IEBA Conference Closes With Awards Presentation

(L-R): IEBA Awards Host MC Hammer, Charley Pride and Neal McCoy. Photo: Rick Diamond, Getty Images

The International Entertainment Buyers Association’s 42nd Annual Conference in Nashville wrapped yesterday (10/9) with record-breaking attendance of nearly 700 registrants.

MC Hammer hosted last night’s dinner and ceremony, which was a joint celebration of the IEBA Industry Awards and the CMA SRO Awards (see SRO winners list). Artist Charley Pride, entertainment publisher Ray Pilszak and talent buyer Joe LaGuardia, posthumously, were inducted into the IEBA Hall of Fame.

The evening included 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,” said Tiffany Davis, Executive Director of IEBA. “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.”

See MusicRow’s coverage of the conference’s reality TV panel discussion here.

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