Not all success stories are born out of a cold business plan. Some come to life from an intuition, a significant gesture, or a symbol that becomes an icon. It is precisely how the adventure of Maria Criscuolo, the brilliant mind behind Triumph Group International, begins. It is the 1980s, and Maria is organising one of her first events. To give it a distinctive and recognisable touch, she creates a symbol that immediately identifies her. On that occasion, her professionalism and unmistakable mark earned her an affectionate nickname: “the lady with a T”. That “T” was not just a letter, but was about to become so much more: a trademark, an identity. The name Triumph harbours two souls: on one side is a distinctive symbol, and on the other, it evokes the Triumph Spider, the English sports car that Maria adored. A perfect mix of elegance, freedom and an international touch that reflects the spirit of the company from its origins.
From Italy to the New York Times: the rise of the group
Triumph has never stopped growing, doing so with admirable consistency and determination, one step at a time. From small local initiatives, the company has grown to orchestrate events of international scope, leaving an indelible mark on the world. One of the most iconic episodes of this rise is the 2000 World Transplant Congress, celebrated in the heart of Rome with an exclusive dinner set up right in the centre of Piazza Navona. It was no ordinary event: there were world-class figures such as Pope John Paul II and Ian Wilmut, the scientist who had cloned Dolly the sheep. The initiative resonated so much that it even made the front page of the New York Times, an exceptional achievement for an Italian enterprise whose aim was to combine substance and beauty, commitment and spectacle.
A perfect engine
Today, Triumph Group International is a true event ecosystem. With more than 170 employees and offices in Rome, Milan and Florence, the company also has branches abroad in key cities such as Brussels, Singapore, London, Riyadh and Shanghai. This global network allows it to operate on a worldwide scale, while maintaining an intensely Made in Italy soul.
In forty years of activity, Triumph has organised over 6,800 events, involving around 7.5 million participants. These are mind-boggling numbers that testify not only to outstanding organisational ability, but also to the ability to export an all-Italian vision of an event worldwide, capable of combining emotion, elegance, and functionality. Each event is a tailor-made work of art, carefully crafted to meet the client’s needs and the specific context.
Drones, fashion shows and summits
Triumph has never stuck to one type of event, demonstrating remarkable versatility. It has been able to range between haute couture fashion shows, such as those for Valentino, where Italian creativity is at its best, and institutional summits such as the G8, which require absolute precision and rigour. And that’s not all: the company has been able to embrace highly technological events, such as those featuring swarms of drones flying over the Venice lagoon or the “supertrees” in Singapore, creating breathtaking shows that innovatively fuse art and technology.
Triumph has also curated global launches for luxury and automotive brands, such as the recent event for Lamborghini, certified by the ISO 20121 standard, which guarantees sustainability and quality. The company has supported large companies in creating immersive, sustainable and spectacular communication. Even during the G7 in Puglia in 2024, it demonstrated its ability to combine tradition and innovation, using artificial intelligence for the simultaneous translation of press conferences.
The secret of a Made in Italy success
Every event has its behind-the-scenes, and Triumph’s events are often full of surprises and fascinating details. One of the most impressive aspects is the company’s ability to maintain a consistent style while working in very different contexts and with diverse cultures. There is also an Italian penchant for attention to detail, a true art: a dish served with elegance, a soundtrack designed ad hoc to create the perfect atmosphere, and lighting that conveys more than a thousand words. This almost bespoke approach makes every event unique and unforgettable.
But Triumph is not only synonymous with outstanding events; it also stands for deep human values. A commitment to organ donation, support for culture, and the development of young talent have always been part of the company’s DNA. It is no coincidence that Triumph was one of the first companies in the industry to implement mentoring programmes for university students, offering them the opportunity to learn from top professionals.
Sustainability: a choice that makes a difference
In 2021, Triumph officially became a Benefit Corporation, committing to environmental and social sustainability not just in words, but in a measurable and certified manner. The annual impact report documents concrete actions, including sustainable events with a reduced ecological footprint, a focus on social inclusion, professional development for employees, and ethical partnerships. Internally, Triumph has established two specific departments: one dedicated to innovation and one to sustainability, which work in synergy to envision the future of events – less impactful, more innovative, and more engaging.
The story of Triumph is not just an example of entrepreneurial success: it is proof that, in Italy, you can build a global business without ever losing your soul. And that sometimes, even the most incredible stories begin with a strong idea and an uncontainable passion.
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