Nashville, Tennessee, October 11, 2025
News Summary
The International Entertainment Buyers Association held its annual conference at the Grand Hyatt in Nashville, showcasing the best in live entertainment. The event focused on peer recognition, with an Honors & Awards Ceremony to celebrate the contributions of venues and industry professionals. Noteworthy winners included Brooklyn Bowl Nashville as Club of the Year and Mohegan Sun as Casino of the Year. The conference emphasized collaboration and innovation, with plans confirmed for next year’s event.
Nashville Celebrates Live Entertainment Excellence at the 2025 IEBA Awards
The International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) hosted its annual conference from October 4-6, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt in Nashville, Tennessee. This industry gathering spotlighted top talent and venues in the live entertainment sector through panels, keynote sessions, live performances, and an Honors & Awards Ceremony.
This year’s conference highlighted the critical role of peer recognition in the industry, as emphasized by IEBA’s executive director, Brian Wagner. The Honors & Awards Ceremony specifically acknowledged the significant contributions of various venues and professionals who have impacted the live entertainment landscape.
2025 Award Recipients
Among the notable achievements celebrated during the ceremony were the following winners:
- Club of the Year: Brooklyn Bowl Nashville
- Casino of the Year: Mohegan Sun
- Theater of the Year: Fox Theater Atlanta
- Arena of the Year: Bridgestone Arena
- Amphitheater of the Year: The Greek Theatre
- Fair/Expo of the Year: Wisconsin State Fair
- Festival of the Year: Austin City Limits Festival
- Club Buyer of the Year: Ed Warm, Joe’s Live
- Casino Buyer of the Year: Deana Baker, Choctaw Casino Resort – Durant
- Special Events/Corporate Buyer of the Year: Neste Live!
- International Buyer of the Year: Susan Heymann, Frontier Touring
- Fair/Expo Buyer of the Year: Andrew Fortin, Neste Live!
- Festival Buyer of the Year: Amy Corbin, C3 Presents
- Venue Executive of the Year: Laurie Jacoby, BSE/Barclays Center
- Young Professional of the Year: Marcus Greenstein, Day After Day Productions
- Music & Entertainment Industry Educator of the Year: Mike Garcia, USC
- Boutique Agency Agent of the Year: Seth Shomes, Day After Day Productions
- Major Agency Agent of the Year: Kevin Kastrup, Wasserman Music
- Promoter of the Year: Adam Weiser, AEG Presents
During the ceremony, industry veterans Chuck Morris and Alex Hodges were inducted into the IEBA Hall of Fame, an honor reserved for those who have made substantial contributions to the live entertainment industry.
Conference Outlook
The IEBA conference placed a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation, reflecting the evolution of the live entertainment sector. The event was hosted by comedian Dusty Slay, adding a touch of humor to the proceedings.
As the live entertainment industry continues to thrive despite recent challenges, the recognition offered through the IEBA Awards promotes a spirit of unity among professionals in the field.
Looking ahead, planners have confirmed that the next IEBA conference will also take place at the Grand Hyatt & The Pinnacle Nashville on October 4-6, 2026.
About IEBA
The International Entertainment Buyers Association is a not-for-profit trade organization established in 1970 that aims to support professionals and promote growth within the live entertainment industry. Through education, networking, and recognition, IEBA continues to be a vital resource for its members.
FAQ Section
What dates did the 2025 IEBA conference take place?
The 2025 IEBA conference took place from October 4-6, 2025.
Where was the conference held?
The conference was held at the Grand Hyatt in Nashville, Tennessee.
What is the purpose of the IEBA Awards?
The IEBA Awards celebrate significant contributions from venues and industry professionals in the live entertainment sector, as voted on by peers in the industry.
Who were some of the award winners for 2025?
Some award winners for 2025 included Brooklyn Bowl Nashville as Club of the Year, Mohegan Sun as Casino of the Year, Fox Theater Atlanta as Theater of the Year, and Bridgestone Arena as Arena of the Year.
When is the next IEBA conference scheduled?
The next IEBA conference is scheduled for October 4-6, 2026.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | October 4-6, 2025 |
| Location | Grand Hyatt, Nashville, Tennessee |
| Focus Areas | Collaboration, innovation, peer recognition |
| Notable Awards | Brooklyn Bowl Nashville, Mohegan Sun, Fox Theater Atlanta, Bridgestone Arena |
| Next Conference | October 4-6, 2026, at the same location |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Jambands: Brooklyn Bowl Nashville and Atlanta’s Fox Theater Honored
- Billboard: IEBA Awards 2025 Winners List
- Celebrity Access: 2025 IEBA Industry Award Winners
- Wikipedia: List of Music Awards
- Google Search: Live Entertainment Industry
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