Original article published on Pollstar (03/06/18) by Ryan Borba

Coalition Entertainment's recent diversification involves standalone talent buying services for various markets and venues across the United States and internationally, as well as events such as the Air + Style festival in Los Angeles. "Our thought was that, if a talent buyer for a festival or venue is getting paid $20,000 or $100,000 or whatever it may be, we could build a business by aggregating those services," says Coalition partner Robert Tobolowsky. "The way we think about it is that that role does not have to be internal." Coalition talent buyer Pete Gross notes in addition to purchasing, the company also can "lend our information on the marketing side and operational side," with examples that include supplying artist relation services for Electric Zoo and full production and operation for Imagine Festival. Underused performing arts centers, convention centers and other facilities that may lack a traditional concert background are counted as Coalition clients. "The more talent we buy, the more we can help our clients not only land the shows in a tough global market, but not get gouged on prices," Tobolowsky says. He stresses the importance of independent promoters as a client base, noting they "are a big part of the artist guarantee's growth cycle and we play a calculated role in valuing these artists and identifying growing talent." Tobolowsky says Coalition is focusing especially on international expansion this year, particularly with respect to production services and experiential marketing efforts.

Read the full story on the Pollstar website.