Chatt & IBMA logos

Official Kickoff: IBMA World of Bluegrass® in Partnership with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Chattanooga Tourism Co. 

WHAT: Join us for the official kickoff of IBMA World of Bluegrass®, hosted by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Chattanooga Tourism Co., at Miller Plaza in downtown Chattanooga, Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, at 10 a.m.  

This press conference celebrates the arrival of the world's premier bluegrass event in the Scenic City for the first time, marking the beginning of a three-year partnership that will bring five days of music, culture, and bustling downtown activity to Chattanooga through 2027. 

The launch event will feature remarks from tourism leaders, IBMA representatives, and local and state officials, including a special bluegrass performance by local musician Randy Steele. Media will have opportunities for interviews and photos with key officials and IBMA representatives. 

The five-day IBMA World of Bluegrass® event includes the IBMA Business Conference, IBMA Bluegrass Ramble at local venues, the star-studded IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards, and IBMA Bluegrass Live!® Festival in downtown Chattanooga. Click here for the full schedule.  

WHO: Remarks will be made by: 

  • Barry White, president and CEO of Chattanooga Tourism Co. 

  • Mayor Tim Kelly, City of Chattanooga 

  • Mark Ezell, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development 

  • Ken White, executive director of IBMA 

  • Anna Frick, board chair of IBMA 

  • Donna Elle Harrison, vice president of Engagement and Impact, Chattanooga Tourism Co. 

Photo and interview opportunities to follow.  Special performance by local bluegrass musician Randy Steele. 

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. 

WHERE: Miller Plaza, 850 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402 

Media is invited and requested to RSVP to dawnk@chattanoogatourism.com.   

About Chattanooga Tourism Co.  

Chattanooga Tourism Co. is the official destination marketing organization for Hamilton County, dedicated to sustainably increasing visitation and connecting guests with authentic Chattanooga experiences. The organization aims to strengthen the local economy and enrich the community by establishing Chattanooga as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, sporting events, and leisure travel. Hamilton County welcomes more than 11.1 million visitors annually, who generate $1.8 billion in economic impact. This visitor spending contributes $186 million in local and state tax revenue, saving each resident household $1,232 in taxes and supporting more than 30,000 jobs. VisitChattanooga.com 

About the IBMA 

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) is the non-profit music association that connects, educates, and empowers bluegrass professionals and enthusiasts, honoring tradition and encouraging innovation in the bluegrass community worldwide. The organization hosts IBMA World of Bluegrass®, an annual event featuring a business conference, showcases, awards show, and street festival highlighting the best in bluegrass talent. The event supports the IBMA and the IBMA Trust Fund. Other special IBMA initiatives include the IBMA International Band Performance Grant, Leadership Bluegrass, and Kids on Bluegrass. Learn more at ibma.org and worldofbluegrass.org. 

MEDIA CONTACT:   

Dawn Kimberlin   
Communications Manager   
(907) 360-4874   
dawnk@chattanoogatourism.com