Las Vegas is famous for its star power. From convention centers to gala ballrooms, events here are bigger, brighter, and more memorable when a recognizable face is part of the program. But while the idea of booking a celebrity might sound glamorous, the process itself can feel daunting. How much will it cost? Who do you call? And how do you make sure everything runs smoothly on the big night?
At Baskow Talent, we’ve been answering those questions for more than 45 years. As one of Las Vegas’s most trusted talent agencies, we’ve helped corporations, associations, and private clients bring celebrities, musicians, comedians, and keynote speakers to life on stage. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering adding a star guest to your event.
Start With Your Goals and Budget
Every successful booking begins with clarity. Ask yourself what role the celebrity will play. Do you want a keynote speaker who inspires your team? A comedian who keeps a charity dinner lighthearted? Or a major music act that will energize a convention crowd?
Once you know your goals, it’s time to talk about budget. Fees vary dramatically, from regional TV personalities who charge in the tens of thousands to global headliners whose appearance might run into the millions. And it’s not just the fee. You’ll also need to consider travel, accommodations, production requirements, and the celebrity’s rider (those specific requests that range from technical needs to hospitality preferences). Getting a realistic estimate up front will save headaches later, which is why our team always provides clear cost ranges before clients commit.
Match the Celebrity to Your Audience
Not every star is right for every stage. A technology convention may benefit from a high-profile entrepreneur, while a fundraising gala could dazzle with a legendary singer. The goal is alignment: the person on stage should resonate with your audience and elevate the atmosphere of your event.
We often guide clients toward options they may not have considered — a well-known athlete to motivate a sales team, for example, or a television personality to add buzz to a product launch. The right match is what makes an event unforgettable. Explore some of our corporate entertainment options for inspiration.
Why Work With an Agency
Booking a celebrity isn’t like buying concert tickets. There are layers of negotiation, contracts, and logistics that need to be handled with professionalism. That’s where a trusted agency makes all the difference.
At Baskow Talent, we leverage long-standing relationships with celebrity managers, agents, and production crews. We negotiate fees on your behalf, review contracts line by line, arrange travel and accommodations, and manage every behind-the-scenes detail. That way, you’re free to focus on your guests instead of worrying whether the spotlight will come on at the right moment.
What the Booking Process Looks Like
While every booking is unique, most follow a similar path. We begin with a consultation where you share your goals, audience, and budget. Next, we provide a shortlist of celebrity options that make sense for your event. From there, we confirm availability and negotiate fees, before moving on to contracts and rider requirements.
Once the paperwork is finalized, our team will help you throughout the entire process, making sure everything runs smoothly.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Over the decades, we’ve seen a few mistakes repeat themselves. The most common is waiting too long to start the booking process. High-profile talent calendars fill quickly, and last-minute requests often mean limited options or higher costs. Another pitfall is underestimating hidden expenses, such as additional production equipment or special accommodations requested by the celebrity. And perhaps the biggest mistake of all? Trying to manage it solo without professional support.
When you have an experienced agency guiding the process, these issues rarely become problems.
Bringing It All Together
Booking a celebrity for your Las Vegas event is one of the most effective ways to create excitement, attract attention, and leave a lasting impression on your audience. With the right planning — and the right partner — the process is far less complicated than most people think.
For more than four decades, Baskow Talent has helped clients bring star power to their events. From corporate conferences to private celebrations, our experience ensures that every detail is handled with care.
Are you ready to explore celebrity options for your next event? Contact us today and let’s make it happen.