Baskow Talent/Las Vegas Speakers Bureau, a celebrity and talent broker company based in Las Vegas, NV, is celebrating its 45th anniversary. Not only making it, but thriving in this industry is no easy feat.
“My hallmarks; creativity, attention to detail and putting my clients first have helped me continue to succeed for 45 years,” says Jaki Baskow, CEO and owner of the company. “It’s been such an honor to help them and make sure their goals are achieved.”
She remembers leaving her home in New Jersey in 1976 with $300 in her pocket determined to make it in Las Vegas. And make it she has.
She has helped companies worldwide create memorable experiences featuring A-list celebrities, past presidents, dignitaries, authors, entertainers, game show hosts, and more. She’s forged long-lasting relationships with Hollywood elite, prominent politicians, business leaders and authors, earning her a spot as one of Discovery Channel’s Top 10 Star Brokers in the World.
Famed actor Telly Savalas helped Baskow early on in her career. Kojak, the 1970s crime drama starring Savalas in the title role, was filmed in Las Vegas and Baskow was tasked with finding caterers, locations, and extras for the show.
“Telly saw I made things happen. No matter what he needed, I accomplished it. He encouraged me to open my own talent agency,” enthuses Baskow. That spark led to the creation of Baskow Talent, today one of the top talent agencies in the country.
She knew she had made it when Frank Sinatra reached out asking Baskow to help a local singer, Marlene Ricci. Sinatra and Baskow became friends and he opened the door for her at Caesars, a relationship that continues 45 years later.
Frequently referred to as the “Queen of Las Vegas,” Baskow has produced talent for everything from small, intimate gatherings to huge conventions for organizations like the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, retail chains and franchises and events like the IBM Golden Circle. “Not only have I booked some of the biggest talent and speakers but also acts that aren’t as well known, but are still effective at a fraction of the price,” Baskow explains.
Baskow is a preferred vendor at Caesars as well as Wynn and other major hotels for speakers and entertainment.
While her business has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, she has taken this time to evolve and add virtual offerings to her repertoire.
“Today, it’s more important than ever to inspire, to motivate. Must take the viewer away from their remote environment emotionally. We have been producing live Las Vegas magic shows, entertainment, concerts from showroom stages that are broadcast to employees virtually,” she concludes. “Meetings and conferences will come back and when they do, we will be better than ever before.”
For more information on Baskow’s amazing roster of speakers and entertainment, click here.
