Point Park University Students Traveled to Nashville to Volunteer at 2026 IEBA Conference, Experience Region's Entertainment Scene Friday, October 23, 2026
"I feel like potential students should know that it is super important to jump on opportunities like this to get a real feel for how the industry works and to meet new students who are also interested in the same areas!"
Point Park University returned to Nashville earlier this month, giving students a chance to learn hands-on at one of the biggest events in the music industry.
Faculty led students to Nashville to volunteer at the 2026 International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) Conference from Oct. 4-6. The trip has become an annual tradition for the Rowland School of Business, with students in the sports, arts, entertainment and music business (SAEM) program getting a unique chance to learn about emerging industry trends, network with professionals and immerse themselves in the history of their field.
"Our students are not just attending the conference; they're helping make it happen," said Carla Bianco, M.F.A., an SAEM professor who joined the students on this year's trip. "By working alongside industry professionals, they gain invaluable hands-on experience at one of the live entertainment industry's premier conferences, right in the heart of Nashville. It's experiential learning at its best, and we are incredibly proud of their professionalism and dedication."
"The IEBA Conference gives our students a chance to meet music business majors from universities around the country and talk shop with managers, executives and agents who are actively working in the industry they want to join," said Ed Traversari, MBA, who has led the trip to Nashville for several years. "It's one of the most prestigious entertainment conferences in the United States and allows our alumni a chance to meet the next generation of students entering the field."
What did students do on the trip?
The traveling Pioneers' volunteer work was focused on a variety of conference musts: scanning badges, giving directions to event attendees, assisting with hotel load-out and helping wherever needed during set-up for the international event. Point Park wasn't the only college there, so students also got to socialize with peers from similar programs from across the United States who also volunteered during the event.
"I feel like potential students should know that it is super important to jump on opportunities like this to get a real feel for how the industry works and to meet new students who are also interested in the same areas!" said Alexis Zak, a senior SAEM major.
Students also attended panels that discussed changing trends in live entertainment. From weather changes to the complexities of booking talent, their classroom topics became even more important as music business professionals discussed how those lessons are changing and evolving today.
"One of the favorite things I learned about was attending a panel called 'Agents Talk Touring,' where managers of Zara Larsson and Megan Moroney discussed the current state of touring," said Cooper Slocum, a junior SAEM major. "They dove into the details of how they route tours, turn venue holds into confirmed bookings and how our country's economic state is affecting everything from tour travel to ticket prices."
While the conference was the trip's focus, faculty also took the chance to lead students on a musical tour of the Nashville area, visiting a variety of venues and museums focused on the industry's history. With a mix of food, fun and education, students absorbed the culture of the city home to so many icons of music and entertainment legends.
"My favorite part of the trip was touring the Ryman Auditorium, which was the original Grand Ole Opry House," said Zoe Ross, a senior SAEM student. "Then, touring the Gibson Garage with Alex Tinker right after the Ryman tour was truly a musical, spiritual experience. I do not want to spoil you on what's there, so I guess you all have to go for yourself!"
That allure may also have brought many Point Park alumni to the region, with a group of music industry professionals now calling the city home. By meeting with current students, alumni gave these rising professionals a glimpse behind the curtain of life after graduation.
"The first-ever SAEM student, Sterling, was at the alumni event, which felt like meeting a star in our niche," said Slocum. "I also made some connections at the dinner that might help open doors to future internship opportunities this summer."
After a successful trip, students are already back in the classroom and full of energy. With a program that combines passion and professionalism, they advise students to make the most of these kinds of opportunities when they arise.
"The SAEM program is very hands-on, and it is up to you to stay in contact with the people the program offers you," Ross said. "Get in contact with other young professionals in the industry; they are the ones you will be working with in the long run. Listen to industry veterans' stories; they are insightful and beneficial. Also, stay active in whatever scene you are in; it is a small world!"
"I've had multiple alumni who were happy to help connect me with potential internship opportunities, set up Zoom informational sessions and give me backstage tours when they're in Pittsburgh on tour," Slocum said. "These people genuinely want you to succeed; you just have to reach out!"