International Bluegrass Music Association Welcomes New Events Director
NASHVILLE, TENN. (May 5, 2026) – The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has named Maggie Carruth O’Connor as Events Director. Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, host city of IBMA World of Bluegrass®, O’Connor will lead event production of the IBMA’s major events, bringing a strong background in community-driven music programming and live event creation to the role.
O’Connor is an event producer, community builder, and founder of Third Place Productions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to elevating local voices, fostering collaboration, and creating spaces for meaningful connection. Over the past five years, she has helped shape Chattanooga’s cultural landscape through events including TEDxChattanooga, the Sessions concert series, Porchfests in Highland Park, Red Bank, and Southside, and the monthly musical residency series Side B.
Prior to transitioning into event production, O’Connor spent nearly a decade in people and culture operations leadership, focusing on building environments that support individual growth and organizational effectiveness. Her work centers on creating inclusive, sustainable spaces where people and ideas can thrive.
“I moved to Chattanooga from Atlanta in 2019 with my husband and dog and immediately felt at home,” said O’Connor. “The sense of community here, especially in the music world, is undeniable. My work over the past five years has focused on building more equitable, sustainable opportunities for local artists, including founding Highland Park Porchfest, a free festival now in its fifth year that features local bands performing on neighborhood porches. Joining IBMA as Events Director feels like a natural extension of that work. I am excited to support the IBMA team and help bring people together around bluegrass music.”
In her role as Events Director, O’Connor will oversee planning and execution of IBMA’s signature events, including IBMA World of Bluegrass®, and support the organization’s ongoing mission to advance bluegrass music and strengthen its global community.
For more information about the IBMA and its programs, visit ibma.org and worldofbluegrass.org.
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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.
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Press/General Info: Elizabeth Dewey, IBMA
[email protected], 615-673-4811
