Our event meetings & travel "director" never went anywhere interesting on vacation. In fact, we never heard where she went. One of the best-kept secrets in our company. This was before most of us knew what the travel industry could do for people in her or her boss's positions. This was before awards programs became prevalent, raising our consciousness about suchlike. Then a few of us stealthily began to pay attention, watch and then report how often she steered our meetings to a certain chain, and travelers to certain airlines. . . Ironically, one purchasing manager was escorted out one day for his very similar cozy relationships, but she'd been around a long time in the position to do many favors for senior execs and board members. . . . .