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 nonprofit philanthropic organizations. The universal ties that bind the group is the collective shared learning experiences gained while working for the circus. 

Here are the biographies of Earl and Mark Duryea, multi-generational live event tour managers and members of the Advance Professionals.

Few families have played as pivotal a role in the growth and modernization of American circus touring as Earl and Mark Duryea. Through vision, negotiation, and an unmatched understanding of the live entertainment landscape, this father-and-son team collectively shaped how the Greatest Show on Earth® and other touring spectacles reached millions of fans across North America. Their combined leadership in routing, arena management, and tour production has made them synonymous with excellence in the behind-the-scenes world of live event logistics — ensuring that the magic of the circus reached every corner of the continent.

Earl Duryea – Pioneer of Modern Touring and Routing for the Greatest Show On Earth®

Earl Duryea’s career is a testament to both innovation and perseverance in the fiercely competitive world of live entertainment. From 1972 to 1985, he served as Vice President of Routing and Tours for Feld Entertainment, the parent company of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. During this era, the modern touring model of the circus was still evolving, and Earl was instrumental in establishing many of the practices now considered industry standard. His negotiations with North America’s premier sports arenas not only secured favorable rental terms but also pioneered the use of date protection clauses, ensuring that the circus could market each engagement with minimal competition from other events. These agreements safeguarded the profitability and visibility of the circus in key markets, particularly as sports leagues and concert tours began competing more aggressively for venue dates.

Earl Duryea also recognized the importance of maximizing revenue beyond the ticket sale. Under his leadership, Feld Entertainment implemented exclusive rights for food, beverage, and merchandise concessions, creating a unified and profitable experience for fans and ensuring that the circus controlled its brand within every venue it played. His vision extended beyond the circus ring: Earl served as General Manager of major venues including the San Francisco Cow Palace, the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City and Nassau Coliseum in New York. Earl also served as President of the Harlem Globetrotters and producer of the Great Russian Ice Show. In 1991, he was appointed Executive Director of the U.S. Olympic Festival in Los Angeles, tasked with recapturing the spirit and enthusiasm of the 1984 Olympic Games — further underscoring his reputation as one of the most respected executives in sports and entertainment.

Mark R. Duryea-Vice President, North American Routing and Tours | Feld Entertainment

Mark Duryea is a second-generation leader, with more than four decades of experience in live entertainment.

Since 2004, Mark has served as vice president of North American Routing and Tours at Feld Entertainment, where he leads strategic routing and contract negotiations with hundreds of arenas and stadiums across the country. His work supports 15 domestic tours and more than 500 engagements annually for some of the world’s most iconic entertainment brands, including Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Disney On Ice®, and Monster Jam®.

Mark is known for his ability to navigate the complexities of the modern touring calendar — creatively routing around NBA, NHL, NFL, MLS and MLB schedules, as well as concerts, the Olympics, the FIFA World Cup and countless local events. His strategic insight and collaborative leadership with venue partners have been key to ensuring families nationwide continue to experience the magic of Feld Entertainment shows in their hometowns.

Before joining Feld Entertainment, Mark spent 17 years in arena management at renowned venues such as the Los Angeles Coliseum and Sports Arena, MGM Grand Garden and Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Coliseum and Gator Bowl. He also played a key role in opening the Crown Coliseum in North Carolina, gaining hands-on expertise in venue operations, ticketing, event management and audience engagement.

Beyond his work, Mark has served as a Trustee for the International Association of Venue Managers Foundation Board since 2011 and a member of the International Entertainment Buyers Association. His background also includes tour management for The Harlem Globetrotters, Sesame Street Live and The Great Russian Ice Show, which he coproduced with his father, Earl Duryea.

Today, the Duryea legacy continues with Mark’s daughter, Madison, representing the third generation of the family to contribute to the sports and entertainment industry.

Together, Earl and Mark Duryea’s combined expertise, vision, and leadership have quietly but profoundly influenced the success of the circus arts in America. Through their work with Feld Entertainment and beyond, they transformed the way major touring shows navigate the North American marketplace — ensuring that generations of families could experience the wonder of the circus in their hometown arenas. Their enduring legacy continues to shape the future of touring entertainment and stands as a shining example of the critical, behind-the-scenes leadership that fuels the magic under the big top.