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 Adam Craig Ellis, a member of the Advance Professionals:
Adam Craig Ellis, a Circus Ring of Fame Advance Professional makes his mark in live entertainment.
In the pulsating realm of Live Entertainment, Adam Craig Ellis emerges as a stalwart with an impressive 25-year legacy, orchestrating a plethora of events across nightclub and arena venues, collaborating with Major League Sports Teams, managing tours for Circus and family shows throughout the Northeastern United States.
Ellis embarked on his journey in 1997 with the Tampa Bay Storm of the Arena Football League (AFL). From the humble role of an intern, he ascended to the position of Account Executive/Game Day Supervisor over three seasons, simultaneously pursuing his B.S. in Marketing from the University of South Florida. Under the tutelage of Head Coach Tim Marcum, Ellis not only navigated all facets of game day activities but also pioneered innovative marketing strategies, including a successful 4-pack retail promotion with Checker’s/Rally’s.
Post-graduation in 1999, Ellis joined Globe Facility Services as Marketing Manager, steering the ship through a merger with Comcast-Spectator, birthing Global Spectrum. His tenure witnessed a meteoric rise in the client roster from 7 to 25 venues, showcasing his prowess in marketing and management.
In 2001, Ellis made the pivotal move to New York City, joining Feld Entertainment as a Regional Marketing & Sales Manager. For four years, he played a pivotal role in promoting Disney On Ice and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus across iconic venues, earning accolades such as Promotion of The Year and PR Event of the Year. Ellis left Feld Entertainment with a deep appreciation for the industry, attributing much of his subsequent success to the skills acquired during his time at “Promoter University.”
In 2005, at the age of 29, Ellis assumed the role of Director of Marketing at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, overseeing non-hockey events. His six-year tenure saw him surpassing projections on numerous family shows and concerts, implementing new revenue streams, and collaborating directly with the New York Islanders on sales and marketing strategies.
Amidst the changing landscape in 2011, Ellis embraced the challenge of being the Director of Marketing for The Paramount, a newly opened club venue in Huntington, New York. Over the last 12 years, he has steered the venue to unprecedented heights, earning accolades like Nightclub of The Decade & Nightclub of The Year (2023).
As the venue spokesman, Ellis coordinates a staggering 225+ events annually, boasting the title of the #1 highest-grossing worldwide venue according to Pollstar Magazine (YE 2022). His strategic prowess extends to digital marketing, where he executes hundreds of campaigns annually, resulting in the highest average percentage of capacity sold tickets for any venue of its size.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Ellis remains deeply engaged in his community, serving as a past board member of the Nassau County Sports Commission & Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce. A fitness enthusiast, Ellis balances his rigorous career with activities like road cycling, cross-fit, and an adept bowling game. As he enters the next chapter of his illustrious career, Ellis looks forward to maintaining his leadership role in the Live Entertainment industry for years to come.