Stephen Belth has developed literally hundreds of audience acquisition and retention campaigns for cultural institutions throughout the United States. With expertise in direct marketing, market research, interactive and e-promotion, graphic design, and strategic planning, his programs have delivered millions of dollars in ticket sales and membership revenue and have helped orchestras, performing arts organizations, and museums dramatically increase their audiences.
In 1998, Belth founded Arts Marketing Network. His client roster has been highlighted by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seattle's ACT Theatre, Live From Lincoln Center, the Brookfield (IL) Zoo, the John G. Shedd Aquarium, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, Indiana University, Arts Administration Program, Tanglewood, Ravinia, and the Cleveland Orchestra, among others.
Prior to founding AMN, Belth held the position of Vice President for Marketing and Communications for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra from 1995-1998. While there, he supervised all promotion, brand identity, graphics, and communications of this 107-year-old company, during which annual sales revenue grew from $15 million to nearly $23 million.
Before moving to the CSO, Belth was Senior Director of Marketing and Communications for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Hollywood Bowl, a $40 million-a-year institution, credited with the most individual tickets sold of any major orchestra. He also was responsible for the marketing campaign launching Esa-Pekka Salonen as music director, and introducing the brand identity concept for the future Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Belth has presented seminars in performing arts marketing for the League of American Orchestras (formerly American Symphony Orchestra League,) Indiana University, University of Chicago, and the Arts and Business Council of Chicago and is a frequent speaker at marketing conferences and trade shows. He has taught marketing at Columbia College, Chicago, has published several articles on marketing, and is currently working on a book on audience development.
Belth is currently Chair of the Arts and Business Council of Miami.