AEG Presents Reveals Strategic Partnership With Outback Presents

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AEG Presents has formed a strategic partnership with Outback Presents, bringing together AEG Presents’ global live platform with Outback Presents’ category defining expertise in stand-up and comedy festivals and touring.

Founded in 1996, Outback Presents has built a leading position in comedy touring and promotes tours, festivals, and live comedy events across North America, including Nashville Comedy Festival and 312 Comedy Festival.

Under the leadership of Co-Founder and Co-CEO Mike Smardak and Co-CEO Brian Dorfman, Outback Presents has become a market leader and an influential incubator of new comedy talent. Smardak, a multiple‑time recipient of IEBA’s Promoter of the Year honor as well as an IEBA Hall of Fame inductee, co‑created the Nashville Comedy Festival and 312 Comedy Festival. His work has earned industry recognition, including Pollstar Impact 50 honors and designation as a 2024 Billboard Touring Power Player.

In addition to his role as Co-CEO of Outback Presents, Dorfman co-owns a range of premier comedy venues across the country, including multiple Improv locations and Stand Up Live in Phoenix, with his deepest roots and most hands-on involvement in Zanies Comedy Club in Nashville.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership and the opportunity to work closely with AEG Presents,” says Smardak and Dorfman in a joint statement. “The company brings a market-leading perspective and presence to the live events business, while remaining intentional about protecting the identity of their unique business units.  It feels global and bespoke at the same time.”

“Outback Presents has built an enviable business from the ground up, and our intent is to let them do what they do best: create best in class comedy events,” says Shawn Trell, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, AEG Presents. “This partnership is founded, like so many of the ones we seek out at AEG Presents, on collaborating with true visionaries who complement our business strategy in meaningful and creative ways.”

Lorie Hollabaugh
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