Next year’s IBMA Business Conference may be 11 months out, but showcase applications are already being sought for the 2007 event. Bands that are selected will be prominently featured during the Business Conference, scheduled for the week of October 1-7, 2007, and have the opportunity to appear before major decision makers and influential members of the bluegrass business community.

It is not required that artists be a member of IBMA to submit a showcase application, but must join prior to the event. There is a $15 application fee, and a $150 showcase fee upon acceptance. Acts chosen to showcase are extended complimentary registration for the whole band to the full week’s activities, easily worth more than $500 per band.

IBMA lists three crucial criteria for acts submitting for a showcase:

I don’t believe I have ever seen it explicitly stated, but it seems that at least one or two spots are reserved for acts from outside the US each year. There is no help with travel costs, but there are always a few bands willing to make the trip to gain this exposure to the wider bluegrass market.

Five complete promo packs must be submitted with an application, and they must be received by January 12, 2007 to be considered.

Complete submission details, including the address where applications should be sent, can be found on the IBMA web site.