Professor Ed Traversari Named as 2026 IEBA Music and Entertainment Industry Educator of the Year Friday, October 16, 2026
"This award confirms what many of us at Point Park already know: Ed Traversari is an amazing professor and a vital part of the community on campus."
Amid strong competition for the "Educator of the Year" title at the 2026 International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) Conference, a Point Park University faculty member won the award on Oct. 6.
This year's award went to Ed Traversari, MBA, a professor in the sports, arts, entertainment and music business (SAEM) program in the Rowland School of Business. With over 30 years of experience in the music industry, he has been part of the unique business program's consistent success stories — and the IEBA Honors and Awards ceremony judges took notice.
"I was extremely surprised to receive the award," Traversari said. "The competition was very impressive, with some very prestigious universities and educators in the running. I was very humbled by the experience, but also very pleased that Point Park was recognized at such a high-profile entertainment conference."
Hosted by comedian Derrick Stroup, the award ceremony honored a wide range of important individuals and institutions across the music industry, from venues to promoters to performers. Honorees included Gene Simmons, this year's IEBA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, as well as IEBA Hall of Fame inductees Chubby Checker and promoter Gil Cunningham.
For the education category, nominees included professors from the University of Southern California, Belmont University, Middle Tennessee State University and Pace University. With that impressive list of educators and institutions as competition, Traversari took home the gold for Point Park and proved the Pittsburgh-based program is a strong contender in the space thanks to its dedicated and experienced faculty.
"This award confirms what many of us at Point Park already know: Ed Traversari is an amazing professor and a vital part of the community on campus," said Stephen Tanzilli, J.D., dean of the Rowland School of Business. "His work with students and alumni helps make the SAEM program excellent and allows our students to continue to succeed in their careers."
Traversari received the award during an annual student trip to the IEBA Conference, where they can volunteer at the event and meet with industry professionals. In addition to the conference, these students also tour Nashville's music scene and meet with Point Park alumni working in the region.