Meet Colleen Horan of The Destination Manager in Scottsdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Colleen Horan.

Colleen, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in a family that loved a party. When I discovered I could earn a living by planning parties, my course was set. My career began with stints in hotels and restaurants and progressed to traveling the world coordinating incentive events for corporations. A move from Minneapolis to Scottsdale combined with my strong background in hospitality opened the door to destination management. I formed The Destination Manager in 2000 after working for independent firms and The Phoenician Resort.

Has it been a smooth road?
I think every business faces obstacles and challenges. The good news is each situation forces you to work hard to find new and creative solutions. Our biggest struggle is also our biggest advantage in our business. In order to survive, we have to be the leader the leader in every aspect of our business… design, style, innovation and logistics. Our company is modern, forward thinking and we never lose our old-fashioned service.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Locally-based, trendsetting + seasoned with Southwest expertise, The Destination Manager, unlocks the doors to unveil authentic Arizona by capturing the essence of the Southwest.

The Destination Manager is a full-service, event management firm specializing in conferences, incentive programs, corporate retreats + bespoke event design. Our boutique firm manages all event logistics along with every aspect of the corporate stay including activities, unique entertainment, teambuilding, staffing + ground transportation.

With an unmatched level of dedication to our craft, we have carved a niche for ourselves in the local area as redefining what one might expect from a DMC; most notably within the design realm. We champion an “organic” creative process + employ three full-time interior designers + graphic designer on-staff to assist with every facet of pre-planning + on-site execution.

Our team consists of 18 female planners, interior designers + operations managers building + executing multi-day conferences, retreats + excursions. Our team of expert planners tailors their spectrum of services to suit each program + pushes the creative envelope to fluently craft experiences with Southwestern sophistication.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
The Valley of the Sun is the perfect location for our business to thrive. In addition to our unparalled climate, world-class resorts, spas and golf courses we are developing exciting urban cores in Scottsdale, Phoenix and Tempe. This addition gives us a bit of additional panache as clients compare destinations. I would recommend starting a career in destination management here to anyone whose family liked a party.

Contact Info:

• Address: 8125 E. Indian Bend Road, Suite 101
• Website: thedestinationmanager.com
• Phone: 480-481-3471
• Email: hello@thedestinationmanager.com

Image Credit:
Corporate Event Photography
by Randall Photography 1-602-788-0885
www.randallphotography.net

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