Spotlight On Evan Gray – Founder Of Emerge Palm Springs

I’ve never been much for networking.

That is, until I attended a SOCIAL HOUR hosted by EMERGE Palm Springs a couple of years ago at the Palm Springs Surf Club. I’ve been hooked ever since.

Not only did I make real connections with people I still keep in touch with, but I also met Evan Gray, the founder of EMERGE, who was so warm, welcoming, and gracious that I felt like I walked away with a new friend.

And that feeling wasn’t superficial. My friendship with Evan has only grown since, and I can honestly say he is one of the kindest souls in this desert.

His events are true experiences. Hosted at unique, vibrant locations — from Windmill City Screen Printing and the Drift hotel to The Shag House and Pharos Athletic Club — EMERGE gatherings often include tours, hands-on activities, demonstrations, and plenty of built-in ways to connect. It’s networking, but not as you know it. In fact, the locations are often so great — and occasionally so exclusive — that getting access to them is worth the ticket price alone.

But what makes Evan’s events special isn’t just where they take place. It’s the way he brings people together. I’ve watched him work a room, thoughtfully introducing like-minded people and creating the kind of genuine connections that can turn into friendships, collaborations, and community.

And EMERGE has grown far beyond its monthly SOCIAL HOUR. Evan’s programming now includes COMMON GROUND, DESERT DINNER CLUB, FRIENDSGIVING, PERK BEFORE WORK, and his new summer series, IN CONVERSATION, a free monthly morning gathering at the historic O’Donnell Golf Club featuring coffee, donuts, and thoughtful conversations with dynamic speakers on timely topics. (If you’ve always wanted to check out the O’Donnell Golf Club, this is your chance!)

I’ve gotten to know Evan even better this year through Leadership Coachella Valley, which he helps oversee through his role as Director of Programs and Creative Strategy for the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce. And truly, LCV would not be the same without his organization, guidance, and heart.

Read on to learn more about Evan’s journey, the inspiration behind EMERGE, and the fabulous networking opportunities he is creating across the desert.

(Headshot above by Aaron Jay Young Studio; photos two and four below courtesy of Evan; all other photographs by my friend and LCV classmate David García-Tlahuel of Arsvida, who regularly photographs EMERGE events.)

XO, Lindsay

Tell us about your background

I come from a mix of hospitality, events, and community-focused work. I started my career in Bentonville, Arkansas, producing events and building experiences that brought people together, then moved into the Chamber world—where I saw firsthand how economic and community development really happens: by connecting the right people at the right time. That’s been the through-line for me: creating spaces people actually want to be in, where something real can come out of it.

What brought you to the desert? And what year was that?

I moved to Palm Springs in 2022. I was in Los Angeles at the time, my lease was ending, my partner was here, and my current role opened up. It felt like one of those right place, right time moments and I’m really glad I trusted it.

How did you come to work for the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce?

I had been working at the Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce for about five years, so I already understood the role Chambers can play in a community. When this position opened up, it felt like a rare opportunity to bring together strategy, creativity, and community-building in a place that already has a strong sense of identity. Palm Springs has a creative edge that you don’t always see and that was a big draw for me.

What does your role at the Palm Springs Chamber entail?

My official title is Director of Programs + Creative Strategy, which is a pretty accurate description. I oversee Leadership Coachella Valley, EMERGE Palm Springs, and the Walk of the Stars, while also leading marketing across the organization. So it ranges from big-picture strategy to very hands-on work—campaigns, content, events, partnerships. At the end of the day, it’s about making sure what we create in terms of programming and marketing feels intentional, relevant, and actually worth people’s time.

What sparked the idea to create EMERGE Palm Springs?

When I moved here, I noticed a gap—especially for younger, modern professionals. A lot of networking spaces felt transactional or forced, and that’s just not how I think people connect anymore. I wanted to create something that felt more natural, more genuine, and more reflective of the people who are actually building things here now. It really came down to this: if you put the right people in the right environment, you don’t have to force anything.

How would you describe an EMERGE event to someone who’s never been?

It’s not traditional networking. It’s a well-designed environment where conversations happen naturally. Good space, interesting people, something thoughtful woven in, and you leave having actually met people, not just exchanged names.

SOCIAL HOUR and COMMON GROUND – how do those experiences differ in intention?

SOCIAL HOUR is the entry point. It’s more open, a little larger, and easy to walk into, whether you know people or not.

COMMON GROUND is smaller and more intentional. It’s built around shared interests, so conversations tend to go a little deeper and people find alignment faster.

What can people expect from your new IN CONVERSATION summer series?

IN CONVERSATION is a monthly morning series where we bring together a mix of emerging and established voices from different industries for conversations that feel grounded and real — not overly polished panels or rehearsed talking points.

People can expect honest perspective, practical insight, and conversations that actually stay with you after you leave. The goal is to walk away with a new way of thinking about something, whether that’s leadership, mentorship, creativity, business, or personal growth. It’s designed to feel approachable, welcoming, and worth showing up early for.

What has been a favorite EMERGE moment, event or venue so far?

Windmill City stands out. We had live screen printing happening all night, people designing and walking out in pieces they just made, music going, drinks flowing. It felt interactive in a way that most networking events just aren’t. Hosting our first birthday on the rooftop of the Rowan was also special, since that’s where it all started. Honestly, I’ve been lucky to work with so many great spaces—it’s hard to pick favorites.

You’re known for choosing fabulous spaces – how do you go about selecting venues?

I keep a running list of “dream” locations, but a lot of it also happens organically. I look for places that already have a point of view: spaces with character, intention, and a vibe people want to be in. When the setting feels right, it naturally shapes how people show up.

Has networking always come naturally to you or did you have to learn it?

I’ve definitely learned it. I don’t love traditional networking because it can feel forced, but I understand that’s part of the game in this industry. Over time, I realized the best connections come from just being present and curious. I still love meeting people, but I think of it more as building relationships than “networking.”

What’s been the most rewarding part of building spaces for connection in the desert?

Honestly, watching what happens after the event. People meeting and then going on to collaborate, become friends, start businesses together—that’s the real impact. When something shifts from surface-level to something meaningful, you can feel it. That’s what makes it worth it.

Best business advice for newbie entrepreneurs?

Don’t overcomplicate it. Start with something real, something people actually care about, and stay consistent. You don’t need everything figured out, but you do need to keep showing up. And who you surround yourself with matters more than almost anything else.

What part of Valley living brings you the most joy?

The pace. There’s space here to think, build, and connect without constant noise, but there’s still a strong creative and entrepreneurial energy. It’s a rare balance.

When you’re not working, where might we find you on a perfect desert day?

Outside somewhere—drink in hand, probably near a pool or with a good view. Or checking out a new spot, or at something happening around town. There’s always something going on.

Best meal in the desert?

It depends on the mood.

Other Coachella Valley favorites?

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