Middesk Emcee
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About the event

Middesk Summit 2026 [Emcees/Moderators]

Middesk is a business identity platform that helps banks, fintechs, and other financial institutions onboard and verify businesses with greater confidence and speed. As the trusted infrastructure partner behind many leading financial brands, Middesk is hosting its inaugural conference to bring together innovation leaders in the financial services space for a high-impact, future-focused experience.

Event Details:

  • Date: Early 2026 (February or March)
  • Format: One-day, in-person tech conference
  • Location: Likely New York City (alternates include Nashville or Atlanta)
  • Audience: ~100 senior executives from banks and fintechs (Heads of Product, Innovation, or Growth)
  • Tone & Goals: Energetic, insightful, and forward-looking; a modern take on traditional financial services content
  • Content Format:
    • Opening keynote on the state of the industry (delivered by Middesk’s CEO)
    • TED-style short talks (15–20 mins)
    • Moderated panels and breakout discussions
    • Strong narrative thread and on-stage continuity

Speaker Needs:

  • A professional emcee to carry the tone and flow of the day, maintain energy, and connect sessions thematically
  • Keynote speaker(s) with relevant insight into innovation, regulation, or business trust infrastructure
  • Optional: speakers with financial, regulatory, or FinCEN-adjacent expertise for added industry relevance
Mark Antoine
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Trilingual Event Host and Emcee

Mark Antoine is a professional emcee, moderator, and keynote speaker known for his ability to energize audiences, create memorable moments, and bring cohesion to complex, content-rich events. With a background in live television, stage performance, and event production, Mark brings warmth, confidence, and a distinctly modern polish to his role as host. He has worked with clients such as Google, Samsung, Visa, LinkedIn, and United Nations Women.

Suggested Role: Emcee

Mark is an ideal candidate to emcee Middesk’s one-day, executive-level event—guiding the day with poise, facilitating engaging transitions, and tying together diverse programming elements. His ability to personalize each engagement and deeply immerse himself in the audience’s mindset makes him an asset for events that are both strategic and story-driven.

In-Person Fee: $15k and a flat travel fee of $1,000 for North America + two nights of accommodations

Mark offers Event Consulting/Speaker & Executive Coaching - more details here.

Speaker Profile

Mark is based in Florida.

Speaker Highlights

Why Mark is a Great Fit
  • Known for his ability to balance energy, presence, and structure, keeping events both dynamic and on track
  • Experienced emcee for high-level executive conferences and innovation-focused events
  • Has hosted programs with Fortune 500 brands, global NGOs, and leadership summits, always tailoring his style to fit the culture and goals of the organization
  • Brings a narrative-driven approach to emceeing—connecting sessions and themes in real time, not just introducing speakers
  • Offers a strong stage presence that resonates with well-traveled, senior-level attendees without ever feeling overly polished or scripted
“Mark is a highly professional individual willing to collaborate and share his ideas and experiences, whether it’s master of ceremonies, segment linking and interviewing or reinforcing corporate messages and hosting our awards ceremony, he was always willing and able to adapt to whatever was needed, making him a joy to work with.”George Wills, President & CEO (LATAM), Porsche
“Mark Antoine played perfectly his role, he quickly understood our company and strategic challenges, put our speakers at ease and added with finesse a personal touch of humor!”Anne-Cecile Segui, Talent Development Director, Bonduelle
Mariana Atencio
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Peabody Award-Winning Journalist, Bestselling Author, Media Entrepreneur, Inspiring Storyteller, and Host/Moderator

Mariana Atencio is an award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers and emcees today. A former national correspondent for NBC News and Univision, Mariana is known for her compelling storytelling, dynamic presence, and ability to deeply connect with diverse audiences. She brings authenticity, professionalism, and a modern perspective to every stage she steps on.

Suggested Role: Emcee & Opening Host

Mariana is a seasoned emcee with the rare ability to set the tone, maintain momentum throughout the day, and tie programming together with clarity and emotional resonance. As a bilingual communicator and global speaker, she offers both versatility and gravitas, which would resonate well with a senior, well-traveled audience.

In-Person - Keynotes (One (1) hour) & Moderating/Hosting (Up to Three (3) hours): $24,500 plus hotel for up to two (2) nights, meals, and event city ground (for distances over 30-miles).

In-Person - Moderating/Hosting - Full (Over three (3) hours) & Multi-Day | Moderating/hosting event fees include an on-site rehearsal day-of or evening before: $30k plus hotel for up to two (2) nights, meals, and event city ground (for distances over 30-miles).

Mariana's home city ground transportation, event city ground transportation (for distances LESS than 30-miles), and airfare are BUILT INTO her fee.

Speaker Profile Link

Mariana is based in Florida.

Speaker Highlights

Why Mariana is a Great Fit

  • Extensive emcee experience at high-profile conferences, including events in tech, finance, and innovation
  • Captivating stage presence and storytelling style that balances professionalism with warmth and relatability
  • Proven ability to work with content teams to tailor messaging to align with brand and event goals
  • Embodies the tone Middesk is aiming for: modern, engaging, and inspiring—not dry or corporate
  • Bonus: Mariana can incorporate themes of identity, trust, and transformation—core to Middesk’s mission
“Mariana was powerful on stage, engaging, thought provoking and the perfect speaker for our flagship global annual conference held in Miami. She was such a pleasure to work with that she ended up interviewing and moderating two very critical panels for the agenda. Mariana’s experience and professionalism will make any company that chooses to work with her look great.” Director, Marketing & Communications Head, Citi Private Bank
“The choice of Mariana Atencio to lead the main stage of the eMerge Americas 10th year anniversary was the single best decision we made. She went above and beyond in everything she did for us, from being the incredible emcee to moderating innovative sessions to interviewing thought leaders from around the world backstage to creating and pushing out original content for the conference, and so much more. I can’t wait to work with her again!” CEO & President, eMerge Americas
Eva Saha
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Host, Emcee, Moderator

Eva Saha is a professional emcee, host, and moderator with a background in television, law, and corporate communications. She’s best known for her work as an on-air personality with ABC7 Chicago’s Emmy Award–winning show 190 North and is a trusted live and virtual host for major brands including Cardinal Health, Philips Healthcare, Thomson Reuters, and Women in IT Awards. Eva brings warmth, poise, and high-level professionalism to every stage.

Suggested Role: Emcee

Eva is an ideal fit for a one-day, executive-level conference that demands seamless transitions, audience engagement, and someone who can anchor the tone of the day. Her ability to connect high-profile speakers to the overarching goals of a brand or event makes her an asset to any modern, content-rich experience.

In-Person Fee: $15k/day* (please note, rehearsal days are subject to the daily fee) + $2,500 travel buyout inclusive of airfare and professional home ground transportation + Event Organizer to cover expenses for professional event city ground transport and hotel accommodations + hair & makeup.

*This is up to eight hours onsite. Should you require longer hours, we can discuss an updated quote.

Speaker Profile

Eva is based in Chicago.

Speaker Highlights

Why Eva is a Great Fit

  • Brings a magnetic, authentic presence that instantly connects with audiences—from Fortune 500 execs to first-time attendees
  • Known for her ability to guide events with grace, humor, and authority, keeping programming on track while elevating the overall experience
  • Highly skilled in building rapport across a wide range of voices—whether moderating panels, interviewing CEOs, or energizing a room between sessions
  • A trusted host for events where brand alignment, adaptability, and polish are essential
  • Combines a background in TV, corporate law, and accounting, making her especially relatable and credible in high-level business environments
  • Described by clients as “an integral part of the team”—a true collaborator who anticipates needs and delivers seamless execution
“Eva does an amazing job making connections between the speaker and the company’s/event’s goals, easily tying messaging together and connecting the dots for attendees… She is smart, personable, funny and engaging—exactly what a moderator/interviewer should be.” Amy Maxey, Manager, Global Conferences & Events, Hyland
“She was able to predict what our audience needed and captured our culture in her work. Outstanding professional!”Jen Earle, CEO, National Association of Women Business Owners
“Eva is a great collaborator… she keeps us calm in the most stressful moments. We regard her as an integral part of our team.” Christi Pedra, SVP, Cardinal Health
Amy McWhirter
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Conference Emcee, Keynote Speaker, Awards Host, On Air Pesonality

Amy McWhirter is a seasoned professional emcee and event host known for her engaging, clear, and connected style. With a background in broadcast journalism and corporate communications, Amy specializes in creating meaningful audience experiences that blend insight, warmth, and precision. She’s hosted in-person and virtual events for leading brands including Whirlpool, Honeywell, Infosys, SAP, and the National Association of Broadcasters.

Suggested Role: Emcee

Amy is an ideal emcee for executive-level events where messaging, tone, and flow are critical. She brings a polished stage presence and is adept at guiding audiences through TED-style content, panel discussions, and branded programming with confidence and ease.

In-Person Fee: $15k* + $1,500 flat travel fee + two nights of accommodations

*The fee would include compensation for content prep and meetings prior.

Speaker Profile

Amy is based in Detroit area.

Speaker Highlights

Why Amy is a Great Fit
  • Extensive experience as emcee and moderator across tech, healthcare, and financial services sectors
  • Known for her ability to humanize content, break down complex topics, and create a sense of connection
  • Delivers on-brand messaging and ties sessions together with energy, empathy, and clarity
  • Skilled in working with C-suite speakers, subject-matter experts, and live production teams
  • Brings a calm, organized presence to high-stakes event environments—ideal for a fast-paced, one-day summit like Middesk’s
“Amy’s witty and engaging style kept the audience captivated and entertained throughout the program. Her ability to seamlessly transition from one segment to the other, and keep the event on track, was impressive. Amy’s professionalism, charisma, and energy added so much to the overall success of the event. We could not have asked for a better emcee. — Horizons International Engineering Technology Thought Leadership Conference | India
“Amy was fantastic with high energy and connection that tied everything together seamlessly. She offered personal stories to connect with the minds and hearts of audiences.” — IFT (Institute of Food Technologists) FIRST Hybrid Conference
Holly Ransom
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One of Australia's 100 Most Influential Women, CEO of Emergent Global, Author of The Leading Edge, Emcee/Moderator

Holly Ransom is a globally recognized leadership expert, keynote speaker, and dynamic emcee who has led conversations on some of the world’s biggest stages—from the United Nations and G20 to corporate events for Fortune 500 companies. Known for her ability to distill complex ideas into clear, actionable insights, Holly brings rigor, warmth, and a signature high-energy style that resonates with executive audiences.

Suggested Role: Emcee

Holly is a powerhouse event host who thrives in fast-paced, content-heavy environments. She’s known for drawing strong connections between sessions, keeping momentum high, and customizing her delivery to the tone and strategic goals of each event. Her facilitation style ensures that both speakers and attendees feel seen, challenged, and engaged.

In-Person Fee: $35k + $2,500 flat travel fee + hotel accommodations

Speaker Profile

Holly is based in Australia but travels internationally frequently.

Speaker Highlights

Why Holly is a Great Fit
  • Described by clients as a “masterful moderator, empathetic listener, and powerhouse presenter”
  • Has emceed and moderated for global brands, government summits, and innovation-focused events
  • Adept at crafting real-time narrative cohesion, tying together key themes and elevating the experience
  • Engages confidently with senior leaders and changemakers from diverse sectors—well-suited for Middesk’s fintech-forward audience
  • Known for adaptability, curiosity, and depth—a modern emcee for a modern event
“Moderating conversation with high profile thought leaders and inspirational icons is a work of art—and Holly, like a skilful tailor, stitches these conversations together to produce a masterpiece that enlightens the mind and gladdens the soul.”Ola Odejayi – Content Strategy Lead, CPA Australia
“Holly is one of the best emcees for your professional conference. Holly’s exceptional in her ability to engage with senior leaders, understand the business objectives and facilitate the right conversations amongst the delegates.”Melinda Bance – Head of Leadership Capability, APA – Always Powering Ahead