What Our Team Loves Right Now
Ah, February—the month of love! But not just the hearts-and-flowers kind. Here at Cadence, we've been thinking about the type of love that lingers—the love that shows up in all the little things we experience every single day. For us, it's about staying true to who we are—a team that genuinely cares. That means caring about the wins, the partnerships, and even the clever ideas that make life a little easier.
We had some fun with this month's theme and decided to ask our team the ultimate question—what do we love most right now? From dream destinations and favorite brands to tech hacks and new experiences, here's what we couldn't stop raving about.
The Cities We're Falling For
Winner: Chicago
"Chicago is ideal for meetings—it has countless unique properties, a buzzing food scene, and the ultimate city vibe!" - Jennifer Kijewski
Other favorites:
International Favorite: Barcelona - Barcelona stands out for its vibrant weather, excellent conference spaces, and cultural experiences that make business trips exciting (Megan Miele).
Western Pick: Dallas - Dallas is a top choice for its accessibility. Plus, who doesn’t love a Western-themed Welcome Reception (Anna Sullivan).
Underrated Destination: San Diego - San Diego offers beaches, great cuisine, and plenty of charm, making it an underused gem for meetings (Jennifer Kijewski).
Dream Incentive Trip Destinations
Winners: Hawaii & Italy
These two destinations share the top spot, offering unforgettable experiences designed specifically for top performers. Hawaii is described as beautiful, floral, and full of activities. Amy Lane favors Hawaii because "It's a true tropical getaway without having to get a passport." Italy offers beauty, culture, convenient airlift options, and obviously, incredible food no matter what city you're in, according to Jennifer Kijewski. Kat Scott, shout-outs Puglia. She recommends scenic vintage car rides through olive groves and the iconic trulli houses.
Runner-Up:
Fiji - Anna Sullivan swoons over Fijian hospitality: "Home to the happiest people on earth, it's next-level service with direct flights from the West Coast."
We'd be remiss not to shout out some of the smaller details we adore while planning meetings and incentives. One standout this year? Bringing spa treatments directly to attendees' rooms, offering a well-deserved 50 minutes of relaxation. (Anna Sullivan)
Hot (and Up-and-Coming) Event Destinations
Winner: Portugal
Looking for something fresh? Portugal is the ultimate blend of modern infrastructure, cultural experiences, and global connectivity.
Other trending picks:
Ecuador – Excellent spot filled with rich history, nature, hiking, and the Galapagos. (Amy Lane)
Tokyo & South of France - Unique cultural experiences with global connectivity. (Megan Miele)
Vienna, Austria - Stunning palaces, coffeehouses, and a world-class music scene paired with modern conference facilities. (Megan Miele)
Domestic Picks
Martha's Vineyard - A perfect mix of beauty and convenience. (Rebecca Petersen)
Nashville - Dynamic meeting spaces, a standout culinary scene, and live entertainment at every turn. (Megan Miele)
The Brands We Can't Get Enough Of
Winner: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
When it comes to favorite hotels, some brands just knock it out of the park, and Four Seasons was the resounding winner. "Their service, rooms, dining, and locations deliver every single time. Not to mention the incredible bedding", says Amy Lane. When it comes to meeting and incentive trips, Four Seasons is Megan Hartzler's go-to. "They maintain a constant high standard of quality across all of their properties," she adds.
Other Favorites
For Meetings:
Hyatt - Known for excellent service (Megan Miele).
Loews Hotels - Offers incredible care and tailored destination experiences (Anna Sullivan).
For Incentive Trips:
Six Senses - Luxury wellness-focused resorts with immersive, unforgettable experiences. Private villas and unique designs create a secluded yet luxurious escape (Megan Miele).
Auberge Resorts Collection - Features stunning properties that are always a treat (Anna Sullivan).
For Unique Accommodations:
Hotel ZaZa - Collection of hotels across Texas, known for chic décor, celebrity artwork, and an unmissable vibe, offering a stylish experience throughout their guest rooms (Amy Lane).
A Travel App We Love
Now that we've shared our favorite destinations, brands, and experiences, let's dive into travel tech—because if there's one thing we can all agree on it’s that great travel tech can make or break a trip. Our team's top recommendation is Mobile Passport Control for breezing through customs. This app is a pro-tip for anyone without Global Entry. Think of it like an express lane when clearing U.S. customs. Trust us—it's a life-saver after long-haul flights!
One team member admitted she'd be utterly lost without Uber. While it's undeniably essential for many, make sure to set up your account in advance—you won't realize how important it is until you find yourself without it!
Because We Care
At the heart of everything we do, love shows up in the details. Whether it's picking the perfect location, staying loyal to brands that deliver, or sharing hidden gems with our clients, our team's passion for travel and connection shines through every recommendation.
And remember, when it's time to plan your next meeting or incentive, we're here to make sure every little thing is as memorable as it is meaningful.
Meet Our Contributors
We’re fortunate to have an incredible team of travel experts and enthusiasts who made this guide possible. Meet the amazing contributors behind the tips and insights you’ve just read!
Megan Hartzler: Senior Sourcing Specialist
Jennifer Kijewski: Account Manager, Meetings & Incentives
Amy Lane: Account Manager, Meetings & Incentives
Megan Miele: Account Manager, Business Travel
Rebecca Petersen: Account Manager, Meetings & Incentives
Kat Scott: Director of Sourcing and Industry Relations
Anna Sullivan: Manager, Planning Operations