In this episode of E-Coffee with Experts, host Ranmay sits down with?Ben Anshutz, President at?Gotham Artists, a top-tier talent agency managing over 1,000 events per year, from celebrity bookings to full-blown concerts.
Ben shares how he accidentally fell into the talent booking world, and how his background as a musician turned him into the ultimate “artist whisperer.”
He breaks down why founders and marketers should stop obsessing over shortcuts and instead double down on relationships and consistency.
From how to deal with temperamental celebrity clients to the importance of operational excellence (yes, even brown M&Ms!), Ben shares practical, behind-the-scenes strategies that most event planners never talk about, but desperately need to know.
This episode is packed with raw, real advice for founders, marketers, and business leaders who want to grow with purpose, lead with empathy, and build something that lasts.
Ben has been with Gotham Artists for 13 years.
The company books around 2,000 events a year, mostly in North America.
Ben's background as a musician helps him connect with artists.
Listening and improvisation are key skills in event planning.
Growth should be approached slowly and thoughtfully.
Operational excellence is crucial for successful events.
Planning for unexpected issues is essential in live events.
The Brown M&Ms story illustrates the importance of attention to detail.
Building strong relationships leads to organic business growth.