MEET EMBER
Since its beginning, Ember has been guided by the belief that when people come together, great things can happen. That certainly proved to be the case in 2008 when Chris Gasbarro, a former chapter president of Meeting Professionals International, and Kathy Del Medico, a former International board member of the International Live Events Association, came together to launch Ember−the world’s first gathering agency.
Along the way, they would grow in excitement and size, make lots of mistakes, learn, make more mistakes and plan amazing gatherings around the world. From shutting down Wall Street for an IPO, to partnering with Taylor Swift and Keds for the launch of a signature tour shoe, to luring Wolverine Worldwide, one of the world’s largest footwear companies, Ember continues to transform and elevate the experience of people coming together.
While Chris is known for his energy, humor and creativity, Kathy brings proven operations and logistical experience to the now 17-person, award-winning agency based in the seaside city of Newburyport, Massachusetts.
In 2023, Ember celebrated 15 years of amazing gathering moments. As we move into 2024, we’re moving strong and bolstering our team for the best of the best in events and design.
ALEXANDRA DESROSIERS
DAVE DZIEMIAN
EVENT DESIGNER
PRODUCTION MANAGER / GATHERING PRODUCER
CHRISTIE RUTA
GM OF GATHERING
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
DEVIN TRIER
JUSTIN ANDERSON
GRACE ANDREWS
CEO
CREATIVE MANAGER
HEATHER MARTIN BONNIER
KRISTA BOLDUC
GATHERING PRODUCER
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
ERIN BUDZYNA
ALLISON BURKINSHAW, CMP
GATHERING COORDINATOR
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
JESSICA CLAYSON
KATHY DELMEDICO
GATHERING PRODUCER
OWNER & GM OF EMBER ESCAPES
CHRIS GASBARRO
SHARMILA PATEL
OWNER & PRESIDENT
DIRECTOR OF SALES
JOHN WESCOTT, MS, CSEP
GATHERING PRODUCER
“Ember was born from our passion for gatherings. Gatherings are the campfires around which we collaborate and share stories, the symbolic bonfires that build meaningful connections and strengthen bonds. We see ourselves as the flame-keepers, drawing on our expertise to bring brand culture to life through inspiring experiences that do more than engage−they ignite brand fire.”
Chris Gasbarro, Owner & President, Ember
“There’s a big difference between an event and a 'gathering.' We understood that difference when we launched Ember fifteen years ago. If you want to bring people together, put on an event; if you want to build meaningful, inspired connections that spotlight your brand’s promise and business objectives, 'gather' with us. Where embers ignite, meaningful connections burn bright.”