Country headliners Kenny Chesney and Sugarland were the talent winners at the 2008 International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) Honors Dinner held on October 16 at the Hilton Ballroom in Nashville, TN, to celebrate the live entertainment industry’s top buyers, agents, promoters, venues, festivals and artists.

Chesney won for Large Venue Artist, Sugarland for Small Venue Artist, and Loggins & Messina were given the Lifetime Achievement Award. AEG Live and Red Mountain Entertainment tied for Concert Promoter of the Year, Sommet Center in Nashville, TN, won for Venue of the Year, and the CMA Music Festival in Nashville was best Festival of the Year.

Steve Moore of AEG Live received the Humanitarian of the Year Award, recognizing his tireless work with The Shalom Foundation and mission work with children in Guatemala. Kix Brooks (of Brooks and Dunn) presented the award to Moore, but prior to the awards show it was to Moore’s understanding that he would be presenting Brooks with the award, making for the surprise. Additionally, late Fantasma Productions founder Jon Stoll was honored and remembered by his oldest son, Jesse, with a video reel of his life and career.

Over 500 talent buyers, promoters, agents, managers, media, artists, producers and other related professionals, attend the annual IEBA conference. IEBA offers a first look at the hottest talent for the next season through showcases from top artists and rising stars produced by the major agencies.

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