The IBMA BUSINESS CONFERENCE is the premier industry event and trade show where top bluegrass professionals—including artists, agents, journalists, merchandisers, record labels, publicists, publishers, talent buyers and more—come to share and discover the latest tools, strategies, technology and sounds.  The 2017 conference with take place September 26-28 at the Raleigh Convention Center in beautiful downtown Raleigh, NC.

Conference Theme

COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION: Professionals and fans of bluegrass music have created a community reaching across great distances, generations, and other divides, real or imagined. Passion for a shared musical language connects old friends, new acquaintances, and strangers alike. Tunes and songs have flowed back and forth across the boundaries between genres—making clear the connections shared with folk, blues, old-time, rock and roll, and more. This constant stream has worn thin the barriers, simultaneously drawing bluegrass closer to its musical cousins while extending its reach. Across the campfire, the classroom, the boardroom, the stage, and even the globe, differences are dwarfed by the love of Bluegrass music, and a dedication as artists and professionals to seeing it grow. When voices blend and work together, the bluegrass community is the force that moves the music forward artistically and powers the growth of the industry.