What if everything you think you know about speaker bureaus—and how to get on their radar—is wrong?
In this eye-opening episode of Path to the Main Stage, host Li Hayes sits down with industry insider Ben Anshutz, President of Entertainment at Gotham Artists, to pull back the curtain on the real workings of speaker bureaus, agents, and how emerging speakers actually get booked. From the myths of exclusivity to the nitty-gritty of how speaker commissions really work, Ben shares hard-earned wisdom from 13 years at Gotham and his own journey as a lifelong performer.
Are you shocked to discover that an agent’s job isn’t to book gigs for you? Or that sending your hard-earned leads to an agent might be the most profitable move for your career? This episode will challenge your assumptions and help you find the clearest path to getting booked on bigger and better stages.
Key highlights include:
If you’re an emerging speaker longing for the inside track, this is your must-listen episode—the advice here could save you years on your journey to the main stage.
Episode Overview & Timestamps
00:00 – Li Hayes introduces Ben Anshutz, Gotham Artists, and today’s agenda: busting myths about bureaus, agents, and getting booked
01:49 – Ben’s background: Entertainment division, speaker agent experience, and performer roots
03:15 – What is a bureau? Talent buyers, brokers, creative matchmakers—debunking industry jargon
05:59 – Exclusive vs. non-exclusive speakers explained; speaker management vs. bureaus
09:23 – How bureaus get paid: gross vs. net commission models, transparency, and pricing drama
13:27 – The realities of travel buyouts—why a fixed fee saves hassles (and hilarious receipts stories!)
19:41 – Travel costs: tiers for emerging, first-class, and celebrity speakers (+ when private jets enter the picture)
22:55 – Are travel fees commissionable? Standard deal structures and hidden bundling
23:43 – How emerging speakers should price themselves and why market research (and humility) matter
29:28 – Sizzle reel vs. speaking reel: What videos are must-haves for getting booked
32:24 – Do you need an agent? When to look for representation, what bureaus look for, and how to get their attention
36:04 – The one thing every speaker should do to get on a bureau’s radar—give them your leads
39:25 – The upside of working with agents: higher fees, better deals, and the long game
41:08 – The realities of event cycles, vendor systems, and why some clients ONLY book through bureaus
43:47 – Ben’s hard-earned wisdom: The power of “no,” maintaining boundaries, and avoiding burnout in showbiz
46:41 – “Enjoy the journey!” Advice for anyone wanting a sustainable, successful speaking career
Ready for the unvarnished truth about what it really takes to get on the main stage? Tune in now for the tactics, tips, and real talk that could change your trajectory!