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IEBA ANNOUNCES THREE NEW ENDOWMENTS TOTALING $125,000 AT 2025 HONORS & AWARDS CEREMONY

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 9, 2025) The International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) announced three new endowed scholarships totaling $125,000 during a special presentation at its annual Honors & Awards Ceremony on October 7 at Grand Hyatt Nashville. The announcement took place just before host and comedian Dusty Slay took the stage, marking a highlight moment in the evening celebrating excellence across the live entertainment industry.

Three ceremonial checks were presented, underscoring IEBA’s continued commitment to supporting the next generation of live entertainment professionals through its Educational Outreach Fund.

The first presentation awarded $25,000 to Middle Tennessee State University to establish the Jimmy Jay & Joann Blauw Family Scholarship. Longtime industry veteran Jimmy Jay was on hand to present the check alongside Aaron Green of Jayson Entertainment Group. Accepting on behalf of the MTSU Foundation was Mark E. Clark, Executive Director of Development. Representing IEBA were Todd Boltin, president of the IEBA Educational Outreach Fund Board; Amy Fosgate, IEBA Board Member; Spencer Zubrow, IEBA Young Professional Steering Committee Member; and Brian Wagner, IEBA Executive Director.

Two additional endowments were presented to Belmont University, each in the amount of $50,000, to honor legendary music executives Buddy Lee and Erv Woolsey. Donors were represented by Joey Lee (Co-Head of WME Nashville and son of Buddy Lee), Tony Conway (Founder and CEO, Conway Entertainment Group), and Kevin Neal (Partner, WME Nashville). Accepting the donation on behalf of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont was Senior Associate Dean, Sarita Stewart and Senior Development Director, Phil Shay.

During the presentation, Lee, Conway, and Neal shared stories about the remarkable careers of Woolsey and Lee—both of whom played instrumental roles in shaping the modern country music business and mentoring generations of industry leaders.

In a touching moment, Kevin Neal surprised the audience by announcing an additional $20,000 donation to his existing endowed scholarship at Middle Tennessee State University. He followed the announcement with personal news—his retirement from the music industry—drawing a heartfelt standing ovation from his peers.

“Supporting education has always been at the heart of IEBA’s mission,” said Todd Boltin, president of the IEBA Educational Outreach Fund Board. “These new endowments honor industry legends who not only built careers for artists but also paved the way for the next generation of live entertainment professionals. Their legacies of mentorship, leadership, and generosity will continue to inspire students for years to come.”

IEBA Executive Director, Brian Wagner added. “The scholarships these endowments create will open doors for aspiring professionals and ensure that IEBA’s educational mission thrives for generations to come.”

ABOUT THE HONOREES

Jimmy Jay has been a fixture in the live entertainment industry for more than five decades, representing an array of iconic artists including Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn through United Talent before founding Jayson Promotions and Concert Staging, Inc. In the process, Jay became a mentor and collaborator to countless promoters, artists, and production professionals, contributing to the infrastructure and professionalism of live touring and events throughout the country.

Buddy Lee was the founder of Buddy Lee Attractions and a member of the IEBA Hall of Fame, one of the nation’s longest-running talent agencies, and a pioneer in modern country touring. He played a central role in launching and managing the careers of artists who became household names, while helping shape the touring industry’s professional standards.

Erv Woolsey, best known as the longtime manager of George Strait, was a cornerstone of Nashville’s business community and is also an IEBA Hall of Famer. Through Erv Woolsey Management Company and The Trap Recording Studio, he guided multiple major careers and nurtured emerging talent with integrity and vision.

Kevin Neal, Partner at WME Nashville, has represented some of country music’s biggest stars and contributed decades of leadership, mentorship, and philanthropy. His continued investment in education and workforce development has set an example of generosity and service.

LINK TO PHOTOS OF CHECK PRESENTATIONS credit Ed Rode courtesy of IEBA.

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IEBA REVEALED THE 2025 INDUSTRY AWARD RECIPIENTS AND CELEBRATED HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES DURING ANNUAL CEREMONY

NASHVILLE, TN — October 7, 2025 — IEBA, the leading trade organization for live entertainment industry professionals, marked the close of its sold-out annual conference with an Honors & Awards Ceremony Tuesday evening. Attendees were “having a good time” as comedian Dusty Slay hosted the show. Dedicated to honoring those professionals who drive the concert business forward from behind the scenes, the IEBA Industry Awards are voted on by IEBA members. Winners were announced during Tuesday’s ceremony, and a complete list of recipients follows below.

"These awards are truly special because they are selected by those who know the work best—their peers,” said IEBA’s Executive Director Brian Wagner. “They celebrate the visionary minds and tireless leaders working out of the spotlight who, with every show, propel our industry forward."

2025 AWARD 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

The event also honored the induction of two new members into the IEBA Hall of Fame: trailblazer Alex Hodges and legendary concert promoter Chuck Morris.

IEBA’s 56th Annual Conference will be held at Grand Hyatt & The Pinnacle Nashville October 4-6, 2026.

PHOTOS OF AWARD WINNERS HERE | photo credit Ed Rode 

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IEBA Unveils Bold New Brand Identity Reflecting the Future of Live Entertainment

NASHVILLE, TN — October 7, 2025 — The International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) today announced a dynamic brand refresh that reflects the organization’s growth, community, and continued leadership in the live entertainment industry. The refreshed identity introduces a sleek new logo featuring a vibrant sound wave and the acronym “IEBA,” alongside a powerful new tagline: “Live Deals Done Here.” The announcement was made this morning during IEBA 2025, the organization's annual conference at the Grand Hyatt Nashville. 

The rebrand was developed in collaboration with the IEBA Board of Directors Marketing Committee and Nashville-based creative agency ST8MNT, whose shared vision was to create an identity that honors IEBA’s history while embracing its momentum toward the future.

“Inspired by the idea that our reach is greater together, our new IEBA brand represents the pulse and power of our community,” said Brian Wagner, Executive Director of IEBA. “The growing sound wave in our logo is a symbol of that collective energy — the connection, collaboration, and creativity that make live entertainment thrive.”

The updated visual identity captures the electric energy of live entertainment, drawing from the color and light of the stage to convey the excitement that defines the industry. The growing sound wave embodies IEBA’s connected network of professionals — the buyers, agents, promoters, venues, and artists who drive the business forward.

The new tagline, “Live Deals Done Here,” highlights IEBA’s reputation as the premier marketplace for the live entertainment industry. Its modular design allows it to evolve — celebrating all that happens through IEBA: Live Networking, Live Marketing, Live Education, and beyond.

“As IEBA’s impact grows, so should our identity,” added Brian Wagner. “This refresh celebrates where we’ve been and sets the stage for what’s next.”

The new logo and branding will roll out across all IEBA platforms, member communications, and event materials in the weeks ahead. IEBA 2025 concludes this evening with its annual Honors & Awards ceremony with host Dusty Slay immediately followed by an after-party featuring live performances at The Pinnacle Nashville.

IEBA 2026 is slated to return to the Grand Hyatt & The Pinnacle Nashville on October 4 – 6.

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CHUCK MORRIS TO BE INDUCTED INTO IEBA HALL OF FAME AT 2025 HONORS & AWARDS

NASHVILLE, TN (July 9, 2025) – IEBA, the leading trade organization for live entertainment industry professionals, will induct legendary concert promoter and music executive Chuck Morris into its Hall of Fame during the 2025 Honors & Awards Ceremony, held Tuesday, October 7 at the Grand Hyatt Nashville. The event is part of IEBA’s 55th Annual Conference, taking place October 5–7.

A pioneering force in the Colorado music scene and beyond, Morris is Chairman Emeritus and President & CEO of AEG Presents Rocky Mountains. His contributions to the live entertainment industry span more than five decades and include a profound legacy of artist development, venue innovation, and industry mentorship.

In the mid-1970s, Morris made his mark with the famed Denver nightclub Ebbets Field, which was named Billboard’s Club of the Year in both 1975 and 1976. His keen ear and curatorial spirit helped launch countless careers, and his passion for artists and fans alike continues to define his work. As Executive Producer of Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Volume Two by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Morris earned a GRAMMY Award, further cementing his place in music history.

Throughout his storied career, Morris has played a key role in elevating iconic venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre to international renown. In addition to his work as a promoter and executive, he is widely respected as a mentor, educator, and tireless advocate for the music industry.

“Chuck Morris is a true original whose vision, tenacity, and generosity have shaped the modern live music landscape,” said IEBA Executive Director Brian Wagner. “We are proud to recognize his extraordinary legacy with induction into the IEBA Hall of Fame.”

The IEBA Hall of Fame, established in 2010, honors individuals and institutions that have made a lasting and significant impact on the live entertainment industry.

IEBA’s 55th Annual Conference will be held October 5–7, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Nashville. Additional 2025 Hall of Fame inductees will be announced in the coming weeks.

CHUCK MORRIS PHOTO LINK