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 Amy Gorton, a member of the Advance Professionals.

Amy Gorton’s professional journey spans a diverse landscape, marked by her trailblazing spirit and a penchant for immersive storytelling. A Colgate University alumna, she ventured to Washington D.C., kickstarting her career with notable roles at USA Today and Congressional Quarterly magazine. However, it was her leap into the enchanting world of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus that defined her trajectory.

Initially joining the renowned circus through an account executive position at Read-Poland Associates, a prominent PR firm representing The Greatest Show On Earth, Gorton swiftly transitioned in-house to The Media Center of Feld Entertainment, Inc. Over a span of seven dynamic years, she became the linchpin of the company’s public relations efforts. Her responsibilities ranged from orchestrating regional and national media placements to spearheading intricate publicity events and adeptly navigating crisis management scenarios.

Gorton’s role extended beyond conventional PR as she delved into the meticulous crafting of official bios for hundreds of circus performers and staff. Her adeptness in research, writing, and editing was on display as she curated an extensive array of materials for the celebrated RBBBC press kit, showcasing an unparalleled dedication to her craft.

Immersing herself in the captivating world of the Circus, Gorton developed a profound appreciation for its history through dedicated writing assignments while actively engaging with the contemporary Circus culture during numerous on-the-road visits to “The Show.” Her tenure culminated in becoming Ringling’s inaugural Regional Public Relations Director for the western United States.

Eager to augment her professional repertoire, she pursued an M.A. in Communication Management from the University of Southern California before transitioning to helm the DVD and home entertainment publicity division at New Line Cinema, culminating a remarkable 15-year career in corporate PR and marketing.

Stepping into the entrepreneurial realm, Gorton founded Tower PR, an agency renowned for its innovative and successful campaigns catering to individuals and professionals. Despite being anchored in Los Angeles for the better part of the year, she finds solace and joy at her lakeside retreat in Minnesota alongside her partner Ross and their beloved “Golden Girl” retrievers.

Beyond her thriving career, Gorton nurtures enduring connections within the Circus industry, maintaining ties with both performers and fellow professionals as an esteemed member of “The Ringling Alumni.” Her journey exemplifies a fervent dedication to her craft and an unwavering commitment to storytelling, encapsulating the essence of a seasoned and versatile communications virtuoso.