IEBA Caps Off Week By Honoring Industry Professionals

The 2013 International Entertainment Buyers Association Honors and Awards were held last night in Nashville, where the industry’s top buyers, promoters, and venue managers were honored for their achievements throughout the past year. Kix Brooks hosted the evening’s ceremonies, where manager David Corlew received this year’s Career Achievement Award and Nancy and George Jones were inducted into the IEBA Hall of Fame. The event capped off a week of panels on the state of the industry and entertainment showcases, including the CMA’s SRO Awards.

“The panels, the showcases and the attendees created a great atmosphere for networking, information and exceptional performances.  This year’s conference, awards and honors set the stage for continued growth for this organization,” stated Ed Warm, chairman of IEBA.

2013 IEBA Winners:

Festival Buyer of the Year
Gil Cunningham, Neste Event Marketing – Brentwood, Tenn.

Fair Buyer of the Year
Steve Bogdanovich, Romeo Entertainment Group – Omaha, Neb.

Casino Buyer of the Year
Robyn Smith, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi- Biloxi Miss.

Corporate Buyer of the Year
Randy Wright, Integrity Events – Nashville, Tenn.

Venue Executive of the Year
David Farrar, Budweiser Events Center – Loveland, Colo.

Promoter of the Year
Brian O’Connell, Live Nation – Nashville, Tenn.

International Buyer of the Year
Ron Sakamoto, Live Nation Canada, Gold & Gold Productions – Lethbridge, AB, Canada

Club Buyer of the Year
Mitchell Jaworek, Birchmere – Alexandria, Va.

Rookie of the Year
Adam Brill, Agency of the Performing Arts – Los Angeles, Calif.

Pictured (L-R): David Corlew, Ed Warm, Nancy Jones and Charlie Daniels. Photo: Getty Images for IEBA

Pictured (L-R): Big Kenny, Brian O’Connell, John Rich, Kenny Loggins, Cowboy Troy. Photo: Getty Images for IEBA

Pictured (L-R): Sundy Best’s Kris Bentley, Cinderella’s Tom Keifer, Sundy Best’s Nick Jamerson, Lee Greenwood and Lee Roy Parnell. Getty Images for IEBA.