Bryan Blair

Bowling Green,KY

Summary

Dependable and professional business professional with extensive experience in event management, sales and marketing/public relations, and event planning. Highly skilled in effective communication with diverse groups at all levels through strong verbal and written communication. Demonstrated ability to consistently deliver results and maintain strong client relationships while actively seeking new prospects. Experienced in building and managing operating budgets, including capital expenditures, payroll, and revenue projections.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

Business Development Director

NORTH AMERICAN MIDWAY ENTERTAINMENT

01.2024 - 02.2025

Responsibilities included external sales and marketing to Fair Boards, Shopping Centers, Stadiums/Arenas, Community Parks and private individuals to produce events and festivals
Researched locations then contacted locations to gauge interest
Worked with clients and company owners to secure, negotiate and execute contracts
Attended Trade Shows representing the company to fairs and festivals across the southeastern United States

Chief Executive Officer

YORK COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

01.2018 - 01.2024

Responsibilities included complete oversight of all phases of planning, organization and operation of an 89-acre year-round Exposition Center/Fairgrounds with a full-time staff of sixteen employees and 25 part-time employees
Employment increased to 450 plus during the annual York State Fair
Oversaw all financial matters including budgeting to include Capital expenditures, Payroll, Revenue Projections and Contracts
Managed day-to-day financial operations, supervising non-Fair rentals and events, facility maintenance and upgrades, contracts/agreements, and government relations/lobbying
Responsible for all facets of the York State Fair including entertainment selection and contracts, concession contracts, midway relations, staffing, security and day-to-day operations
Secured over $7,000,000 in grant funding directly related to the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic through state and federal sources
Had secured approval for a $5,000,000 matching state grant for additional improvements that was awaiting Board approval

General Manager

ELKHART COUNTY 4-H FAIRGROUNDS

01.2014 - 01.2018

Responsibilities involve the day-to-day management and operation of 380-acre, year-round Fairgrounds/Event Center with a full-time staff of ten employees and twenty-five part time employees and 150 plus volunteers
Oversaw all financial matters, including budgeting to include Capital expenditures, Payroll and Revenue Projections
Direct supervision of all non-Fair rentals and events, facility expansion, contracts and agreements, Marketing & Public Relations
The annual Elkhart County 4-H Fair exceeds 200,000 in attendance and is one of the largest 4-H county fairs in the nation and is the fourth largest ticketed event in the state of Indiana

Expositions Administrator, Sponsorships and Event Marketing Department

KENTUCKY STATE FAIR BOARD

01.2009 - 01.2014

Responsibilities included soliciting event sponsors; preparing proposals and executing contracts; exploring and developing new events; working with facility staff and sponsors to accomplish all details of a completed agreement; assist in training personnel for event production and supervise during event; manage specific areas pertaining to client list at Kentucky State Fair, National Farm Machinery Show and North American International Livestock Exposition
Additional responsibilities include management of the School Tour Program for the Kentucky State Fair and North American International Livestock Exposition and Assistant Administrative Manager of Championship Tractor Pull for National Farm Machinery Show

Sports Information Director

CAMPBELLSVILLE UNIVERSITY

01.2004 - 01.2009

Responsibilities included all marketing aspects of a 21 team inter-collegiate NAIA athletic department including designing all print materials such as media guides and schedules; maintaining and reporting

Education

B.A. - Public Relations & Marketing

WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

BOWLING GREEN, KY

Skills

Project Management
Financial Oversight
Experienced Team Leader
Stakeholder Engagement
Proven Leadership Experience
Audience Engagement Skills
Build Relationships Effortlessly
Service Excellence
Results Driven
Team Leadership

Marketing Expertise
Sponsorship Implementation
Efficiently Organized
Scheduling
Skilled Communicator
Results Oriented
Skilled in Microsoft Office Applications
Budget-Conscious Decision Making
Contract Negotiation Expertise

Timeline