Often referred to as bluegrass music’s annual “family reunion,” IBMA’s World of Bluegrass week is a gathering of some of the most devoted and passionate people in the entertainment world.
This is where connections are made, careers enhanced and a high level of interaction happens with key industry leaders each year. Thousands of people with multiple goals for attending make for a montage of opportunities and the ability to create awareness for your products and services is at a premium during this unique week.
As you are planning your participation at World of Bluegrass, here are some special ways to get attention and make sure you’re achieving your goals.
EVENT SPONSORSHIP
With hundreds of companies and groups vying for attention, the key is to have your message stand out. The highest level of recognition is to become an Official Sponsor and add “marquee value” to your promotions—before, during and after the events. Sponsor packages can be customized to your promotional needs and may include such things as:
- Extensive branding within national and international advertising for the events (reaching millions!)
- Broadcast advertising to millions of consumers during the IBMA Awards
-On-site name presentation to heighten brand awareness during events
- Premium exhibit space locations
- Program advertising
- Attendee registrations
- Hotel accommodations, or
- A long list of other options too numerous to list here.
Several packages are available, ranging from $2,500 to $20,000. Contact Dan Hays at IBMA for more details and let us design a package for you.
EXHIBIT SPACE
This is one of the most beneficial ways to participate in the Business Conference and/or Fan Fest! You can essentially create your own “address” where people are sure to find you to do business. Take advantage of opportunities to display your goods and services, at a minimal exhibit cost, to over 20,000 attendees expected to walk through the doors over five days.
Most exhibitors find the standard booth size (10’ x 10’) ample space to meet their needs but additional square footage options or even smaller table-top displays at affordable rates create a flexible and inviting environment to do business. Gathering and lounge areas are also featured to enhance attendees experience and encourage traffic flow throughout the exhibit floor.
Sponsors and prior year exhibitors are given first option on location and availability, but the expansive hall (with all exhibitors in one room) is designed to maximize visibility no matter your location. Complete pricing and exhibitor kits will be available in early May. Contact Jill Crabtree at IBMA for more information.
ADVERTISING
Ad space is available in the Conference Program and the post event Bluegrass Directory. To reach attendees at the events, place your ad in the Conference Program. Whether you want to drive traffic to your booth, promote an on-site function, tell folks about your latest release or simply share your latest news with the bluegrass music industry, your advertisement makes sure your message is in everyone’s hands.
The 2011 Bluegrass Directory, laid out in a “yellow pages” and “white pages” format, is the bluegrass desk reference that will keep your name in front of everyone throughout the year.
You’ll find rates very reasonable with options for only one publication or both. Why not reach out to the audience you’re looking for?
“AFTER HOURS” SHOWS & HOSPITALITY
Music & Networking! That’s what these events are all about! One of the most successful aspects of the events is the use of centrally located meeting room space to host private hospitality and showcase presentations. Over 250 shows were presented last year by multiple companies and groups located near one another and made for a virtual showcase row where attendees had easy access to visit, do business and check out talent.
While hotel accommodations may be well suited for the informal jam or small gatherings, World of Bluegrass “after hours” space offers expanded opportunities to entertain and present your music, with the following attractions.
-Best space suited to presentation of shows
-Easy to find, centrally located and accessible under one roof
-Organized promotions to let attendees know when and where your event is happening.
Space within the Nashville Convention Center and Renaissance Hotel is available, and registered events are also included in distributed schedules to attendees to make sure they know when, where and what’s going on. If you are interested in hosting a room for your company or group, contact Jill Crabtree at IBMA for an application to apply for space. Complete pricing, after hours contract and application will all be available in early May. Space is limited so act quickly.
INFORMATION
For additional details on any of the above mentioned promotional opportunities or participation at World of Bluegrass, call us at 1-888-438-4262, or email us at info@ibma.org. All opportunities have limited availability and unique deadlines to participate SO INQUIRE EARLY to make sure you are getting the most out the events.