IEBA’s Best

The International Entertainment Buyers Association held its 2008 annual Honors Dinner at the Hilton Ballroom in Nashville Oct. 14 and named its promoter, agency, venue and talent buyer of the year, among other winners.

Neste Event Marketing’s Gil Cunningham, who books dozens of fairs and festivals, was named buyer of the year, and Buddy Lee Attractions’ Kevin Neal was named agent of the year. AEG Live and Red Mountain Entertainment shared honors for promoter, Nashville’s Sommet Center got venue and CMA Music Festival was top fest.

Agency for the Performing Arts won the previously announced agency of the year award.

Entertainer awards went to Sugarland for small-venue artist and Kenny Chesney for large-venue artist. AEG Live Senior VP Steve Moore received IEBA’s Humanitarian Award for his work with underprivileged children in Guatemala from surprise presenter Kix Brooks.

The dinner was hosted by Joe Piscopo and included performances from Mandy Barnett and Loggins & Messina, who received the IEBA Lifetime Achievement Award.