About Us
FUELED BY PASSION
Who We Are
Paragon Events is a full-service meetings, association management, and marketing firm headquartered in Delray Beach, Florida with offices in Boston, MA, Honolulu, HI, Los Angeles, CA, Orlando, FL, Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Richmond, VA, St. Augustine, FL and Washington, D.C. We operate both nationally and internationally, providing services in markets as distant as the Hawaiian Islands, Costa Rica, and the Asian-Pacific area. Our current portfolio of clients is comprised of corporate, government, technology, healthcare, and non-profit organizations, in addition to a high-end social clientele. President & CEO, Renee Radabaugh attains over 30 years of experience, leading our team of experts to work closely together to achieve our clients’ goals with accuracy and efficiency.
Established in 1989, Paragon Events was founded by Renee Radabaugh who began her journey as an owner of a boutique flower shop. Renee’s expertise and experience in the industry led her to offer an expansion of event management, association, and marketing services. Today, Paragon Events has over 25 employees servicing offices nationwide.
We are proud to be recognized as a certified WBENC Women’s Business Enterprise. WBENC is the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners and entrepreneurs.
Our Mission
The Legacy of Paragon Events
Renee C & Company
Renee C & Company, a party planning business was born. Originally a flower shop, Renee fulfilled the floral and decor requests for special events including weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, and milestone gatherings.
Paragon Events
Paragon Events was founded in order to service the corporate clientele generated by the success of the party planning business.
Brand Refresh
The Paragon Events logo evolves to feature the legendary griffin creature and an ascending pyramid. The griffin is a symbol of divine power and strength, while the pyramid symbolizes the “pinnacle of perfection,” and also the definition of Paragon.
Paragon Events Relocates
The Paragon Events office moves from Boca Raton to Delray Beach, Florida. The Pineapple Grove area is fitting of the welcoming and inspiring company culture.
First Website Launched
Paragon Events launches its first website.
Internship Program Launches
Paragon Events installed its internship program, beginning with four interns. The program would eventually grow to be deemed an “Internship of Excellence,” with applicants applying from around the world.
Recognized as a WBENC
Paragon Events is approved and recognized as a (WBENC). The designation provides Paragon Events the ability to compete for real-time business opportunities provided by WBENC Corporate Members and government agencies.
First Association Management Client
Paragon Events’ Association Management department is created and acquires its first client, the Young Presidents’ Organization.
First MPI Chapter is Signed
Paragon Events signs an association management contract with Meeting Professional International (MPI) South Florida chapter.
Paragon Events Expands
Paragon Events adds offices in Los Angeles, CA and Orlando, FL.
Renee Appointed to ALHI Board
Renee is appointed to the Industry Advisory Council of Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI), where she acts as an advisor to the organization’s membership of over 130 premier four-and five-star luxury hotels, both nationally and worldwide.
Paragon Events Expands Again
Paragon Events adds offices in Pittsburgh, PA and Richmond, VA.
Paragon Unveils Its Rebranded Logo
Paragon Events unveils its rebranded logo, simplifying the original griffin and modernizing the colors and fonts.
Paragon Celebrates 25 Years
Paragon Events celebrates 25 years in the meetings and events industry.
Cultural Explorations is Founded
Paragon Events establishes its travel division, Cultural Explorations Cuba. The department attains an authorized OFAC license to organize people-to-people travel to the formerly forbidden, exotic island country.
Renee Speaks at BizBash
Renee Rababaugh is invited to speak at BizBash Live about what event professionals need to know about planning in Cuba.
Paragon Manages First NAMID in Florida
Paragon Events is honored to be selected to manage the first annual North American Meetings Industry Day in Florida.
StarChapter Preferred Vendor
Paragon Events is recognized as a StarChapter Preferred Vendor. Both companies share a mission to help leaders of associations grow attendance, membership, and revenue.
Francesca Radabaugh in the top 40 under 40
Director of Association Management and Operations, Francesca Radabaugh, CAE is recognized as an industry leader in Connect Associations’s “40 Under 40”.
Renee Named Meeting Planner of the Year
Renee Radabaugh is named “Meeting Planner of the Year” by the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) South Florida Chapter.
Enterprising Women of the Year
Renee Radabaugh is selected for the 2017 Enterprising Women of the Year Award by Enterprising Women Magazine, a tribute to her leadership, business growth, and active mentorship.
Renee Appointed to AWE Board of Directors
Renee Radabaugh is appointed to Association of Women in Events Board of Directors, an inclusive community dedicated to the professional advancement of women in all facets of the events industry.
Katherine Stokoe Recognized As An Emerging Leader
Katherine Stokoe, Manager of Meetings & Events is inducted into AWE’s inaugural Hall of Fame Recognition Program as an Emerging Leader.
Renee on the Cover of MPI Magazine
Renee Radabaugh is featured on the November 2017 cover of MPI magazine for her crisis management and disaster preparedness expertise.
Katherine Stokoe is named a 2018 40 Under 40 Honoree
Katherine Stokoe, Manager of Meetings & Events, is named as a 2018 40 Under 40 honoree by Corporate Connect.
Renee Radabaugh presents at MPI South Florida
Renee Radabaugh presents at Meeting Professionals International South Florida (MPISFL) first-ever ‘Think Tank’ session on crisis management and disaster preparedness.
Finalist for the 2018 South Florida Business of the Year
Paragon Events, Inc. is selected as a finalist for the 2018 South Florida Business of the Year awards.
Renee Radabaugh is a guest speaker
Renee Radabaugh is a guest speaker for a workshop session at the 2018 BizBash Live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Renee Radabaugh is selected as a 2018 Meetings Trendsetter
Renee Radabaugh is selected as a 2018 Meetings Trendsetter by MeetingsToday magazine as someone who is making great contribution to the meetings industry!
Paragon Events takes the stage
Paragon Events takes the stage at the 2018 Cvent CONNECT to speak on using Cvent Technology to Deliver Value to Exhibitors and Sponsors.
Francesca Radabaugh is Awarded the 2018 Changemaker Title
Francesca Radabaugh, Director of Association Management & Operations, is awarded the 2018 Changemaker title by MeetingsNet.
Jessica Zell is featured Corporate Connect’s 2019 40 Under 40
Jessica Zell, Marketing Manager, is featured in Connect Corporate’s Peak Performers: 2019 40 Under 40.
2019 15 Over 50: Renee Radabaugh, CMP
Renee Radabaugh is chosen as a 2019 15 Over 50 honoree by Corporate Connect.
Paragon
(par·a·gon) noun: Derived from the Italian word paragone, which is a touchstone used to measure the quality of gold, Paragon is a model or pattern of particular excellence or perfection. Synonyms include: ideal, standard, epitome, quintessence, example, exemplar, paradigm.
The legendary griffin is featured in our logo as it especially symbolizes “the king of all creatures.” The griffin is also thought of as a guardian of treasure or priceless possessions.
