30/30 Vision: Looking Ahead Proved to Be The Best View at Cadence Connects
The ocean stretched endlessly beyond the windows of the iconic Hotel del Coronado, but inside this year’s Cadence Connects, all eyes were on the future. Celebrating thirty years in the industry, the event was a perfect blend of nostalgia and a bold springboard for the next three decades. Our theme, “30/30 Vision,” wasn’t just a catchy phrase. While many milestone celebrations dwell on "remember when" moments, our focus was firmly on the road ahead and where our industry needs to go next.
“It’s the premiere event in the industry and hands down the most impressive!”
Publications like Travel Age West and Luxury Travel Report covered the event with glowing features that highlighted its significance, the caliber of the attendees, and the innovative ideas shared throughout. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, especially from seasoned industry leaders who return year after year. Reflecting on the past while looking ahead, Tom Puleio, Global Director of Sales at Mandarin Oriental, calls it “the premiere event in the industry and hands down the most impressive.”
Community as Competitive Advantage
One of the most special parts of Cadence Connects was the genuine warmth in every interaction. That warmth reflects the foundation on which Wendy Burk built Cadence. "We lead with care, are grounded in trust, and strengthened by resources. Together, we’ve nurtured a community where success flourishes and everyone rises." That kind of connection isn’t something you can fake. It only happens when we prioritize people over profits, relationships over transactions.
Leigh Rowan, one of our longtime and top performing advisors, describes it as a family reunion. "The intimacy and the close connections that we have - it's really a wonderful spend of my time.” In an industry where relationships drive revenue, we’ve built something rare. We've built an authentic community. Networking feels less like exchanging business cards and more like friends coming together to solve real challenges.
Powered for Progress
In her keynote speech, Neen James delivered a compelling message that resonated throughout Cadence Connects: "Exceeding expectations is no longer enough. We need to elevate them. To create services so valuable, they feel unforgettable." This idea became the guiding philosophy of the event, shaping every interaction and experience.
Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch built on this vision with a profound reminder: "Balancing automation with humanity is the key to building trust and progress. It’s not just about doing more, but doing it meaningfully." His words underscored a crucial theme. True innovation isn’t just about adopting new technologies, it’s about leveraging them to foster trust and create authentic, lasting connections.
These insights became the pulse of the event, fueling conversations in those ocean-view conference rooms that were as inspiring as their setting. But the dialogue didn’t stop there. They will ripple outward, influencing decisions in offices, shaping client calls, and inspiring travel around the globe.
Building A Legacy
Reflecting on the past thirty years highlights our growth and leadership. Looking ahead, we see limitless opportunities for innovation, connection, and impact. We’re not just part of the future of our industry. We’re shaping it.
Wendy emphasizes that mentorship is the cornerstone of building the future. "Mentor others, give back, and you’ll find that your greatest lessons often come from your students. We stand on the shoulders of giants, and it’s our duty to create something that leaves a lasting legacy," she encourages, underscoring the transformative power of mentorship in nurturing the next generation of leaders.
As we said goodbye to Coronado Island, we carried a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. Cadence Connects reminded all of us that the best companies don’t just adapt to change. They create it.
“We lead with care, are grounded in trust, and strengthened by resources. Together, we’ve nurtured a community where success flourishes and everyone rises.”
The future of luxury travel is bright, and from where we stand, the view ahead is spectacular.
A Grateful Nod to Our Sponsors
This year’s Cadence Connects simply wouldn’t have been the same without the support of our incredible sponsors. A huge thank you to Hilton International for being such gracious hosts at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, as well as to Belmond, Montage International, Auberge Collection, The Luxury Collection, Oceania Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Ultimate Jet Vacations, Accor, Allianz Travel, Big Five Tours & Expeditions, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, Classic Vacations, The Westin Hotels & Resorts, Dorchester Collection, Four Seasons, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Windstar Cruises for helping make this event unforgettable.
The excitement doesn’t end here! We’re already gearing up for next year’s Cadence Connects, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to announce that Four Seasons Westlake Village will host us from April 21–23, 2026. We can’t wait to carry forward the energy, innovation, and connection that make this event so special. Mark your calendars – we’ll see you there!