NASHVILLE, TN. (www.ieba.org) - The International Entertainment Buyer's Association (ieba) closed their 34th Annual Conference last night with a grand celebration to recognize some of the industry's most renowned executives. More than three hundred fifty registrants consisting of talent buyers, booking agents, managers and artists attended the ieba Awards Banquet held at the Hilton Suites—Downtown Nashville to conclude the iebaLIVE! Conference.
Neal McCoy was the host with the most for the evening. McCoy opened the awards banquet with his rendition of 'Fly Me To The Moon' accompanied by the Pat Patrick Orchestra.
More than 600 members of the International Buyer's Association submit their nominations and final selections to formally recognize their peers. Merle Kilgore, the co-writer of the classic country hit 'Ring of Fire' and the longtime manager of Hank Williams Jr. was honored with the ieba's Lifetime Achievement Award. In a very special dedication, country television personality Lorianne Crook, booking agency CEO Rita Lee (Buddy Lee Attractions) and booking agent Greg Oswald stood in allegiance to Kilgore.
Awards were also presented in the following categories:
Concert Promoter of the Year:
Awarded to Mike Smardak, Outback Concerts of Tennessee who has staged and presented major artists in concert in a manner that has had significant impact on the growth of the industry.
New Agent of the Year:
Awarded to John Gimenez / William Morris Agency for his creativity in packaging dates, displaying professionalism in negotiations and who has made a meaningful contribution to the career development of his clients.
Artist Manager of the Year:
Awarded to J.P. Williams / Parallel Entertainment. J.P. has been instrumental in unprecedented career development of his artists and is held in high regard within the industry and among his peers.
Event Producer of the Year: Awarded to Gil Cunningham / Neste Event Marketing who has produced more than 25 live events including performance packages at casinos, fairs, festivals corporate and special events.
Fair, Festival or Special Event of the Year:
Awarded to the Country Music Association for their CMA Music Festival, Nashville, TN. The CMA Music Festival brought together more than 150 artists last year to attract a large and diverse audience.
Talent Agent of the Year:
Bobby Cudd of Monterey Peninsula Artists, Inc. was recognized with this award for his outstanding professionalism and significant contribution to the career development of his clients.
Talent Buyer of the Year:
Gil Cunningham / Neste Event Marketing was recognized with this, his second award of the evening, for his innovative and influential skills.
In very special surprise presentation, Martina McBride stepped forward to introduce Ron Baird as the recipient of the Industry Achievement Award.
The Hagger Twins and Ralph Emory paid special tribute to Florence Henderson who was presented with the Humanitarian Award. The Founder's Award was presented to Bobby Baker and Candice Surrency was the recipient of the scholarship award associated with the President's Award presented to the late Ray Sanderson.
