By Aaron D. Friedman and Adam G. Rose
Backstage at Manhattan’s Marquee venue, Michael Natenzon, Damian Cacciato, and Michael Goldman finalize their set minutes before Blank Hospitality’s debut performance. This moment was once a distant vision for Natenzon, Cacciato, and Goldman, founders of a hospitality firm that has since expanded from the stages of New York to an international platform, hosting, organizing, and performing at events in Miami, Canada, Israel, Portugal, and the French Alps.
Natenzon, currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Analytics at Cornell University, Cacciato, a student at Montclair State University, and Goldman, a former U.S. Marine, have transformed their passion for music production into a business enterprise with a diverse portfolio.
Cacciato, Natenzon ‘25, and Goldman, founders of Blank Hospitality
Extending beyond traditional event management, the company has carved out a distinctive niche in brand integration and strategic consulting, orchestrated by Michael Goldman, the firm's head of brand partnerships. “We’re not just selling event space—we're crafting cultural moments,” Goldman explains, noting that brands increasingly seek authentic connections with Gen-Z and millennial audiences.
The strategy has yielded impressive metrics: the company’s social media presence now commands over 40,000 followers across platforms, generating 7.4 million views and nearly two million engagements. “Traditional advertising doesn’t resonate with our generation," notes Natenzon. "We're creating environments where brands become part of the cultural conversation, not just another logo on the wall.” As a full-scale marketing partner for brands and venues looking to generate revenue, recent campaigns have particularly appealed to lifestyle brands looking to authentically engage with younger demographics without sacrificing their premium positioning.
Blank Hospitality is exploring further expansion into new markets, with a focus on technology integration. Natenzon manages client relations and strategic growth, leveraging the analytical skills he has developed at Cornell to analyze market trends and optimize operations. “By leveraging advanced event management platforms and real-time analytics, we’re not only streamlining operations but also tailoring every event to meet our clients’ unique visions. Technology empowers us to elevate our offerings, allowing us to connect with audiences on a deeper level and consistently deliver unforgettable, high-quality experiences” says Natenzon.
As the Social Chair of the Event Committee for the MSBA '25 Cohort at the SC Johnson College of Business, Natenzon focuses on creating events and initiatives that foster connections among his classmates. Additionally, Natenzon co-founded the AI Committee within his cohort, providing a platform for members to discuss and stay informed on the latest developments and trends within artificial intelligence. “We’re examining ways to incorporate AI into event planning and guest experiences,” Natenzon shares.
As a former Summer Associate at Triple Five Group and Summer Analyst at Talpion Fund Management, Natenzon has continued to enhance his financial education at Cornell. “Introduction to Financial Analytics is my favorite class because it’s given me a solid foundation in accounting fundamentals and shown me how to integrate data science into financial decision-making. This knowledge is essential for Blank Hospitality, as it enables us to manage our assets and earnings with precision, making smarter, data-driven business choices” Natenzon elaborates.
As Chief Operating Officer, Cacciato applies the analytical rigor of asset management to the traditionally intuitive world of event planning and entertainment. “We're applying financial analysis to optimize every aspect of our operations.” says Cacciato, who founded the Investment Banking Society at Montclair State University and serves on the board of the university's economics honors society. His experience at Willow Street Partners, where he honed his skills in real estate development and property management, has proved invaluable as Blank Hospitality scales its operations. The firm now approaches venue partnerships and event planning with a level of disciplined analysis typically reserved for other industries.
“Most players in hospitality focus solely on the creative side," Cacciato notes. "But we're building a data-driven operation that can deliver both memorable experiences and predictable returns.”
As Blank Hospitality continues to evolve entertainment, technology, and data-driven decision making, its founding team's diverse expertise ensures innovation in the hospitality landscape. Combining business analytics, industry passion, and entrepreneurial vision, Goldman’s brand partnerships, Natenzon's analytical insights and Cacciato’s operational rigor are redefining modern event management. As they look to expand their international footprint and explore AI integration, Blank Hospitality stands as a testament to how traditional hospitality can be transformed through the lens of data science and strategic innovation, creating experiences that resonate with both brands and audiences in an increasingly digital age.