HOST, MODERATOR & EVENT EMCEE

"Mariana speaks so powerfully about trust and authenticity — she brought a new level of consciousness to our attendees. Her sincerity cut through the skeptics, and the standing ovation confirmed it!"

— CEO, California Closets

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HOSTING, MODERATING, AND INTERVIEWING

A high-stakes stage requires more than a host.

It requires a moderator who can earn trust quickly, ask the right questions, and guide a conversation toward real insight. 

Peabody Award- winning journalist and author Mariana Atencio is trusted by leading global organizations to anchor their most important dialogues and keep audiences fully engaged.

Mariana has interviewed and shared the stage with world leaders, cultural icons, and business executives, including:

  • Pope Francis

  • the King of Spain

  • Heads of State in the US, Brazil, Asia and Venezuela

  • Michael Bloomberg

  • Bill Ackman

  • Arianna Huffington

  • Tyler Perry

  • Rafael Nadal

  • Serena Williams

She is known for making guests feel prepared and at ease, which leads to sharper answers, more candid moments, and takeaways that resonate beyond the event.

Mariana doesn’t just moderate; she acts as an editorial partner. 

With an investigative journalism background, she helps shape the throughline of a program, develops questions that match the moment, and navigates complex topics with clarity, from geopolitics and technology to finance, media, and culture. 

Mariana brings structure without stiffness and energy without chaos, so momentum stays high across multi-session and multi-day programs.

She works seamlessly with global AV and production teams to ensure technical execution is as

polished as the content. 

Mariana is a trusted moderator and MC for major stages and convenings, including:

  • The Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Saudi Arabia

  • Citi Private Bank dialogues

  • Global events for Microsoft

  • Nasdaq

  • Hyundai

  • Foreign Policy, and

  • The United Nations General Assembly

Whether it’s a 60-minute fireside chat with a CEO or a multi-day summit (virtual or in-person), Mariana keeps the conversation on track, the transitions smooth, and your speakers set up to deliver their best.

A Perfect Fit for:

  • Flagship events – where your brand reputation and sponsor ROI depend on flawless execution and memorable content

  • High-profile guests who need to shine on stage – CEOs, newsmakers, investors who need a trusted partner to make them look sharp

  • C-suite in the hot seat – earnings calls, town halls, shareholder meetings where one wrong question derails the narrative

  • Panels where controversial or polarizing topics might come up – where you need a moderator who can navigate tension

  • Geopolitically conversations – where you need credibility, nuance and high-energy

  • Technical or complex subject matter for non-technical audiences – translating AI policy, financial regulation, climate science into insights executives can actually use

  • Global or multi-day summits – where consistency, momentum, and seamless transitions across sessions make or break the experience

  • Events blending business and culture – where you need someone fluent in both boardroom strategy and broader global context

  • Sponsor-heavy programs requiring editorial independence – where the moderator must balance commercial interests with journalistic integrity so content doesn't feel like an infomercial

  • Celebrity or athlete interviews for corporate audiences – where star power needs a moderator who's interviewed global icons and knows how to navigate the sensitivities of the interviewee 

  • Events where the "wrong" moderator is a liability – emcees who can't read the room, comedians who undercut gravitas, corporate trainers who can't handle spontaneity


Experience Mariana's energy and gravitas kicking off the eMerge Americas 10th anniversary tech conference in Miami. 

Witness Mariana's ability to connect with attendees at EY's annual event, and encourage them to share key takeaways 

Mariana sits down with Shark Tank's Daymond John for a candid conversation, summing up tangible lessons for the audience 

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WHAT CLIENTS SAY

  • We can’t imagine our next events, whether in the U.S. or Europe, without Mariana hosting them!

    There is a before and after in our Summit thanks to Mariana. Her energy, and the depth with which she studied each panelist is unparalleled. She brings out the brilliance in every interviewee and panelist, making the event educational, authentic, and fun. 

    – CEO, The Venture City Summit

  • Mariana was nothing short of amazing. She adeptly navigated the challenges that come with hosting a live show.

    “We had the pleasure of having Mariana Atencio as the host for ERG Engage 2025, and she was nothing short of amazing. She excelled in creating an environment where everyone felt heard and respected. Mariana's professionalism shone through as she adeptly navigated the challenges that come with hosting a live show. Her ability to pivot seamlessly and keep the conversation flowing was truly impressive. She has a deep understanding of what it takes to facilitate impactful discussions within a large company, making her an invaluable asset to our event. 


    – Director & Executive Producer, Microsoft

  • We couldn’t have asked for a better partner on stage. Mariana guided a high-stakes, 5-hour program with grace, warmth, and intelligence.

    She introduced VIP speakers like Michael Bloomberg and General Petraeus, interviewed guests like Bill Ackman and Marc Rowan, and served as the connective tissue that made the entire event feel seamless. 

    – Vice President, Technology Investment Banking, Itaú BBA USA Securities, Inc.

  • Mariana Atencio's hosting at the Aspen Ideas Climate Summit was a tour de force.

    From the moment she took the stage, her passion was palpable. She conducted pre-interviews, and made speakers comfortable on stage.

    Her ability to weave together complex ideas into a coherent narrative was impressive  — all while keeping discussions on topic, focused, and engaging. 

    – Director, Aspen Ideas Climate

  • Mariana’s adaptability and poise made all the difference during an unexpected snow storm that affected the conference.

    She masterfully adapted to last-minute program changes, managed speaker cancellations, and communicated critical travel and safety concerns with ease. A true professional who brought immense value to our program. 

    – EY Americas

  • She brought an energy to the room that enlivened the attendees more than any cup of coffee could.

    She came prepared, was the consummate team player, and brought people to a mind space to focus on what mattered most. She is a true pro and a delightful person to interact with. 

    – Graham Veysey, Executive Producer, Aspen Ideas: Climate

  • Mariana came exceptionally prepared and well-studied. She asked thoughtful questions and kept the audience engaged.

    She hosted a panel on pension plan management — a topic not front and center for most people — and made it undeniably engaging. Reliable, professional, well prepared, and most importantly, fun.

     – Florida Public Pension Trustee Association

  • Mariana is an engaging host who is able to take complex subjects and make them accessible to a general audience.

    There wasn't a moment during the discussion where I or anyone around me was tuned out. She makes dedication and hard work look effortless. 

    – Founder/President/CEO, Global Policy Solutions LLC

  • She was able to think on her feet, listen, and absorb the right takeaways to weave one keynote with the next, creating the perfect throughline for our summit.

    Her energy and enthusiasm were boundless, creating an electric atmosphere that resonated with everyone in attendance. Her contributions were invaluable — she exceeded all expectations.

    – CEO, Outreach

“Mariana adeptly navigated the challenges that come with
hosting a live show… And she was nothing short of amazing.”
– Director & Executive Producer, Microsoft

– Director & Executive Producer, Microsoft

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