Which showman is famously associated with the quote, "Without promotion something terrible happens... Nothing!"?

The quote "Without promotion something terrible happens... Nothing!" is famously attributed to P.T. Barnum, a quintessential showman and circus owner known for his extravagant promotions and marketing strategies. Barnum's career was built upon the ability to capture public attention and generate interest through creative promotional tactics, making him a central figure in the history of public relations and advertising.

His emphasis on the importance of promotion reveals key principles in public relations: to create visibility and awareness, organizations must actively engage in promotional activities. This belief highlights the proactive nature of PR efforts, asserting that without them, a product, service, or event may go unnoticed, ultimately leading to stagnation or failure.

Barnum's legacy in the promotion of entertainment also underscores the creative and theatrical elements of public relations practices, which aim to tell a compelling story and connect with audiences. This context around his quote illustrates the critical role that promotion plays in any successful endeavor, aligning perfectly with the foundational concepts of public relations as a discipline.