IEBA, the leading trade organization for live entertainment industry professionals, concluded its 48th Annual Conference last night (Oct. 2) after its Honors & Awards Ceremony. The winners of seventeen (17) IEBA Industry Awards, which celebrate those who work tirelessly behind the scenes of the concert business, were announced during the event.
A special on-stage presentation announced the endowment of permanent scholarships at New York University, Middle Tennessee State University, and Belmont University through IEBA’s Educational Outreach Fund.
The ceremony also included the induction of four new IEBA Hall of Fame members, including southern rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd, booking agents Ray Shelide and Bonnie Sugarman, and longtime marketing director and champion of the Great Allentown Fair Bonnie Brosious.
IEBA’s 49th Annual Conference will be held Oct. 27-29, 2019 again at the JW Marriott Nashville.
2018 IEBA AWARD WINNERS:
Club of the Year: Marathon Music Works – Nashville, TN
Casino of the Year: Talking Stick Resort and Casino – Scottsdale, AZ
Ryman Auditorium Theater of the Year: Durham Performing Arts Center – Durham, NC
Arena of the Year: BOK Center – Tulsa, OK
Amphitheater of the Year: The Greek Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
Fair of the Year: Minnesota State Fair – St. Paul, MN
Festival of the Year: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – New Orleans, LA
Club Buyer of the Year: Jim Mallonee – House of Blues
Casino Buyer of the Year: (TIE) Kell Houston – Houston Productions, and Randy Wright – Integrity Events
Corporate Buyer of the Year: Michael Boltzman – AEG Presents
International Buyer of the Year: Ron Sakamoto – Gold & Gold Productions
Fair Buyer of the Year: R.J. Romeo – Romeo Entertainment Group
Festival Buyer of the Year: Roger LeBlanc – Madison Entertainment
Venue Executive of the Year: Kim Bedier – Tacoma Dome, Cheney Stadium, Pantages and Rialto Theaters, & Theater on the Square
Young Professional of the Year: Paige Ryan – Paradigm Talent Agency
Talent Agent of the Year: Jay Williams – WME
Promoter of the Year: Ali Harnell – AEG Presents
About the Author
Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.View Author Profile