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Professional Emcee & Moderator

For conferences, leadership events, fundraisers, and high-visibility programs

Gilda partners with organizations to lead live events with professionalism, presence, and precision  -  helping programs feel polished, well-paced, and engaging from opening remarks to final close.
 

A Trusted Presence for Important Events

Gilda serves as an emcee, moderator, and program host for organizations that want their events to feel polished, purposeful, and exceptionally well led. She brings seasoned presence, careful preparation, and strong audience connection to help events run smoothly, key messages come through clearly, and speakers and stakeholders feel well supported throughout the experience.

 

Trusted by organizations across corporate, nonprofit, and academic sectors, Gilda is valued not simply as a voice on stage, but as a thoughtful partner to the event team.

More Than a Host - A Strategic Partner to the Event Team

Strong events do not happen by accident. They are thoughtfully designed, carefully prepared, and expertly guided in the moment.

 

As an emcee and moderator, Gilda works closely with event leaders and production teams to help shape an experience that is both seamless and aligned with the goals of the program.

 

Her support may include:

  • clarifying event goals and core messages

  • shaping run-of-show flow, pacing, and transitions

  • preparing speakers and panelists for a strong audience experience

  • adapting smoothly in real time to timing shifts, program changes, or unexpected developments

 

The result is an event that feels composed, engaging, and reflective of the importance of the occasion.

Events Gilda Frequently Supports

Gilda is frequently engaged to emcee and moderate:

  • corporate conferences, leadership summits, and town halls

  • signature nonprofit events and fundraising galas

  • executive forums and board-level programs

  • awards ceremonies and milestone celebrations

  • panel discussions and interview-style conversations

  • hybrid and virtual events that require strong audience connection and continuity

She is especially valued in environments involving senior leaders, board members, elected officials, donors, and other key stakeholders.

What Clients Value Most

Clients consistently value Gilda’s ability to:

  • establish immediate connection with diverse audiences

  • keep programs moving smoothly and on schedule

  • balance professionalism with warmth and ease

  • reinforce key messages without overshadowing speakers

  • maintain audience focus across long or complex programs

 

Her calm presence and thoughtful preparation give event leaders confidence that the program is in capable hands - allowing them to stay focused on their guests, speakers, and broader event goals.

A Trusted Presence for High-Visibility Moments

From behind-the-scenes preparation to confident delivery on stage, Gilda brings sound judgment, strong presence, and a deep understanding of live program dynamics to every engagement.

 

Whether guiding a room of hundreds or moderating a more intimate leadership conversation, she helps ensure the experience feels well paced, professionally led, and aligned with the standards of the organization behind it.

Testimonials

“Gilda demonstrated the highest level of professionalism, preparation, and composure throughout her role as emcee. She was a trusted partner in delivering a polished and impactful event, bringing a strong presence while maintaining precise control of the program to ensure seamless flow and sustained audience engagement.” 

Camelia Lawrence, MD, FACS, Director, Breast Surgery Central Region, Hartford HealthCare

Planning an Upcoming Event?

If you are planning a conference, leadership event, fundraiser, or multi-speaker program and are looking for an experienced emcee or moderator who brings professionalism, preparation, and presence, Gilda  would be glad to discuss your event.

Contact Gilda to inquire about availability. 

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Fran Pastore

CEO

Women’s Business Development Council

A trusted partner for our most visible and mission-critical events.

"For more than a decade, Gilda has been a trusted partner to the Women’s Business Development Council and to me personally. She has served as Emcee and Speaker Producer for many of our most visible and high-stakes events, including our Annual Gala & Awards Ceremony—which brings together business leaders from across Connecticut, members of our congressional delegation, the Governor, and state legislators—and Women-Owned Business Day at the State Capitol, a strategic advocacy event that convenes state leaders and elected officials in support of women entrepreneurs.
Gilda brings an extraordinary blend of strategic thinking, preparation, and on-stage presence. She works effortlessly with our leadership team, staff, and partners to shape the program and ensure that every speaker—whether an elected official, honoree, or client—feels confident, prepared, and aligned with our mission. On stage, she creates warmth, clarity, and flow; behind the scenes, she brings calm, judgment, and a steady hand to moments that truly matter.
Gilda consistently elevates the impact of everything she touches. She understands our mission deeply, anticipates what’s needed, and shows up with professionalism and grace every single time. I trust her completely and value her not only as a collaborator, but as an essential member of our extended leadership team."

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Camelia Lawrence, MD, FACS

Director, Breast Surgery Central Region

Hartford HealthCare

A trusted partner in delivering a polished and impactful event

“Gilda demonstrated the highest level of professionalism, preparation, and composure throughout her role as Emcee for the Barnum Festival Luncheon. She brought a dynamic presence while maintaining precise control of the program, ensuring a seamless flow and sustained audience engagement. She worked collaboratively with our team behind the scenes, thoughtfully aligning with event goals and key messaging to ensure clear, effective communication. Her ability to adapt in real time, manage transitions, and maintain momentum contributed significantly to the overall success of the luncheon. Gilda was a trusted partner in delivering a polished and impactful event, and I would recommend her without hesitation to any organization seeking a skilled, reliable, and engaging emcee.”

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Valeta Prendergast

Development and External Relations Director

B1C Building One Community

One of the best emcees & facilitators

"Gilda is one of the best emcees and facilitators that I have had the pleasure to work with. She brings professionalism, relatability, and approachability to her work. Gilda was instrumental during our organization’s largest signature event of the year, where we attracted donors, elected officials, board members, volunteers, and other key stakeholders. Gilda’s expertise enabled us to drive donations during the live fundraising portion of the event in a much more succinct way than it had been done in prior years. We would love to continue working with Gilda in the coming years, because she brings so much knowledge of what it takes to run a successful event - from planning the run-of-show, scripting and rehearsing speeches, and having familiarity with a wide range of venues."

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Natalie Holland

Event Director

Westfair Business Journal

A fantastic choice for an EmCee who can expertly manage and connect with an audience

"Gilda Bonanno was an exceptional EmCee for our inaugural Hispanic Innovator event. Her warmth, professionalism, and genuine ability to connect with both our honorees and the audience elevated the evening. Gilda created an atmosphere that was both engaging and timely. Her ability to introduce our 19 honorees, each with their unique story, was exceptional. She effortlessly set the perfect stage for them to share their profound 'Beyond the Bio' insights, ensuring that the thought-provoking questions we posed landed with maximum impact, all while keeping us right on schedule.
The overall feedback of Hispanic Innovators has been overwhelmingly positive, with Gilda’s involvement contributing to the event's success, making the experience more engaging for everyone. Gilda is a fantastic choice for an EmCee who can expertly manage and connect with an audience."

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