2009 Conference: The 2009 IEBA Conference will be held October 11-13 in Nashville. Hotel and early bird-registration will begin soon.

IEBA Bylaws: IEBA has updated its bylaws, and requires a vote of the membership. Your ballot will be emailed to the address we have on file in the coming weeks.

Membership Renewal: Dues renewal notices have been sent separately to those whose membership has lapsed. We need your support to continue on the path of growth we've established in 2008. Plus, your membership currently offers you many benefits, including: conference participation, networking, showcases, access to the membership database, member events, industry news, voting rights, discounts and more. You can renew your membership online.

Congratulations to ACM Award-winning and nominated IEBA Members!
Winners of the industry awards are voted based on the ACM ballots in their respective categories and will be presented at ACM Honors in Nashville on September 22. Click below for the list of IEBA members who were nominated or won a 2009 ACM Award.
Full story

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Breaks All-Time Attendance Record
Even in these tough times, nearly 2 million people attended the 77th annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and over $1.4 million in prize money was awarded. Rodeo officials even rang the closing bell for the New York Stock Exchange with a live bull ride, ending the market's best week since November of last year.
Full story

Wayne McCary Elected Chairman of OABA
In a historic move, the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA) elected a fair manager, Wayne McCary—president and CEO of The Big E—it’s chairman.
Full story

Tour of Gymnastics Superstars Flips for Buddy Lee Attractions
Buddy Lee Attractions has been named the exclusive North American representative for fairs, festivals, theme parks and special events for the tour of Gymnastics Superstars 2009.
Full story

FMC Productions Signs Dallas Trio Lantana to its Roster
The Dallas Morning News—and any numerous other media outlets—named this trio one of their favorites. Now, FMC Productions has added them to its roster.

Have a headline that you would like featured in the Member Marquee? Let us know here.

RANDY WRIGHT
IEBA President
President, Integrity Events
www.integrityevents.com

How did you get started in the industry?

I've been playing professionally (drums/vocals) since age 11. I moved to Nashville in 1978 and performed with the Barbara Mandrell Show from 1978-1989. That included some recording, and all live appearances in addition to television specials—and two years on Mandrell Sisters network TV variety show. This resulted in exposure to hundreds of artists and their respective agents, managers, and touring personnel, most of whom are still in the industry, and have since moved into more influential positions. 

Tell us about your clientele. What type of entertainment do you usually book?

We currently have three great casino properties in Ontario,
Canada: Caesars Windsor, Casino Rama, and Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort in addition to longstanding corporate clients and small theatres, Performing Arts Centers. The talent ranges from a local/regional party band to superstars and everything in between

What resources do you use to buy entertainment?

Most of what we buy goes through the normal agency channels. We'll do the normal comps on box office reports, average grosses and the like, but we rely on relationships with our friends at the various agencies to keep their artists and our clients happy.

What made IEBA so successful in 2008?

A big part of IEBA’s success has been Executive Director Tiffany Davis who has displayed vision, ideas and the drive to see them through. Another big part of our success has been the support of so many of our friends in the industry who participated on panels, showcases or at the awards banquet.

What was your highlight of the year?

Steve Moore's sincere surprise at the banquet when he realized he was there to receive what we all knew was a well-deserved honor for all that he's given.

What can members expect to see in 2009?

Hopefully more of the positive growth we've seen in the past few years. A bigger and better conference. More events where we take IEBA to other locales for workshops or seminars, maybe at colleges with a music business department. The continuation and growth of our scholarship fundraising.

For the full interview with Randy and more on his company, Integrity Events, please visit The Rider Archive.

For a limited time IEBA members who refer a friend to join will receive $25 off their dues when they renew. After the applicant has submitted their application online at ieba.org send us an email to let us know you referred them. All membership applications are subject to the approval of the board of directors and must meet professional criteria set forth by the organization's bylaws.

IEBA members receive a free trial and $200 discount on a subscription to Celebrity Access for up to three people! Use enrollment code IEBA09 when you sign up. And don't forget to subscribe to Encore, their free weekly newsletter. Sign up here.

Also, IEBA and HCC Specialty Underwriters have partnered to provide you with access to TotalEvent™ Insurance Online. This state-of-the-art, fully-automated, online insurance system provides an efficient, easy-to-use tool to protect and promote all of your events. Complete applications, receive quotes, make payments, and download policies in minutes! Currently you can obtain coverage for Event Cancellation Insurance, Special Event Liability Insurance, and Prize Indemnity/Promotion Insurance. Apply for event insurance here.

IEBA Interactive has had a busy spring with a new crop of interns.

Michael Ree is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a degree in business management. He’s currently earning his masters in music business at Belmont University.

Elizabeth Brooks is a senior at Middle Tennessee State University, working on a degree in recording industry with a concentration in music business.

Joining Michael and Elizabeth as part-time interns are JP Williams Scholarship recipient Jessie Fisher and IEBA Interactive graduate Cassandra Hui. Both Jessie and Cassandra are currently attending Belmont University.
 

If you have news, a story or other info you'd like to post in The Rider, or would like to inquire about advertising, please send your information here.

Assistant General Manager
Cultural Events Division St. Johns County
St. Augustine Amphitheatre, SJC Fairgrounds & Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

• Responsible for finances and personnel, consistent with goals and directives of corporation
• Coordinates and executes plans
• Determines and establishes organizational structure and personnel staffing requirements; imposes and directs the structure
• Prepares routine financial and operational reconciliations, reports and settlements
• Provides direction and policies to operating managers
• Assures highest quality service program to assure rebooking of events
• Ensures an effective and cost efficient program by controlling the operating budget
• Constant contact with booking agents, promoters, presenters, producers and planners
• Booking and scheduling
• Works to enhance image of facility and promote good will in community
• Manages subcontracted agencies
• Solicits and manages Sponsor relations

Please fill out an online application here.

Job Posting will stay open until filled.

Please contact General Manager Ryan Dettra for additional questions. 904.209.3751 or rdettra@sjcfl.us

www.staugamphitheatre.com