2026 Impact NextGen Honoree: Emma Gibby

EMMA GIBBY
Booking Coordinator | AGE: 24
Outback Presents

LIFE-CHANGING 7-YEAR-OLD EXPERIENCE
“I’ll never forget sitting on my dad’s shoulders as the rain poured during (Taylor Swift’s) ‘Should’ve Said No.'”

HIGHLIGHTS OVER THE PAST YEAR
“This past year has been the busiest – and most rewarding – of my career so far. As I’ve taken on more responsibility, I’ve grown not only in my confidence and skill set, but also in the relationships I’ve built throughout the industry. I’ve been fortunate to work on some incredible projects, including the 50+ date ‘Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue Tour,’ working on fellow Knoxvillian Henry Cho, assisting with Nikki Glaser’s record-breaking ‘Alive and Unwell Tour,’ and later covering one of her first arena shows. Seeing a show evolve from the earliest booking conversations to an arena full of fans is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. More than anything, this year has reminded me how exciting it is to be part of comedy’s continued growth. Watching comedians evolve from clubs to theaters to arenas – and helping make those milestones happen – is why I wanted to work in live entertainment.”

THE POWER OF A GREAT SHOW
“When I was 7 years old, my parents took me to the Rascal Flatts’ ‘Bob That Head Tour’ at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville. Taylor Swift was the opening act, and I’ll never forget sitting on my dad’s shoulders as the rain poured during ‘Should’ve Said No.’ I was completely captivated. That feeling stayed with me. From then on, I went to as many concerts as I could because I wanted to experience that same magic over and over again. Eventually, I realized there was a career where I could help create those moments for other people. I never looked back. I’m incredibly grateful that I followed that dream, because today I get to help bring those experiences to audiences across the country. It’s surreal to realize that the ambitions younger Emma had all those years ago are now my everyday reality.”

HOW THE INDUSTRY CAN BE BETTER FOR GENERATIONS TO COME
“I’d love to see the industry continue investing in the next generation — not just by hiring young professionals, but by mentoring them.
So much of this business is learned through experience, and the willingness of people to share their knowledge is what keeps the industry moving forward. I’d also love to see us continue finding ways to make live entertainment more accessible and to support developing artists and comedians. Today’s club act could be tomorrow’s arena headliner, and it’s exciting to be a small part of helping build those careers.”