History

The International Entertainment Buyers Association was formed in 1970, conceived by two prominent talent buyers, Hugh Long and Harry A. (Hap) Peebles. Peebles and Long felt that the country music talent buyers needed a voice in the fair and festival industry that relegated country music to the smaller fairs and didn't see the potential of adding them to the roster of the larger state fairs. Hugh and Hap, both founding members of the Country Music Association, tied the first meetings of the International County Music Buyers Association (ICMBA) to the CMA's meeting schedule. After Hugh Long's untimely death, Hap Peebles served as president of ICMBA for six years and was chairman of the board for nearly twenty years. Eventually the two organizations grew to the point that a split was inevitable and the board of ICMBA decided that there was a need to be inclusive off all types of entertainment, hence the current organizational name-International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA).

In addition to Long and Peebles, other large contributors to the history of IEBA were George Moffett, Don Romeo, Bettye Kaye and Wilson Sparks. Early members include Lon Carnell, Bill Luther, Bill Pauley, Dean Fleenor and Smokey Smith.

Currently ...

Coming up on it's 40th anniversary, IEBA and the organization's annual conference stand alone in the entertainment industry by showcasing the most diverse entertainment options available while striving to be the "go to" organization for the entertainment community by offering continuing education and networking opportunities to its members.

The Future ...

This is an exciting time to be a part of IEBA.  Stay tuned for upcoming member events in your region, details on how you can influence the future of our business by mentoring a college student in your area, and more. Check this website frequently for the news that matters to you and featured showcases of some of the hottest new acts out on the road. 

Your Story ...

If you have been a long-time member of IEBA, we want to hear your story and include it on our website.  Early memories of the organization, conference, memorable performances, acts that showcased and went on to become legends, etc. Email us stories and photos so the history of IEBA will be preserved forever.