The group honored as the Advance Professionals wrote the book on live event promotion and management. Since the early days of P.T. Barnum it has been the work of those who executed the tour planning, marketing, advertising , sponsorship and public relations that made the circus a financial success. The circus is equal parts art and commerce. Nothing happens unless a ticket is sold. In the world of show business, without business there is no show.
Many alumni of this group have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs, agents, show producers, marketing and pr agency owners, sports and entertainment executives and venue managers. You will find them in leadership roles of media companies, major league sports (NHL, NBA, MLB, MLS), ticketing companies, concert and talent management, theme parks, fairs and expositions, cultural arts and non profit philanthropic organizations. The universal ties that bind the group is the collective shared learning experiences gained while working for the circus.
This is the biography of Jeffrey Charles Meyer, a member of the Advance Professionals.
From the Big Top to the Boardroom: How Jeffrey Charles Meyer’s Circus Roots Shaped His Success at Feld Entertainment
Jeffrey Charles Meyer began his career in live entertainment as an advance man for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, laying the groundwork for his future success in event marketing and sales. As an advance man, Meyer traveled ahead of the circus, working tirelessly to generate excitement, secure venues, and coordinate local promotions. He attributes much of his professional success to the invaluable lessons he learned during these early years—mastering the art of audience engagement, market dynamics, and the logistical complexities of large-scale touring productions. This hands-on experience became the cornerstone of his career and shaped his ability to navigate the ever-evolving live entertainment industry.
Meyer’s deep understanding of touring operations and market strategies eventually led him to leadership positions at Feld Entertainment, the company that has carried the Ringling legacy forward. He joined Feld in 1987 as a Regional Marketing Director, overseeing promotions in 50 markets across the country. His ability to drive ticket sales and build strong local partnerships quickly set him apart, demonstrating the expertise he honed while working on the circus. Under his leadership, Feld’s productions—including Disney On Ice, Monster Jam®, and Monster Energy AMA Supercross—saw unprecedented growth and increased audience reach.
Recognizing his strategic vision and marketing acumen, Feld Entertainment promoted Meyer to Senior Vice President of Event Marketing & Sales for North America in 2002. In this role, he has expanded Feld’s domestic business from 160 to over 800 annual engagements, overseeing ticketing, sponsorships, advertising, and promotional efforts. His approach combines data-driven decision-making with the fundamental principles he learned from the circus—knowing the audience, creating anticipation, and delivering unforgettable live experiences.
Despite his rise to a senior leadership position, Meyer remains grounded in the values instilled in him during his time with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The fast-paced, high-stakes environment of the circus world taught him resilience, adaptability, and the importance of connecting with local communities—traits that continue to define his leadership style. His commitment to audience-first marketing and operational excellence has helped Feld maintain its status as the world’s leading producer of live family entertainment.
Jeffrey Charles Meyer’s journey from a Ringling advance man to a senior executive at Feld Entertainmentexemplifies how deep industry knowledge, hands-on experience, and a passion for live performance can shape a remarkable career. As he continues to lead Feld’s North American marketing and sales efforts, he remains a testament to the enduring impact of the Greatest Show on Earth and the lessons learned under the big top.