Mighty Clouds of Joy
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 conference will feature a diverse and uniquely crafted lineup of live entertainment and informational panels with some of the industry’s leading decision makers.
Each day and evening features live performances ranging from top TV chefs, gospel and rock legends, as well as some of today’s most talked about new artists. Over 50 live performances will be staged in four days. Among those scheduled to appear include: The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Elizabeth Cook, Jo Dee Messina, GoldyLocks, Rick Michel, 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, Savannah Jack, Sundy Best, Chase Rice, Cassadee Pope, Crowder, Kristian Bush, Kellie Pickler, and Tonic. The annual conference culminates with Tuesday’s honors and awards dinner.
“It’s an exciting time to be a part of the live entertainment industry,” said IEBA Executive Director Pam Matthews. “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.”
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.
The conference will be packed with informative sessions with today’s industry experts. IEBA’s distinguished board of directors and other prominent business leaders will discuss the latest trends and hot topics in live entertainment.
Billboard magazine’s expert on the touring business, Ray Waddell, will host a keynote question and answer session on Monday followed by a case study on the legendary Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s record-breaking attendance of 2½ million people. Breakout sessions 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. For more information about the conference, visit IEBA at .
