About Us

Meet Michele & Kelly

Everyone focuses on the venue. Almost no one focuses on the contract, and that’s where events often go wrong.

Together, Michele Zimmerman and Kelly Duffy bring nearly 30 years of expertise in hotel sourcing, contract negotiation, and full-service event management for corporate meetings, incentive programs, and executive events.

Michele founded Classic Meetings in 2007 after a career leading large-scale sports and entertainment events, including The Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational, PGA and LPGA Tour operations, and the 2000 Ryder Cup. Kelly brings nearly a decade of corporate operations leadership with PUMA Group, combined with extensive experience managing events across both coasts.

At the core of Classic Meetings is strategic hotel sourcing and contract negotiation. Michele and Kelly specialize in securing favorable terms, negotiating meaningful concessions, and protecting clients from costly attrition and contractual pitfalls. Their expertise is especially sought after for luxury incentive travel, President’s Clubs, executive retreats, and programs throughout Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

But their role extends far beyond the contract.

Classic Meetings serves as a true event partner, managing every detail from concept to execution. From budgeting, vendor management, transportation, décor, gifting, and production logistics to attendee experience and on-site operations, they provide senior-level oversight designed to create seamless, elevated events from start to finish.

When they’re not negotiating contracts or managing events, Michele enjoys life in North Palm Beach, Florida, with her husband and two children, while Kelly resides outside of Boston with her husband and two young children. Their shared passion for travel, relationships, and creating meaningful experiences extends far beyond the events they produce.