Meet Brian D. Avery
Senior Lecturer
Education
- Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management (University of Central Florida, 2007)
- Bachelor of Science in Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science (University of West Florida, 1998)
Mailing Address
FLG 302
P.O. Box 118208
Gainesville, FL 32611-8208
Social Media
LinkedIn
Instagram
Twitter
Research Gate
Florida Expert Net
Biography
Brian D. Avery is a seasoned professional with a career spanning over three decades in the events, venues, and attractions industry. His expertise lies in four vital areas: risk and safety management, event design and execution, attraction operations and education.
Brian’s journey began at a young age, working as a midway operator at Boardwalk and Baseball amusement park, which sparked his passion for the industry. His career includes managing five restaurants at Universal Studios in Orlando, working as a SeaWorld and Discovery Cove safety specialist, and contributing significantly to post-Katrina tradeshow recovery efforts in New Orleans with GES Exposition Services.
Academically, Brian holds a Bachelor of Science in Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science, a Post-Baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Industrial Engineering with a concentration in Human Factors and Safety, and a Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management. He completed coursework for a Ph.D. in hospitality education, focusing on events, tourism, and attractions’ safety and risk management.
Brian’s commitment to education is evident through his roles as an instructor at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida and as a lecturer at the University of Florida’s College of Health and Human Performance.
He has developed innovative curricula, including a minor in Live Entertainment Management and a certificate in Legal and Risk Management, and introduced a Theme Park and Attraction Management course. His influence extends internationally, providing safety consulting and expert witness services across the United States, the United Kingdom, Dubai, Saudi Arabia and the Caribbean.
Additionally, Brian is actively studying artificial intelligence and its applications in enhancing safety, efficiency and management in his fields of expertise.
Research Interests
Avery’s research focuses on risk and safety management, event design and execution, attraction operations, and education. He examines efficient and safe large-scale events and venue operations, emphasizing risk and safety management practices.
Avery’s work includes studying regulatory standards and practices to ensure compliance and enhance safety. He explores innovative event design and execution for safer, more engaging experiences and analyzes amusement ride safety protocols.
Courses
- SPM 4725 Advanced Legal Aspects in Live Entertainment and Sport
- SPM 4724 Risk Management in Live Entertainment & Sport
- SPM 4104 Sport Operations and Facility Management
- HFT 4755 Theme Park and Attraction Management (Disney Institute)
- SPM 6726 Issues in Sport Law
- LEI 6905 Hospitality / Tourism Crisis Management