Next Level Performance Announces 2025 Travel Partners of the Year

Next Level Performance is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Travel Partners of the Year Awards, honoring distinguished partners whose dedication and expertise have been instrumental in delivering exceptional incentive travel experiences. These awards celebrate the outstanding partners who have consistently gone above and beyond to help us create remarkable experiences and achieve outstanding results for our clients.

Next Level awards travel partners of 2025 in two categories:

Hotel Partner of the Year: InterContinental the Willard Washington D.C. by IHG
DMC Partner of the Year: Abreu Events

Hotel Partner of the Year: InterContinental the Willard Washington D.C. by IHG

Next Level Performance proudly recognizes the Willard Hotel as our Hotel Partner of the Year. The Willard consistently sets the standard for hospitality by delivering impeccable service, exceptional accommodations, and a steadfast commitment to guest satisfaction.

This award celebrates the Willard Hotel's outstanding partnership during a complex and high-profile program for a strategic client. With less than three months' notice, Director of National Accounts Rosa Mendoza-Friedheim and Sarah Curiale, CSM, secured appropriate space, expertly managed evolving details, and fielded last-minute requests. The entire Willard team’s attentive service, renovated guestrooms, and excellent food and beverage service earned glowing feedback and set a new benchmark for this important program.

“They provided one of the best experiences I have had in 20 years as a planner,” shares Holly Bailey, Senior Travel Program Manager with NXL, “(The client’s) glowing feedback on the F&B, the newly renovated guestrooms, and the attentive staff is a testament to the hotel’s excellence in all areas of the property. I truly appreciate the Willard’s extra effort in their support and partnership."

Event Partner of the Year: Abreu Events, Lisbon

Abreu Events is honored as our DMC Partner of the Year for its pivotal role on an intricate incentive program in Lisbon.

The Abreau Events team distinguished itself through flawless execution, innovative design, and exceptional partnership at every stage of the project. Abreu Events collaborated with Next Level and executed with precision — from creative conception and logistics and on-site coordination—ensuring an impactful event that exceeded our client’s expectations. Their dedication, adaptability, and collaborative spirit served as a great example of event excellence.

“Abreu Events took a challenging project and executed it flawlessly," shares Tracy Vesling, Senior Travel Program Manager, “The team not only delivered on our vision but far surpassed expectations in bringing it to life...their professionalism, teamwork, and consistently positive attitudes made them a true pleasure to work with and instrumental to the program’s success.”

Learn more about Willard Hotel and Abreu Events by visiting their websites:

InterContinental the Willard Washington D.C. by IHG
Abreu Events