About Us

Paul Tramonte Events is a full-service event management and consulting agency. We design, plan, and deliver meetings and events that spark discovery, inspire connections, and leave a lasting impression. Our service-focused approach is shaped by our deep roots in the hospitality industry and years of firsthand experience.

Our Mission

We believe that every event has a story to tell. We’ll partner with you to design a compelling story that reflects your brand, embraces your values, and achieves your mission. As an extension of your team, we’ll take the lead to shape innovative and smart solutions that are considerate of your short-term and long-term goals, respect your financial obligations, and secure a return on your investment. We’ll give your story life and produce tailored experiences that set the tone for future conversations.

Our Credentials

Paul Tramonte Events carries several globally recognized credentials that benefit our clients and position us among the top professionals in the industry.

As an IATAN Accredited Business, we meet (and we believe, exceed) the industry standards set by IATAN for professionalism and the ability to administer meaningful and impartial business standards. IATAN provides a vital link between the supplier community and the travel distribution network involved in the sale and brokerage of travel related services, such as meeting planning, hotels, ground transportation,
and tours.

For over 17 years, Paul Tramonte has held the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification, a badge of excellence in the events industry based on professional experience and a comprehensive body of knowledge in the meeting management profession. It promotes industry standards, practices, and the CMP Code of Ethics. Paul is an active member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) where the meeting and event community connect to learn, innovate, collaborate and advocate, all essential to stimulating the advancement of the art and science of meeting management.

At Paul Tramonte Events, diversity and inclusion are essential to our core values, how we do business and connect with one another. As a LGBT Business Enterprise, we are recognized by NGLCC, the largest advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBTQ people. We benefit from programs and initiatives aimed at developing and providing opportunities for NGLCC suppliers, and access to a diverse supply chain that is inclusive of LGBTQ-owned businesses
and people.

About Our Founder,
Paul Tramonte

a professional headshot of Paul Tramonte Event's founder, Paul Tramonte

STACY ZUNIGA

Paul’s 25-year career in hospitality has evolved into a passion for designing unforgettable events, leading him to found Paul Tramonte Events in 2020. Paul has since concepted and led high-impact events across various industries and event types, from intimate private affairs to large multi-day conferences.

As Director of an internal, corporate-based events team at Marriott International, Paul navigated the complexities of B2B, leadership and discipline conferences, trade shows, and experiential brand projects. Paul held leadership roles at The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta and the iconic Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., where he managed weddings, the sports & entertainment market, and conferences that spanned across many industries.

Paul challenges industry norms and applies his expertise in experience design to enhance the attendee journey and deepen the impact of his clients' events. It’s due to the strong relationships Paul builds, his engagement in trade associations, and consideration of trending industry influences, that he has established himself as a leader in the meetings and events industry.

Our Team

a professional headshot of Crystel Prather who is an event planner at Paul Tramonte Events

Crystel Prather has supported our events and clients since 2021. Crystel brings her personal touch to every event she manages, caring for our attendees and the small details that make a difference in their experience. Crystel works with our top clients through the pre-planning and on-site execution to bring their events alive, including those ranging from 20 to 1,200+ attendees.

Prior to working on our team, Crystel was an Event Coordinator for a trade association in Washington, DC where she managed event logistics and a team of supplier partners, always with an eye for opportunities to enhance the attendees’ experiences.
Crystel graduated from the University of Maryland College Park and holds 10 years of experience in event management.

In her free time, she loves cooking, discovering different cultures and cuisines through travel, and spending time with her husband, William and their daughter, Chloe.

CRYSTEL PRATHER

Stacy Zuniga embarked on her professional journey after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre from SUNY Oneonta in May 2020. Continuing her education at New York University, she earned a Master’s Degree in Event Management, completing her studies in 2022.

Stacy has contributed her expertise to plan and produce corporate gatherings, experiential events, nonprofit organizations, and weddings, impacting ever aspect of the event design and strategy.

Since joining our team in 2023, Stacy has worked closely with our team and clients to navigate the most challenging of our events and design memorable experiences for our attendees. Stacy brings a strong focus on event production, ensuring every detail is delivered as planned.

In her free time Stacy enjoys reading mystery novels and playing the piano.

Jeff Calmus is an accomplished meeting, special event and hospitality professional, experienced in successfully managing logistics for corporate engagements both domestically and internationally. We’ve been fortunate to have Jeff working on our team and producing some of our most complex events since early 2022.

In his nearly 40-year career in the hospitality industry including 30 years in Global Meetings at MetLife, Jeff has planned thousands of events in over 25 countries including Sales Incentives, Investor Days, Senior Leadership Strategy Conventions, and Board of Directors Meetings.

Jeff is known for his collaborative leadership style, attention to detail, and deep-rooted expertise – uniting clients, service providers, and venues toward a common goal of exceeding expectations and elevating the attendee experience.

JEFF CALMUS

SAMSON HOSPITALITY: PARTNER AGENCY (F&B)

James Samson brings over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. His career spans roles as a Hotelier, Director of Food & Beverage and Executive Chef at top luxury hotels and resorts.

James partners closely with Paul Tramonte Events to enhance our guests' food and beverage experience. James brings his expertise in culinary and beverage to develop menus, lead the F&B creative process, and develop brand identity. As a member of Cayuga Hospitality Consulting and GLG, James leverages his extensive network and relationships to deliver extraordinary event production and to maximize an event's F&B budget.

James holds an AAS Degree in Hospitality Administration/Management Culinary Arts from Florida Culinary Institute and certifications from Cornell University and the Wine and Spirit Trust. He has been recognized with numerous awards, including the James Beard Foundation Chef Host and Marriott International's Chef of the Year Award and is a member of several professional organizations.

Chris Graves has been a part of the Paul Tramonte Events team since 2021. With her unwavering attention to detail and tireless energy, she produces extraordinary, memorable experiences for our guests.

Chris has a degree in Hospitality Management and, with over 25 years of experience in the industry, has established a diverse professional background, ranging from business and project development to operational efficiencies and program implementation. In her current and previous roles, including several with Marriott International, Chris uses her expertise in supplier partner management and cutting-edge CRM technology, including Cvent and Passkey, to enhance attendees’ experiences from pre-arrival through post-event communications.

During her personal time, Chris loves spending time at the barn with her horses, time with her family and friends, and traveling.

CHRIS GRAVES

What Our Clients Are Saying

  • Paul Tramonte Events is a fully immersed, completely hands-on team. From budgeting and sourcing suppliers, to designing our custom buildouts and communications plan, Paul ensures nothing slips through the cracks. Paul took the time to get to know us, our objectives, and our audience to deliver a flawless experience specific to our needs. His team’s strategic approach combined with their incredible attention to detail, result in events that are seamless for us and enjoyable for our attendees. The team walked through every step of pre-planning with me so when it was game-time I was able to participate in every aspect of the conference, at ease. I cannot recommend Paul Tramonte Events highly enough!

    Cheryl Winn

    Senior Director, Marriott Select Brands Franchising

  • Few people have the opportunity to work with a professional as talented, detailed-oriented, and creative as Paul. I had the pleasure of producing some of the most unique, intentional, and engaging events under Paul's leadership, and I was always in awe of his ability to command a room and get people on board with ideas, even people who were initially on completely different pages. Paul is a true leader, exemplary event planner, and an efficient multitasker. He keeps his team going with his hilarious quips and a positive attitude!

    Alisa Walsh

    CEO, Haute Agency

  • Since 2021 we’ve been working with the Paul Tramonte Events team on several of our customer events each year. From the start of the conversation for each event, Paul and his team gain an understanding of our objectives and then consistently weave in cost effective solutions to fulfill these objectives and enhance our events. They are incredibly flexible when changes happen both in advance and on-site. They bring a high level of professionalism to the planning experience for my team and our attendees. The Paul Tramonte Events team are an integral part of the success of our events.

    Bob Pfeffer

    Senior Director, Marriott's Convention and Resort Network

  • From our first interaction to our final debrief meeting, Paul provided the utmost care and attention to detail for our virtual fundraising event and our team. He anticipated problems before they arose and recommended solutions to help facilitate decision making. Paul threaded the needle when it came to suggesting ideas to enhance our event and kept our budget in mind. I’d recommend Paul for any sized event, virtual or in-person. He's wonderful to work with and produces an outstanding event!

    Ashley Fischer

    President, US Naval Academy Alumni Association

  • In the 8 years I’ve worked with Paul on a variety of large conferences I’ve always found him to be an excellent business partner, very diligent in his work, and extremely timely and thoughtful. He managed the budget and stayed within the financial guidelines. Paul not only helped to manage these complex events, but he partnered with me and our Steering Committee to make decisions that would create the best overall impact on the attendees. He is one of the best subject matter experts I’ve worked with on my meetings.

    Kip Vreeland

    Sr. Vice President, Full Service Franchising, Marriott International

  • I’ve had the pleasure of working with Paul for over a decade as both a supplier partner, as well as an attendee at events he has planned. As an attendee at his events, I’ve felt like an appreciated customer the organizer was glad to have at the event. Paul’s events have been imaginative and thoughtful, and always include inviting workspaces, beautifully presented and locally relevant food and beverage, and considerate sustainability efforts. Paul has been mindful of the entire ‘event journey’ to maximize the impact. As a supplier partner, I respect Paul for being clear in his vision, firm in his expectations and fair in his dealings. Paul pushes his partners to deliver value while balancing his strong relationships that deliver even better results. If you haven’t worked with Paul Tramonte Events, I confidently recommend your consideration.

    Stewart Young

    Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, Encore Global