IEBA Awards celebrate the live entertainment industry’s best

IEBA, a trade group for the live entertainment industry, held its 53rd Annual Conference this week in Nashville. Hosted by Jo Dee Messina, it’s Honors and Awards Ceremony recognized 17 award winners across various categories.

“Behind every successful show, there are unsung heroes off-stage. The contributions of those who labor behind the curtains, out of the spotlight, are the very backbone of our industry,” said IEBA’s Executive Director Pam Matthews. “These award winners are the architects of our most unforgettable moments. We owe the magic of entertainment as much to their dedication and passion as we do to those who stand in the limelight.”

2023 IEBA AWARD WINNERS

• Club of the Year: (tie) 9:30 Club and First Avenue
• Casino of the Year: MGM Grand
• Theater of the Year: Beacon Theatre
• Arena of the Year: Madison Square Garden
• Amphitheater of the Year: The Greek Theatre (Los Angeles)
• Fair/Expo of the Year: Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
• Festival of the Year: Stagecoach
• Club Buyer of the Year: Michelle Landry
• Casino Buyer of the Year: Leslie Master
• Special Events/Corporate Buyer of the Year: G7 Entertainment Marketing
• International Buyer of the Year: Steve Homer
• Fair/Expo Buyer of the Year: Todd Boltin
• Festival Buyer of the Year: Danny Wimmer
• Venue Executive of the Year: Laurie Jacoby
• Music & Entertainment Industry Educator of the Year: Gloria Green, MTSU
• Agent of the Year: Austin Neal
• Promoter of the Year: Adam Weiser

Bruce Houghton is the Founder and Editor of Hypebot, a Senior Advisor at Bandsintown, President of the Skyline Artists Agency, and a Berklee College Of Music professor.