Excellent ROI, meaningful community engagement
With more than 25 years behind us, we know the entertainment industry—not to mention our lane within it. It’s this long history paired with our innate connection to the LGBTQ+ community that position us so well for the work we do.
Put simply: we know our people.
In a landscape that’s ever-changing, we’re agile and adaptable, in tune with the culture and the times. Though each campaign is different, our purpose remains the same: to create meaningful connections between art and audiences. We believe that by serving our clients well, we’re serving our community too, and see each project as a chance to contribute something of value.
Broad awareness, deep reverence, lasting presence. Leading cultural conversations since 1997.
Broad awareness, deep reverence, lasting presence. Leading cultural conversations since 1997.
Key Players
Craig Karpel
Owner & President
Founder of The Karpel Group, Craig Karpel boasts a decades-long career in the entertainment industry. He got his start in Boston at what is now Allied Global Marketing before working at Boneau/Bryan-Brown and launching TKG in 1997. His leadership, industry connections and unwavering passion for the LGBTQ+ community have made TKG the entertainment industry’s most respected queer publicity and marketing agency. Craig is a proud member of the Marketing and Public Relations branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Alma mater: American University, undergrad; Boston University, grad Favorite film: Vertigo Most-missed TV show: “Freaks and Geeks” Favorite film kiss: Jake and Samantha in Sixteen Candles Celebrity crush: Henry Cavill Childhood pop idols he has met: Madonna, George Michael, Annie Lennox, Boy George, Pete Burns Favorite muppet: Grover
Vinny Moschetta
Vice President, Marketing
Picture it: New York, 2003. A wide-eyed college junior joins The Karpel Group as a marketing intern. Over the next two decades, his desire to achieve authentic LGBTQ+ representation across all platforms grows at the heart of his career. At the same time, his passion for all things entertainment matures like a fine wine (with delicate notes of Britney Spears bops, sci-fi fantasy realms, and Bravo table flips). For Vinny — intern turned VP — entertainment is life. To him, marketing transcends follower counts and impressions: it's about making an impact through inclusive narratives and unforgettable experiences for everyone.
Alma mater: Seton Hall University Favorite duet: *NSYNC and Gloria Estefan "Music Of My Heart" Favorite film quote: "You're killing me Smalls!" (The Sandlot) Recently binged TV show: “Who’s The Boss?” (and it still holds up!) Favorite Broadway cast recording: Wicked Song to get you on the dance floor: Anything by Britney Spears
Ryan Turrin
Vice President, Publicity
With over 18 years at The Karpel Group and 20+ years in entertainment publicity overall, Ryan is an avid consumer of film, television, music and theater. He got his start in the industry working as an intern at Allied Global Marketing in Boston. When he moved to New York City in 2005, the very first resume he sent out was to Craig Karpel, and he’s been with the company ever since. A proud gay man and a lifelong fan of the entertainment industry, with a special love of film (he hasn’t missed an Academy Awards broadcast since 1990), Ryan is so grateful that the community and industry he loves define his career.
Alma mater: Boston University Most-missed TV show: “Six Feet Under” Song to get you on the dance floor: “Get Ur Freak On” by Missy Elliott Popstar: Madonna Favorite Broadway cast recording: Ragtime (1998) Favorite childhood film: Adventures In Babysitting Movie star that gets me to the theaters: Tom Cruise Defining ‘90s albums: Jagged Little Pill, The Velvet Rope
Ilich Mejía
Junior Account Executive
While growing up in scenic but predominantly conservative Honduras, Ilich discovered the works of directors Pedro Almodóvar and Todd Haynes; the vibrancy and unapologetic queerness of their films inspired Ilich to pursue a career in entertainment. After completing his studies at UNC-Chapel Hill, he started at The Karpel Group, coming full circle as he promotes the work of queer filmmakers and artists. When he’s not devouring pop culture, Ilich is probably at a thrift store in Brooklyn fighting your aunt over a hand-painted tchotchke.
Alma mater: University of North Carolina Favorite old Hollywood star: Lauren Bacall Favorite musical: Meet Me in St. Louis Favorite film quote: “I’m so much happier now that I’m dead” - Gone Girl Most-missed TV show: “30 Rock” Favorite soundtrack: I Am Love Favorite film close-up: Nicole Kidman in Birth Song to get you on the dance floor: “Suerte” by Shakira
Conner Brady
Junior Account Executive
After finishing school and completing an internship at The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Conner moved to New York City to pursue his dream of a career in entertainment. His first gig was with Cory Andersen, a manager of queer talent, where he gained first-hand experience with management, influencer activations and industry relations. Conner’s love and dedication for the queer community blends seamlessly with his unwavering admiration for films and music in his role at The Karpel Group.
Alma mater: Point Park University Celebrity crush: Paul Mescal Favorite film quote: “But to make yourself feel nothing as to not feel anything - what a waste.” - Call Me by Your Name Song to get you on the dance floor: ABBA’s "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" Favorite soundtrack: Annie (1999) Recently binged TV show: “Gilmore Girls” Favorite film kiss: Edward and Bella at Prom in Twilight
Tom Fatsi
Consultant, Finance & Operations
Tom’s childhood interests moved swiftly from dinosaurs through monster movies and comic books to disco. He discovered his love of charts listening to Casey Kasem each week, spending Sunday mornings writing down the entire Top 40. After graduating college, he moved to New York, arriving shortly before the Crash (none of your business which one). Minus a brief sojourn or three, he has been here ever since. Currently consulting, TKG has been his longest-running act, and he wants you to know he has always been good at math.
Alma mater: University of Connecticut Childhood hero: Carol Burnett Three films that made me who I am today: Planet of the Apes, What’s Up, Doc? & The Poseidon Adventure Dead singers I’ve seen perform more than once: Ella Fitzgerald, Eartha Kitt, Teena Marie, Donna Summer, Nancy Wilson Most controversial decision: Skipping cassettes and going straight from vinyl to CD
Photographs by Emil Cohen