Broadcaster of the Year – Chris Jones
Event of the Year – Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival (Wilmington, Ohio)
Graphic Designer of the Year – Grace van’t Hof
Liner Notes of the Year – Ted Olson – Doc Watson – Life’s Work: A Retrospective
Writer of the Year – Akira Otsuka
Sound Engineer of the Year – Steve Chandler
Songwriter of the Year – Ronnie Bowman
IBMA Industry Awards are given annually to industry professionals who are dedicated to furthering bluegrass music and its artists. Songwriters, broadcasters, writers, graphic designers, event promoters, and sound engineers who have been active during the eligibility period are invited to apply. It is not required for nominees to be IBMA members.
Any person may suggest a candidate for consideration by completing the online Industry Awards nomination form. Self-nominations are encouraged.
All submissions are reviewed by IBMA Executive-appointed Industry Awards Nominating Committees for each category. The leading candidates are recommended to the IBMA Panel of Electors, whose vote determines the award recipients. Category descriptions and awards eligibility and criteria can be found in the IBMA Awards Handbook.