT accreditation as MICE Organizer (event organizer for a fee)[1] | DOT | if organizing conventions, meetings, exhibitions or similar events and seeking DOT accreditation | PHP 1,400 (Regular) / PHP 2,100 (higher tier) + PHP 300 sticker |
| MICE Organizer definition[1] | DOT | Always | Not published |
| Regular accreditation valid 2 years; MICE renewals April 1 to June 30[1] | DOT | renewal | 25% late surcharge |
| Late renewal surcharge 25% of accreditation fee[1] | DOT | if renewing late | 25% of fee |