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 Larry Kellogg, a member of the Advance Professionals.
Larry Kellogg: A Life Steeped in Circus Legacy and PR Mastery
In the realm of promotional wizardry and circus lore, Larry Kellogg carved an indelible path, leaving an enduring mark on the world of entertainment. His odyssey commenced as the promotion and marketing director at WFLA TV in Tampa, Florida, where he orchestrated a monumental collaboration with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. A colossal promotion aimed at aiding less fortunate and at-risk youth captured the hearts and airwaves each December, solidifying Kellog’s penchant for impactful campaigns.
Transitioning from television, Kellogg found himself immersed in the vibrant world of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus World in Haines City, Florida, where he lent his expertise for several transformative years. His tenure there served as a testament to his commitment to the circus realm, laying the groundwork for his illustrious journey ahead.
Kellogg’s next venture led him to the Bayfront Center Arena in St. Petersburg, Florida, initially as the marketing director and later ascending to roles as booking manager and assistant manager. His multifaceted roles underscored his adaptability and prowess in the intricacies of entertainment management.
The genesis of his entrepreneurial spirit materialized when Kellogg established his own public relations agency, navigating a diverse clientele landscape. Notably, his portfolio included Ringling, a partnership that endured for multiple decades. Kellog was the linchpin of Ringling’s press endeavors, collaborating closely during the development of each new show at the Tampa Fairgrounds. His expertise extended beyond the circus, engaging in special projects for esteemed institutions like the Ringling Museum in Sarasota and the Antique Book Fair in St. Pete, showcasing his versatility in public relations.
Kellogg’s trajectory was not confined solely to the realm of publicity; he emerged as an esteemed collector of circus memorabilia, cultivating a profound understanding of circus history that positioned him as one of the foremost historians in the field. His counsel was sought after across various facets of Circus History, marking him as a beacon of knowledge and expertise in the niche world of circus lore.
Ultimately, Larry and Sandy Kellogg, his steadfast companion, embarked on a serene retirement journey that led them back to St. Petersburg, Florida, before settling in Tennessee to relish moments with their beloved children. Kelloggs legacy remains etched in the annals of entertainment history, a testament to his multifaceted talents, unwavering passion for the circus, and his enduring impact on the world of public relations.