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 Kenneth V. Wachter  a member of the Advance Professionals.

Kenneth V. Wachter: A Life in the Spotlight and Beyond

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — From the dazzling arenas of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus to the corporate offices overseeing the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Kenneth V. Wachter has navigated the world of entertainment marketing with unparalleled expertise.

Early Career: The Ringmaster’s Apprentice

In 1977, Wachter stepped into the ring as a Regional Marketing Director for the iconic Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, orchestrating local marketing campaigns and venue logistics. Over two decades, his role expanded, culminating in his appointment as Regional Vice-President in 1985. Under his leadership, Wachter not only managed the “Greatest Show on Earth®” but also directed marketing for a range of productions, from American Gladiators Live Tour to Disney on Ice. His influence stretched across the West Coast, Canada, and the Midwest, even extending to Siegfried & Roy’s personal marketing endeavors.

A New Arena: The Disney Sports Era

In 1997, Wachter transitioned to Disney Sports as Vice President of Marketing & Sales, overseeing the marketing strategies for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and the Anaheim Angels. His responsibilities spanned from season ticket sales to game entertainment and public relations. Notably, Wachter played a pivotal role in the renovation of Anaheim Stadium, transforming it from a 64,000-seat football venue to a 43,000-seat baseball stadium.

Wisconsin Ventures: From Ice to Gridiron

Leaving Anaheim in pursuit of new horizons, Wachter assumed the role of COO at PMI Entertainment in Green Bay, Wisconsin. At PMI, he oversaw a diverse portfolio, including Brown County Arena, Shopko Hall, and the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame. By 2002, Wachter ascended to the positions of President and CEO, steering the acquisition of the Green Bay Gamblers USHL hockey team and spearheading the construction and management of the Resch Center and Resch Expo Hall. Under his leadership, the Resch Center Arena garnered international acclaim and was nominated by Pollstar as the best country music venue in the U.S.

Legacy and Retirement

Retiring from PMI Entertainment in January 2022, Wachter attributes his career success to his formative years at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. He proudly identifies as a member of “The Greatest Marketing Team in the World,” a testament to his enduring impact on the industry.

Community Stewardship

Beyond the boardrooms and arenas, Wachter is committed to giving back. He has imparted his knowledge as a lecturer in Sports & Entertainment Marketing at Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College and has served on numerous boards, including the Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, and St. Vincent Hospital Advisory Board. Currently, he sits on the PMI Board of Directors, ON Broadway Board of Directors, and the Board of Trustees of the Circus Ring of Fame Foundation®.

In Kenneth V. Wachter’s remarkable journey, the spotlight has shone brightly, but his true legacy lies in his unwavering dedication to entertainment, community, and excellence.