—  About

Benji is an NYC-based experiential designer, sales and sponsorship executive, creative director, technical producer, brand marketer, serial entrepreneur, and lighting designer.

Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Benji started his career in high school as a DJ and MC for Bar Mitzvahs, expanding his company Capital Entertainment into one of the Midwest’s largest event production companies.

By the time Benji received his BA from the Scripps School of Communication at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, Capital Entertainment was producing events for companies such as Nationwide Insurance, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Safe Auto. During this time he was also a lighting designer and operator at some of the hottest nightclubs in the region, including Axis, Mekka, and Crobar.

After university, Benji packed a U-Haul and moved to New York City, where he joined Viacom+ as the Director of Interactive Sponsorship Experience Sales. In this role, Benji designed and sold branded media partnerships for signature events, including the MTV Video Music Awards, LOGO NewNowNext Awards, The GRAMMYs, BET Awards, and the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Following graduation from MTV, Benji joined PlanetOut as a Senior Director of Sales and Sponsorships, securing media and experiential sponsorships with companies such as Cadillac for the PlantOut Entrepreneur of the Year Award and Lexus for the Out100.

The drive to be more hands-on with production led Benji to open his own agency, kayneLIVE, focusing on creating, packaging, and selling solution-based experiential marketing programs to brands and agencies. KayneLIVE specialized in highly technological and immersive brand environments and experiential activations. Exponential growth allowed Benji and kayneLIVE to acquire ATD Audio Visual, rebranding as ATD Productions and expanding to full A/V design, technical production, and event management. After over a decade of service, Benji sold the company to a private agency holding company.

Currently an advisor and board member to various startups and organizations, Benji is available for full-time employment, production/project contract work, speaking and press engagements, public/grant and private lighting art commissions, and general consultancy.

Benji spends his free time hiking with his husband, Brendon, and managing their dog Brutus’ social media presence.

Booking, Press, & General Inquiries

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