This tenured team member of Visit Plano is a well-known and trusted resource in the meetings industry. Karen’s in-depth knowledge about Plano, her invaluable experience, and her ability to truly connect with meeting planners sets Karen a part from others in the industry. Let’s learn more about Visit Plano’s Corporate Sales Manager, Karen Fogle, CMP, HMCC.
Q&A with Karen
How long have you been with Visit Plano and what is your favorite part about working for Visit Plano?
I joined Visit Plano in July 2004 and enjoy everything I do to represent our destination and promote Plano. Connections with people in our industry and the friendships developed are what I love the most.
How many years have you been in the hospitality/travel & tourism industry? What were your other roles in and outside of this career?
Before Visit Plano, I was in the executive retreat segment of the hospitality industry. The facilities I worked for were all properties located on 8,000 acres or more and ran exclusive group meetings. Outside our fabulous industry, I had been a business owner of companies including real estate development, accounting and in Texas-style bred Chianina cattle and bred, trained and raced thoroughbred horses.
What are some of your favorite things to do/see/eat in Plano?
With around 1,000 dining choices in Plano, it’s never easy to choose where to eat. I always love Whiskey Cake, Haywire, North Italia and Urban Crust with their rooftop bar. Just feel bad when picking only a few to mention! I so enjoy a stroll through the walkable districts Legacy West, Shops at Legacy, The Boardwalk at Granite Park and Downtown Plano Cultural Arts District.
What has been your favorite vacation?
My 19 trips to Disney World, almost every one with my son, tells you how much we love the mouse! And we will be going back. A trip to Germany and Switzerland was a highlight with beautiful places, lovely people and treasured time with my son and some of my exchange student “kids” as well.
Guilty pleasure: What can you not live without?
Life would be bland indeed without coffee, lobster, crab, olives, books, books, books, Outlander series in books and on Starz, alternate universes, science fiction – I love to be entertained and just chill!
What is an interesting fact about yourself?
Strangely, I have several random celebrity encounters and conversations. I’m also a native Texan from a family that was here before the Republic of Texas was formed.
Connect with Karen on LinkedIn.
