IEBA Plans Conference, Awards

The International Entertainment Buyers Association’s annual conference is set for Oct. 11-13 in Nashville, offering a variety of panels to discuss current issues facing live entertainment.

Actor Luke Perry will host the IEBA Honors, Oct. 12 at the Ryman Auditorium. Industry pioneer Joan Saltel will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award and the winners of the IEBA Industry Awards will be recognized onstage. Winners include Entertainment Buyer of the Year – Todd Boltin of Variety Attractions; Promoter of the Year – Outback Concerts of TN; Talent Agent of the Year – John Huie of CAA; Venue of the Year – Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN; and Event of the Year – Bonnaroo Music Festival, Manchester, TN

Numerous performances are scheduled for the IEBA conference. Point of Grace, Heartland, The Molly Ringwalds, Williams & Ree and a surprise guest will perform Sunday, October 11 at the APA showcase. Ricky Skaggs, Mercy Me, Eli Young Band, The Family Stone, Sunny Sweeney, Caitlin Crosby, Walker Hayes and more surprise guests will perform later that night at the Paradigm showcase at The Stage on Broadway in downtown Nashville.

Other artists and special guests scheduled to appear at IEBA 2009 include: Bob Lefsetz, Dan Clark, Don Felder, The Wailers, Boyz II Men, Phil Vassar, Michelle Branch, Joey + Rory, Uncle Kracker, TobyMac, Emily West, Marcie Allen of MAC Presents, Drew McGowan of Clorox Company, John Grady of Borman Entertainment, Mary Hilliard Harrington of The Greenroom, Derek C. Crownover of Crownover Tisinger, Lang Scott of Music City Networks and leading executives from MySpace, iLike and other social networking sites, plus much more.

American Airlines is the official airline of IEBA. Conference attendees will receive a 10% discount off the lowest applicable eligible published airfare when using the following promotional code: 92H9AT, valid from October 8-16, 2009. www.aa.com.