Inspiring Conversations with Donna Allen and Nicole Lessard of The Destination Manager

Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Allen and Nicole Lessard.

Hi Donna and Nicole, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Our journey is really a story of complementary strengths coming together to reshape how destination management is done.

Nicole began in Boston as a professional meeting planner, where she built her foundation in hospitality and logistics. That foundation expanded significantly when she moved to Scottsdale and joined The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort. It was there that she truly honed her passion for hospitality and refined her skills in the luxury travel sector, helping to innovate internal destination services and elevate operational systems. In 2009, she joined The Destination Manager (TDM) in an operations role and eventually grew into the Director role, leading a team of 8+ Operations Managers. Over the years, she has helped build a service-driven, efficient operational backbone that continues to support our evolving creative vision.

At the same time, Donna, a graduate of the Art Institute of Phoenix, brought her design expertise into the mix. What started as a creative experiment to internalize event design quickly grew into something much more impactful. She translated her background in interior design into event design, assembling a team of creatives and helping shape what’s now known as TDM’s “organic design” approach – marrying strategic thinking with aesthetics, form, and function.

Today, as Co-Presidents, we lead The Destination Manager with a shared vision: combining operational excellence with intentional, innovative design to deliver destination experiences that are both seamless and unforgettable.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like many companies, we’ve weathered some tough times; none more demanding than keeping the business afloat during the pandemic and rebuilding much of our team in its aftermath. These experiences tested us in ways we never anticipated, forcing us to adapt quickly, think creatively, and push beyond what we thought possible.

Interestingly, what’s been our biggest challenge is also what sets us apart – the need to lead in every area of our industry: from design and style to innovation and logistics. Staying at the forefront means constantly evolving, but we’ve never lost sight of the timeless values that matter – especially great service. Our company is rooted in a modern, forward-thinking approach, yet we hold tightly to that old-school, hands-on commitment to excellence. That balance is what keeps us both grounded and ahead of the curve.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Destination Manager has been crafting exceptional events in Arizona for over 25 years. Locally based and trend-forward, we specialize in revealing the authentic spirit of the Southwest through custom-designed conferences, incentive programs, corporate retreats, and bespoke experiences.

As a full-service event management firm, we oversee every element of a corporate program – from logistics and teambuilding to entertainment, staffing, and transportation. Our integrated in-house design team ensures that every detail, from pre-planning through on-site execution, is thoughtfully curated and visually cohesive.

As a proud Accredited Destination Management Company (ADMC), recognized by the Association of Destination Management Executives International (ADMEI), we’ve built a reputation for creativity, precision, and elevated service. Our boutique, all-female team of 17 planners, designers, event managers, and an in-house photographer delivers bold ideas with seamless execution. With a signature style rooted in Southwestern sophistication, we continue to push the boundaries of what destination management can be.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, Nicole was always interested in puzzles – not just the literal ones, but anything that required figuring out how pieces fit together to create a bigger picture. She loved the challenge of solving problems, whether it was organizing, strategizing, or simply finding creative ways to make things work. That instinct to ‘solve’ things stuck and has become a central part of how Nicole approaches work today. Whether planning a complex event or fine-tuning operations, she thrives in putting together a giant puzzle.

Donna found herself drawn to creativity and organization from a young age. She loved reimagining her own bedroom or helping friends design theirs, and she was always the one to plan and coordinate gatherings. Looking back, it’s clear that those early passions for design, structure, and bringing people together naturally laid the foundation for the work Donna does today in destination management.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://TheDestinationManager.com
• Instagram: destmgr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-destination-manager-l.c./

Image Credits
Hannah Kelly, HannahKellyPhoto.Com