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 Michael A. Rosenberg, a member of the Advance Professionals.
Michael Rosenberg: From Capitol Hill to Stages Worldwide
Michael Rosenberg’s illustrious journey traverses the corridors of Capitol Hill to the global stages of entertainment, a narrative woven with legislative service, wartime valor, and a prolific career spanning an array of industries.
Rosenberg’s early years were marked by his service as a Legislative Assistant to a Senator, a formative period that laid the groundwork for his subsequent endeavors. A testament to his courage and commitment, he served two tours in Vietnam, earning 14 combat ribbons, a testament to his unwavering dedication and valor on the battlefield.
Transitioning from the rigors of Capitol Hill and the turmoil of war, Rosenberg entered the captivating world of entertainment, leaving an indelible mark with his tenure at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus where he excelled in show promotion and was instrumental in leading the creation of the first ever live entertainment marketing manual.
After his stint at the Greatest Show On Earth Michael turned his energy to the leadership and vision in managing the Bicentennial Freedom Train. This underscored his knack for orchestrating grand spectacles, emblematic of his ability to navigate multifaceted projects.
Taking the helm of his destiny, Rosenberg ventured into entrepreneurship, founding his own firm, Marco Entertainment, with Ice Capades as the flagship client. His foray into managing skaters witnessed the rise of Dorothy Hamill as his first champion skater, setting the stage for a string of successes in the realm of figure skating and beyond. Among his clients were Tonya Harding, Nancy Kerrigan, Katerina Witt, Brian Boitano and many other superstars of the professional figure skating world.
Expanding his repertoire, Rosenberg delved into producing and promoting stadium soul concerts featuring luminaries such as Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder, elevating the landscape of live music performances. His adeptness transcended industries as he managed athletes in football, golf, and swimming, while also steering the careers of acclaimed singers like Peggy Lee and Johnny Rivers, along with talented actors.
The zenith of his career manifested in producing touring theater ice shows, captivating audiences across continents in Australia, China (marking their inaugural ice show), Japan, Canada, and the United States. This global odyssey solidified his status as a visionary, setting benchmarks and enthralling audiences in diverse cultural landscapes.
The pinnacle of his achievements culminated in the strategic decision to sell his company to Clear Channel, marking a victorious denouement to a career replete with innovation, creativity, and unwavering dedication.
Rosenberg’s narrative embodies a multifaceted journey marked by resilience, vision, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, culminating in a well-deserved retirement that crowned a prolific career of unparalleled achievements across diverse domains.