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Kaye Burkhardt Named a 2025 Women in Business by the Dallas Business Journal
Kaye Burkhardt founded Dallas Fan Fares in 1980 by turning her investment in 50 Dallas Cowboys season tickets into a company that provided hospitality programs for corporations at Cowboys games. Over time, it grew from a small business run at her kitchen table into a leader in meeting management, incentive travel, destination management, and sports hospitality.
What trait has served you best in your role?
I’ve always considered myself a people person. I genuinely enjoy getting to know others and making meaningful connections. Relationships lead to strong partnerships and opportunities which has been the foundation of our success.
The greatest business challenge you have overcome
The greatest challenge I’ve faced in business has been navigating the major disruptions to in-person meetings and travel over the years, especially as a meeting and event company providing services globally. After 9/11, we lost all business for that last quarter of the year. Travel did eventually return, but the financial recovery was slow. Then in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought the industry to another standstill. Again, we lost all business for the rest of the year. Thanks to emerging technology and strong partnerships, we were able to pivot quickly and support our clients with virtual meetings. While that was a successful solution for many, our core services and strength have always been in face-to-face events. That meant rethinking nearly every aspect of how we operated — from internal processes to client engagement — to stay relevant and keep moving forward. It was difficult, but it reminded me how resilient and adaptable our team can be.
How have you shaped the direction of your company in the past three years?
Over the past few years, our industry has evolved rapidly, and we needed to adapt to a shifting landscape. One of the most impactful steps in shaping the company’s future was restructuring our management team to ensure we had the right people in the right roles to support our growth and changing needs. By adding more specialized leadership positions, we’ve been able to bring greater structure, strategic focus, and long-term stability to the organization.
What else is on your career bucket list?
There’s still so much I’d love to accomplish. I’m focused on continuing to diversify our client base and explore new opportunities — especially expanding our work in sports hospitality, with events like the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
What workplace skill is a dying art, and why is it necessary?
Personal connection through real conversation is a dying art in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. But nothing replaces the impact of face-to-face, meaningful dialogue that builds trust and connection.
Your favorite piece of advice to share
Don’t be afraid to hire people who are smarter than you. As an entrepreneur, I’ve found that lasting success comes from recognizing talent, empowering them, and focusing on the bigger picture. After 45 years, that approach has never steered me wrong.
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