Important changes for 2011 World Of Bluegrass

Well, you can’t say they didn’t listen.

IBMA has announced a number of major changes to the pricing and availability options during this year’s World Of Bluegrass Convention in Nashville. As attendance at this flagship event has dwindled in recent years, the association’s leadership has been looking at new ways to make the weeklong convention more beneficial to members and industry professionals.

One very positive change regards the exhibit hall, which has been profoundly affected by the lower attendance of late. Previously, no one could enter the hall and visit the various vendors’ displays without at least a one-day WOB ticket, costing $150 or more. This year, a single day entrance to the exhibit hall will be available for only $20.

Likewise, single day tickets for the evening, main stage showcases will be available for only $25. Both of these changes will be sure to attract more pickers and other people not specifically involved with the business-oriented aspects of the WOB.

Plus, they will make the common areas of the convention hall open to the public at no charge, allowing non-attendees and “hangers on” to take advantage of the networking capabilities the event was created to foster.

Board President Stan Zdonik said today in a message to the professional membership that there were more changes yet to be announced. Sounds like a good start to me.

Kudos to IBMA for taking on the challenge and finding ways to improve the World Of Bluegrass experience for a wider segment of our community.

Now, if they can just do something to stop treating the bluegrass press like red-headed stepchildren…

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About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.