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Get to Know the People Who Make Shackman, Shackman.
We're a team with a wide range of backgrounds and professional experiences, brought together by a shared enthusiasm for New York City and genuine pride in the work we do.
Meet Karen Shackman
Founder and President
Originally from South Africa, Karen Shackman's path to hospitality was shaped by years of living and working internationally, where she developed a deep appreciation for the connections that bring people and communities together.
Her personal love for New York City inspired her to establish The Shackman Group more than 30 years ago, with a vision to share the city through thoughtfully designed and expertly managed experiences. Since then, she has built a company grounded in creativity, exceptional service, and longstanding relationships with clients and partners around the world.
Karen remains actively involved in the business, working closely with her team, providing guidance and oversight across programs, and maintaining personal relationships with clients. Her hands-on approach ensures that even as the company has grown, the personal attention and high standards she established remain central to its work.
Inducted into the BizBash Hall of Fame in 2015, Karen remains passionate about discovering new possibilities in the city she calls home and nurturing the next generation of hospitality professionals.
FROM THE FIRST CONVERSATION TO THE FINAL GUEST DEPARTURE, WE'RE HERE TO MAKE THE COMPLEX FEEL MANAGEABLE, THE PROCESS ENJOYABLE, AND EVERY CLIENT FEEL GENUINELY CARED FOR.
Meet The Shackman Team
At the heart of Shackman is a team of experienced, resourceful, and dedicated project managers who take genuine pride in their work. With varied professional backgrounds, specialized expertise, and multilingual capabilities, they bring fresh perspectives, sound judgment, and a collaborative spirit to every program.
For projects requiring more complex logistics or elaborate creative production, our Director of Operations and Creative Director bring additional expertise to the table. We also work with an established network of trusted New York City professionals, from experienced tour guides and event staff to production specialists and freelance project managers, assembling the right combination of talent and resources for each program.
We take our work seriously, but believe the planning process should be enjoyable, too. Our personal, collaborative approach makes working with Shackman feel like an extension of your own team.
