Priority hotel registration for IBMA World Of Bluegrass 2009 will open next week. This first shot at accommodations is restricted to attendees and exhibitors from the 2008 event, and will allow for reservations at 9 downtown Nashville hotels adjacent to or near the convention site.

This window is open from March 2 through the 31st, with all remaining rooms at these hotels being offered to all comers on April 1. Rooms at the Renaissance Hotel in particular – attached to the convention center – tend to be snapped up very rapidly, and there may be none available by the end of March.

To access these restricted reservations (at IBMA-negotiated discount rates), you need to call 877-259-4716. The reservation center will have a list of eligible names, so don’t try to pull one over on them.

IBMA 2009 will run from September 28 through October 4, and will include the annual Business Conference, the International Bluegrass Music Awards and their Fan Fest.