Feld Entertainment CEO on Live Entertainment, Consumer Trends, and Global Expansion

Feld Entertainment's Diverse Portfolio

• 🎪 Feld Entertainment, a family-owned company, produces and presents live touring family entertainment, including Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Monster Jam, Disney On Ice, and SuperMotocross.
• 🌍 The company hosts approximately 2,800 performances annually in 240 cities, reaching about 14 million audience members across six continents.

Consumer Economic Landscape

• 💡 The US market shows a divergence, with affluent consumers readily spending on VIP experiences and merchandise.
• ⚠️ Conversely, lower-middle-income consumers face challenges with discretionary spending due to rising costs in other areas.
• 🎯 Feld Entertainment focuses on reaching a wide economic spectrum by offering various price points and diverse marketing strategies.

Business Growth and Diversification

• 📈 Feld Entertainment is strategically building a 365-day presence with customers, moving beyond just event days to a more franchise-oriented approach.
• 🛍️ This includes a robust merchandise business, a strong licensing program, and media/broadcast rights, with Monster Jam being the number one vehicle license worldwide since 2020.
• 🚀 Expansion efforts include developing premium kids content for Ringling Bros. and exploring new media opportunities for Monster Jam to increase consumer engagement and monetization.

Talent Acquisition and Global Operations

• 🌍 The company employs an in-house casting and talent team that scouts globally, visiting circus festivals and schools, and maintaining a network of contacts.
• 🎭 They focus on creating unique acts that surprise audiences, such as a Chinese bike troop performing advanced acrobatics for the new Ringling Bros. production.
• 🛂 Feld Entertainment navigates immigration challenges to bring in performers from 17 different countries, requiring extensive advance planning and sometimes special clearances, as seen with performers from Ukraine.