VenueConnect 2025

Paul Cramer
President/CEO
The Classic Center


Paul Cramer: President & CEO of The Classic Center for over 26 years, Paul began his successful career in Rochester, NY, working his way from Banquet and Concessions Manager in 1986 to Assistant Executive Director by 1992. In 1995, Paul worked with The Classic Center Authority and local community in Athens, GA, to oversee the construction of The Classic Center, now a 350,000 square foot meeting and convention facility with a performing arts theatre, arena, and outdoor covered pavilion, with a removable ice rink. Paul extended his reach into the community by developing a number of successful workforce development programs, which provided assistance to those seeking a career in hospitality, including the non-profit organization Bread for Life. He serves on the Athens Technical College Foundation Board, Athens Community Career Academy Board, and Clarke County School District CTAE Board. The Classic Center Cultural Foundation, also developed and overseen by Paul, provides scholarships for the performing, visual, and culinary arts, while also providing resources to entertain and educate the local community. In 2018, Paul initiated the successful partnership between Piedmont University, The Classic Center, and The Classic Center Cultural Foundation for the inception and launch of the Hospitality & Tourism Management degree program within the Harry W. Walker School of Business at Piedmont University. In 2015, Paul was recognized by Facilities and Destinations Magazine as an Elite Convention Center Executive. Under his leadership, The Center has remained an award-winning facility. The most recent awards include 10x ConventionSouth Readers’ Choice Award, 2020 Stella Award, and the 2021 GBAC STAR Facility Certification. Paul would not be the man that he is today without the loving and dedicated support of his family. He and his wife Stacey reside here in Athens. His daughter Maria and son-in-law Jeff reside in Atlanta, and his son Ben resides in Chicago, Illinois.

Sessions :