Where Hospitality and Event Strategy Meet

Our service-focused approach is shaped by our deep roots in the hospitality industry and years of hands-on event 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 consider your short-term and long-term goals, respect your financial obligations, and secure a return on your investment.

We’ll bring your event story to life and produce tailored experiences that set the tone for future conversations.

Our Values

Teamwork Matters 

We are a collaborative, relationship driven team who support and learn from each other. Our differences make us stronger, and the experiences and points of view we each bring are all essential to making our team thrive. We celebrate our successes and explore opportunities to continually learn and grow.  

Lead with Kindness

Our culture is rooted in high-end hospitality, and how we communicate matters. In every conversation and situation, we listen and are kind and respectful; people will remember how you made them feel. Relationships are key to our success.

A Positive Approach

Our glass is always half full, perpetually optimistic. We have a “Yes, and…” mentality and a positive approach to tackle any challenge. We are curious and have fun. We proactively go beyond to create more opportunity for customization, anticipate our clients’ needs, and add value.  

Our Credentials

Trusted Professionals

We are event experts and trusted advisors. We work tirelessly to provide the right solutions for our clients, their goals are our goals. We stay true to our word, are transparent, and do what is right. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of care and designing the most impactful experiences. 

As an IATAN Accredited agency, we exceed industry standards for professionalism and impartial business practices—granting us vital connections across the travel and hospitality ecosystem.

With 25+ years in the field, Paul Tramonte holds the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential, reflecting rigorous expertise and a commitment to advancing industry standards as an active member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI).

Celebrating diversity and inclusion informs our values. Recognized by the NGLCC as an LGBT Business Enterprise, we promote opportunities and partnerships that champion a more inclusive supply chain and event industry.

Meet the Team

Paul Tramonte, CMP

Founder and Principal Event Designer

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. With his extensive experience, strong relationships, and familiarity with trending industry influences, Paul has established himself as a leader in the meetings and events community.

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 corporate conferences that spanned across many industries.

When he’s not managing events, Paul loves to travel, cook, and immerse himself in his hometown of New York City - from dining out, shopping, and watching films, to exploring museums and the city’s many parts - there’s no shortage of surprises around every corner. He and his husband Jacob live in Queens with their happy-go-lucky goldendoodle, Arthur, and their moody Russian Blue cat, Fanny.

Crystel Prather

Senior Event Manager

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

Crystel 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 1,800+ attendees.

Prior to working on our team, Crystel was an Event Coordinator for a trade association in Washington, D.C. 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.

Jeff Calmus

Event Director

Jeff 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 lives beachside in Marblehead, MA with his wife, Pattye. When not planning his next big event, Jeff enjoys biking, spinning, golfing, following his favorite pro sports teams, and discovering authentic sushi experiences!

James Samson

Chris has been a part of our 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 brings over 25 years of experience in the industry. She’s 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.

Stacy Zuniga

Senior Event Manager

Samson Hospitality Partner Agency (F&B)

James 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 lead the food and beverage creative process, thoughtfully curate menus, and 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. James is a member of several professional organizations, Cayuga Hospitality Consulting, and GLG.

James recently moved from Chicago to Phoenix with his wife, Karen, and their four kids. Together they enjoy hiking, cooking, and golf. A dedicated family man, he coaches his kids' soccer and baseball teams, bringing his passion for leadership both on and off the field.

Chris Graves

Senior Event Manager

Stacy 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.

What Our Clients Are Saying

  • 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 Haynes

    CEO, Brand Revolution

  • 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

  • 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

  • Working with Paul Tramonte and his team at Paul Tramonte Events was a fantastic adventure. They meticulously took care of every detail, ensuring that nothing fell through the cracks. Their unwavering attention to detail, especially during the event, was impressive. They made the planning process smooth and enjoyable and were an absolute pleasure to work with. I couldn’t have asked for a more seamless and delightful event planning experience.

    Amy Ray

    Regional Vice President of Human Resources, Marriott International