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Director Incentive Travel information

What does a director incentive travel do?

A Director of Incentive Travel is responsible for designing, planning, and managing travel programs that reward and motivate employees or clients. They work closely with corporate clients to create memorable experiences that align with business goals, often coordinating logistics such as destination selection, accommodations, activities, and event management. Their role also includes budgeting, vendor negotiations, and ensuring a high level of participant satisfaction. Directors of Incentive Travel typically lead a team and collaborate with various departments to achieve successful outcomes. Their expertise helps companies use travel as a strategic tool to drive performance and loyalty.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director incentive travel, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Incentive Travel, you need expertise in event planning, budget management, and a deep understanding of corporate travel programs, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in hospitality, business, or a related field. Familiarity with travel management software, CRM systems, and industry certifications like CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) are often required. Outstanding negotiation, leadership, and interpersonal skills set top performers apart in this client-facing, high-stakes role. These skills ensure seamless, cost-effective delivery of memorable incentive experiences that drive organizational goals and client satisfaction.

What are some common challenges faced by a director incentive travel and how are they typically addressed?

A Director of Incentive Travel often faces challenges such as managing complex logistics for large groups, ensuring unique and memorable experiences within budget constraints, and adapting to last-minute changes or travel disruptions. To address these, directors rely on strong vendor relationships, proactive contingency planning, and clear communication with both internal teams and clients. Staying updated on travel trends and leveraging technology for itinerary management also help streamline operations and deliver successful incentive programs.

What is the difference between Director Incentive Travel vs Incentive Travel Coordinator?

AspectDirector Incentive TravelIncentive Travel Coordinator
CredentialsRelevant experience in travel planning, event management, and industry certificationsSimilar credentials, often entry to mid-level experience in travel coordination
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, overseeing large incentive programs, managing teamsExecuting travel arrangements, coordinating logistics, supporting event execution
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by corporations, travel agencies, and event companies for high-level incentive programsCommonly employed by travel agencies and corporate event teams for day-to-day coordination

The main difference is that the Director Incentive Travel focuses on strategic planning and overseeing incentive travel programs, while the Incentive Travel Coordinator handles the logistics and execution of these travel arrangements. The director role involves higher-level management and decision-making, whereas the coordinator executes the plans on the ground.

What are the most commonly searched types of Incentive Travel jobs in California?

The most popular types of Incentive Travel jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Incentive Travel jobs in California?

For Director Incentive Travel jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Incentive Travel jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Incentive Travel jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Director Incentive Travel jobs?

Cities in California with the most Director Incentive Travel job openings:

Director Incentive Travel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Incentive Travel job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Sr. Registration Specialist, Meetings + Incentives

Cadence Travel

San Diego, CA • On-site

$28 - $34/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

WHO ARE WE?
Cadence is a global travel company dedicated to the art of taking care of people - our clients, our employees and our partners alike. We offer curated and customizable solutions for every travel need. We manage business travel, plan and operate meetings and incentive travel programs, create curated personal leisure travel experiences, and power a renowned host agency for a worldwide network of independent travel advisors and independent meeting and event affiliates.
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We're looking for a dynamic, engaged, and tech-savvy people person to support our Meetings and Incentive Travel division. Are you extremely detail oriented? Do you just love solving problems and making good things happen for other people? Are you eager to join the very best team in travel, and work alongside experienced meeting and incentive travel planners to learn and grow in the meetings and events industry? If so, this is the perfect opportunity for you.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY?
As Sr. Registration Specialist you'll support the Meetings team by serving as the primary point of contact for attendees during the meeting/event registration process. You'll work with the Registration Managers and Program Managers to implement and elevate the services we provide through our preferred meeting technology platform, Cvent. You'll be the person on the other end of the line responsible for ensuring each meeting attendee or incentive travel program winner gets all their details correct, registered to attend, flights booked, itineraries confirmed, activities chosen, and ultimately, set up for the most incredible and memorable travel experience they've ever had. You are the first impression for everything else that will follow in the planning of a meeting or incentive travel program. You will also assist the Program/Meetings Manager(s) with registration reporting and documentation and may, at times, be responsible for building/cloning registration websites as directed.
Here are some specific examples of what you get to do on any given day:
  • Serve as liaison between the Client and Cadence for assigned events.
  • Ensure data integrity by completing audits as indicated in Cadence's standard operating procedures.
  • Perform all attendee management tasks for assigned events. This includes, but is not limited to, responding to all client and attendee communications in a timely manner and processing change requests.
  • Perform all room block management tasks for assigned events. This includes, but is not limited to, communicating with hotels and attendees regarding status of extension and special needs requests, submitting room lists, and communicating with stakeholders regarding room block pickup and potential attrition situations.
  • Perform all ground transportation management tasks for assigned events. This includes, but is not limited to, the creation of arrival and departure manifests and communicating changes to the contracted vendor.
  • Reconcile final event participation data by updating the registration system with onsite changes to ensure final attendee data is accurate.
  • Submit final accounting information as dictated by Cadence standard operating procedures.
  • Other responsibilities as assigned.

Senior-Level Expectations
In addition to performing the responsibilities of a Registration Specialist, Senior Registration Specialists are expected to:
  • Independently manage complex meetings and incentive travel programs with minimal supervision.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to clients regarding attendee management, room block strategy, transportation logistics, and event technology.
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of hotel room block management, attrition mitigation, concessions management, and related contract provisions.
  • Mentor and support Registration Specialists through training, guidance, and shared best practices.
  • Anticipate challenges and proactively implement solutions before issues impact attendees, clients, or event operations.
  • Exercise sound judgment in decision-making and escalation.
  • Demonstrate leadership through professionalism, accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.
  • Support the assigned web builder in the creation of program related documents. This includes, but is not limited to, save-the-dates, registration communications, pre-trip emails and name badges and making minor edits to the registration website as needed.
  • Serve as a role model for Cadence service standards and team culture.

What you bring to the table:
  • Advanced communication and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to confidently communicate with clients regarding registration, room blocks, transportation logistics, and event technology.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex programs simultaneously.
  • Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Ability to coach and support less experienced team members.
  • Ability to identify risk and recommend solutions proactively.
  • Ability to work independently while maintaining a collaborative, team-first mindset.
  • Commitment to exceptional client service and attendee experience.

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree preferred, preferably in Hospitality, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • Minimum three (3) years of experience in the meetings, events, hospitality, or travel industry.
  • Minimum two (2) years of attendee management experience, including registration processing, room block management, change management, and data audits.
  • Minimum two (2) years of Cvent event management and registration experience.
  • Working knowledge of hotel contract provisions related to room blocks, attrition, and concessions.
  • Experience managing attendee air travel and ground transportation logistics.
  • Knowledge of OnArrival setup, operation, and troubleshooting.
  • Cvent Professional Event Management Certification required.
  • Advanced Event Management Certification preferred.
  • Additional Cvent certifications preferred.
  • Excellent attention to detail with the ability to identify and correct data discrepancies.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Ability to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends, as required.
  • Approximately 10%-20% travel required.
  • Successful execution of Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working on incentive travel programs and corporate meetings with more than 500 attendees.
  • Experience managing multiple contracted room blocks and multi-property programs.
  • Experience serving in onsite registration, housing coordination, or attendee technology support roles.
  • Advanced knowledge of Cvent registration website builds.
  • Experience supporting Cvent Attendee Hub, SpotMe, or other event mobile applications.
  • Advanced Event Management Certification and/or additional Cvent certifications.

Compensation:
Cadence takes the best possible care of our employees, including competitive salaries, bonus/incentive opportunities, health, dental, vision, Life and AD&D insurance, company trips/gatherings, personal time off, floating time, and a chance to be a part of an amazing culture that gets that much better the day YOU arrive.

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