IEBA’S 42ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE HITS HIGH ATTENDANCE

PHOTO: (L-R) MC HAMMER-IEBA SHOW HOST; CHARLEY PRIDE AND NEAL MCCOY PHOTO CREDIT: Rick Diamond, Getty Images
PHOTO: (L-R) MC HAMMER-IEBA SHOW HOST; CHARLEY PRIDE AND NEAL MCCOY
PHOTO CREDIT: Rick Diamond, Getty Images

Industry, Hall of Fame and SRO Awards Announced for 2012

The International Entertainment Buyers Association’s 42nd Annual Conference in Nashville enjoyed another record-breaking attendance with nearly 700 registrants.  Daily sessions were an entertaining mix of top-notch talent and informative industry insider panels.
Highlighting the conference, Global phenomenon MC Hammer hosted the 42nd annual IEBA award dinner which was a joint celebration of the IEBA Industry Awards and the CMA SRO Awards.
This year, IEBA inducted artist Charley Pride, entertainment publisher Ray Pilszak and talent buyer Joe LaGuardia (posthumously) to the IEBA Hall of Fame on the last night of the conference. The IEBA Hall of Fame was established in 2010 to celebrate the 40thanniversary of the organization
In addition, this special night was filled with appearances by David Cassidy, Peter Noone, Mike Love, Bruce Johnston, Ronnie Dunn, Neal McCoy, John Schneider and Tom Wopat (The Duke Boys) as well as performances by Melinda Doolittle and Belmont University School of Music students.
“The conference and awards dinner exceeded all of our expectations. It was a once in a lifetime experience with the legendary Charley Pride and the many other current and future legends of our industry all in the room together.  MC Hammer entertained and charmed everyone. It was a perfect conference with an enchanted ending,” said Tiffany Davis, Executive Director of IEBA.
International Buyer of the Year
Larry Werner – Panhandle Productions
Fair Buyer of the Year
Todd Boltin – Variety Attractions
Festival Buyer of the Year
Mike Smardak – Outback Concerts
Club Buyer of the Year
Gary Osier – Gary Osier Presents
College Buyer of the Year
Mark Letson – EastCoast Entertainment
Corporate Buyer of the Year
Fran Romeo – Romeo Entertainment Group
Casino Buyer of the Year
Kell Houston – Houston Productions
Venue Executive of the Year
Sally Williams – Ryman Auditorium, Nashville
Emerging Talent Agent of the Year
Travis Wolfe – Paradigm Agency
About IEBA
International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) is a non-profit trade organization for live entertainment industry professionals. Founded in 1970, IEBA provides networking, showcasing and educational opportunities to strengthen relationships, foster growth and increase revenue for the live entertainment industry. IEBA showcases the best and brightest talent in all genres of music and all fields of entertainment. Representing over $1 billion in buying power, IEBA is an intimate organization that makes a huge impact. www.ieba.orG.
For more event photos and information, please visit www.ieba.org

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