THE 43rd ANNUAL IEBA CONFERENCE FOCUSES ON NETWORKING, INFORMATION AND LIVE MUSIC

THE 43rd ANNUAL IEBA CONFERENCE FOCUSES ON NETWORKING, INFORMATION AND LIVE MUSIC

Panels to provide intimate discussions, agencies to showcase premier talent at leading conference for the live entertainment industry

Early Registration Ends September 18th

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 12, 2013) – IEBA (International Entertainment Buyers Association), the leading non-profit trade organization for live entertainment industry professionals, will hold its 43rd annual conference October 19-22 at the new Omni Hotel in downtown Nashville.  The preeminent conference will feature a diverse and uniquely crafted lineup of live entertainment and informational panels with some of the industry’s leading decision makers.  To reserve your spot and for more information about the conference, please visit IEBA.  Early bird registration rates apply through September 18th. IEBA Executive Director Pam Matthews says, “It’s an exciting time to be a part of the live entertainment industry. As the role of the talent buyer broadens, our job of booking dates has shifted into the realm of artist development. Our conversations need to move beyond just buying dates and selling tickets.  As Billboard proclaims ‘the live thing dominates the music business, period,’ talent buyers are in a unique and important position.” The conference will be packed with top-tier informative sessions with today’s industry experts.  Beyond numerous showcases and agency sponsored parties, attendees will have the opportunity to sit down with IEBA’s distinguished Board of Directors and other prominent business leaders to discuss the latest trends and hot topics in live entertainment. Table topics will include:  Arenas, Casino Entertainment, Clubs, Corporate Buying, EDM, Fairs, Festivals, Indian Gaming, PACs & Small Venues, and Tour Marketing. Billboard magazine’s expert on the touring business, Ray Waddell, will host a keynote Q & A session on Monday followed by an exciting Power Panel that will feature a case study on the venerable and legendary Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.  This in-depth conversation will focus on how quality entertainment coupled with great social media led to a record-breaking attendance of 2.5M. Breakout sessions have been created to offer more intimate conversations with the panelist to discuss everything from corporate buying to emergency and safety procedures. Additional panels will focus on the ever-evolving revenue streams in the lucrative casino business, the new role of the booking agent, as well as, top business managers breaking down the cost of doing business on the road. IEBA’s Agents Alley gives entertainment buyers and sellers time together to discuss the specifics of the upcoming touring season. “The Buying Starts Here” slogan originated from this longstanding IEBA tradition.  2013 Agents Alley events will be a Tailgate Party on Sunday, October 20 and the traditional two-hour booking session on Tuesday, October 22. Each day and evening will feature numerous live performances ranging from top TV chefs, gospel and rock legends, as well as some of today’s most talked about new artists.  Over fifty live performances will be staged in four days.  Scheduled to appear:  Blackjack Billy, Blush, Melissa d’Arabian, David Bradley, Chris Cagle, Conner Christian & Southern Gothic, The Hit Men, Hotel California, Rachele Lynae, Brynn Marie, Robin Meade, Jo Dee Messina, Rick Michel, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Savannah Jack, Sundy Best, Tonic.  More artists will be announced soon. The annual conference will culminate with the Tuesday, October 22nd honors and awards dinner. Professional Conference Registration-
May 15 – September 18:  $549.00
September 19 – October 11:  $649.00
October 12 – October 22:  $749.00
** Professional Members can register a spouse at the Young Professional rates below. Young Professional Conference Registration-
May 15 – September 18:  $399.00
September 19 – October 11:  $499.00
October 12 – October 22:  $599.00
**Limited Conference Access. Student Conference Registration-
May 15 – October 22:  $299.00

About IEBA: IEBA and its annual conference stand alone in the entertainment industry by showcasing the most current and diverse entertainment options for buyers, and providing unparalleled networking and informational opportunities to its members. Additionally, IEBA endows over half a million dollars in scholarships to universities across the country.  IEBA prepares the next generation of industry leaders through mentoring, educational workshops and job placement -30- Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/iebaconference Twitter   https://twitter.com/IEBAConference Linked In  www.linkedin.com/in/iebaconference Instagram  http://instagram.com/iebaconf/

MEDIA NOTE:  For media wishing to cover the conference, please email jwortman@wortmanworks.com.