FAQs
About IBMA World of Bluegrass®
IBMA Business Conference
Q: When will tickets go on sale for the IBMA Business Conference?
A: IBMA Member Presale – April 8 at 10AM CT
IBMA members receive exclusive early access to discounted tickets and hotel rooms. If you aren’t a member, now is the time to join. Click here to become a member.
General Public Onsale – April 15 at 10AM CT
Q: When is the IBMA Business Conference?
A: The business conference will be held Tuesday, October 20 – Thursday, October 22.
Q: Where is the IBMA Business Conference?
A: The IBMA Business Conference will be held at the Chattanooga Convention Center
Q: Where is conference registration located, and what are the conference registration hours?
Conference registration will be located in the main lobby at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
Conference registration hours:
Monday, October 19: 1-5PM
Tuesday, October 20: 8AM-8PM
Wednesday, October 21: 8AM-8PM
Thursday, October 22: 8AM-5PM
Q: Is there a dress code to attend the IBMA Business Conference?
A: No, there is no dress code.
Q: Are pets allowed inside of the Chattanooga Convention Center?
A: Only service animals are permitted inside of the convention center.
IBMA Bluegrass Ramble
Q: When does IBMA Bluegrass Ramble take place?
A: IBMA Bluegrass Ramble kicks off on Tuesday, October 20 at 6:00 PM and continues on Wednesday, October 21 and Thursday, October 22 beginning at 7:00 PM each night.
Q: What venues are included in IBMA Bluegrass Ramble?
A: IBMA Bluegrass Ramble venues include the Chattanooga Convention Center, as well as local venues. The local venues are Barrelhouse Ballroom, Hi-Fi Clyde’s, Songbirds, and more!
More information coming soon!
IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards
Q: When does the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards Show take place?
A: The biggest night in bluegrass will take place on Thursday, October 22 at 7:30 PM.
Q: Where will the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards be held?
A: The IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards will be held at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium
Q: Is there a dress code to attend the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards?
A: While there is not a dress code, many attendees will wear anything from business casual to formal attire. There will be many opportunities for photo ops, so wear something you feel great in!
Q: Where can I park at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium?
A: Meter parking is available on the neighboring streets at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium. Meters are enforced by the Chattanooga Parking Authority Monday through Saturday between 8am & 6pm. Republic Parking lots are located near Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium off McCallie Avenue.
Q: Does Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium provide assistance to those with special needs?
A: Yes, please see the ADA page.
Q: Will there be concessions to purchase?
A: Yes, Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium offers a full bar with mixed drinks, wine, beer selections, and refreshments.
IBMA Bluegrass Live!
Q: Will the IBMA Bluegrass Live!® festival be live streamed?
A: No, the festival will not be live streamed on any platform.
More information coming soon!
Exhibit Hall
Q: Where is the Exhibit Hall located?
A: The Exhibit Hall is located inside the Chattanooga Convention Center.
More information coming soon!
General Information
Ticketing
Q: When will business conference registration go on sale?
A: IBMA Member Presale – May 7 at 10AM CT
IBMA members receive exclusive early access to discounted tickets and hotel rooms. If you aren’t a member, now is the time to join. Click here to become a member.
General Public Onsale – May 14 at 10AM CT
Tickets are now available to the general public.
Q: What is the refund policy for IBMA World of Bluegrass® tickets?
A: No refunds or exchanges are available for all IBMA World of Bluegrass events. Lineup is subject to change. The IBMA is not responsible for any costs you incur related to attending the event, including travel, accommodations, or other expenses. These costs are the responsibility of the ticket buyer regardless of whether you attend the event or if it is canceled for any reason. Please click here to view the Terms of Use.
Q: I have tickets for IBMA Bluegrass Live!® Can I leave and come back in?
A: Yes! When you arrive, you’ll receive a wristband that lets you enter and exit the festival grounds throughout the day. Please note that general admission seating is not reserved, so there’s no guarantee you’ll have the same seat when you return.
Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: We offer a variety of ticket options at different price points, so you can choose tickets within your budget!
Click here for IBMA Business Conference pricing
Click here for IBMA Bluegrass Ramble pricing
Click here for IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards pricing
Click here for IBMA Bluegrass Live!® pricing
Venues
Q: Where is the IBMA Business Conference?
A: The IBMA Business Conference will be held at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
Q: What are the new IBMA Bluegrass Ramble venues?
A: IBMA Bluegrass Ramble will take place in the Chattanooga Convention Center, as well as several other fantastic venues throughout downtown Chattanooga including:
Hi-Fi Clyde’s
Barrelhouse Ballroom
Songbirds
And more!
Q: Where will the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards be held this year?
A: The IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards will be held at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium.
Q: Where is IBMA Bluegrass Live!®?
A: More information to come!
Hotels & Camping
Q: Where should I stay?
A: Discounted hotel blocks will be available on a first come, first served basis with the purchase of a registration for the IBMA Business Conference or a ticket to IBMA Bluegrass Live!® or the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards. Discount information and hotel block access links can be found in your ticket confirmation email. Discounted rates will not be available before tickets go on sale. Become an IBMA member to gain ticket presale access and be the first to book discounted hotel rooms.
Q: Is camping available?
A: There are many campgrounds with easy access to downtown. Click here for more information.
Travel & Transportation
Q: How do I get to Chattanooga?
A: Chattanooga is centrally located in the Southeast with multiple interstate systems intersecting the city. The Chattanooga airport offers direct and 1-stop flights from most major metropolitan areas. If you are coming from Nashville or Atlanta (or flying into one of those cities), shuttle services are offered from several private companies like Groome Transportation. Click here for more info on traveling to Chattanooga!
Q: How do I get from the airport to the hotels?
A: Ground transportation is easy to find at CHA. Taxis and ride share services (such as Uber and Lyft) are readily available. There are also several shuttle options available from local hotels and a city shuttle route provided by CARTA (Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority). Click here for more information.
Q: How do I get around the city once I’m there?
A: Chattanooga has a walkable downtown, boasting one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the country and offering 23+ miles of riverwalk. The city also offers free shuttles through CARTA and a citywide bikeshare program. Taxis and ride share services (such as Uber and Lyft) are also available anywhere in the city. Click here for more information.
Local Information
Q: Where can I find visitor information?
A: Visit Chattanooga has all the important visitor information and best local recommendations. Click here for more information.
Q: Is there WiFi in downtown Chattanooga?
A: The city of Chattanooga provides free outdoor WiFi in the downtown area. Click here for more information.
Q: Where are the best places to eat?
A: Chattanooga is filled with great local restaurants! Click here to explore some of our favorites.
Q: What are the local attractions?
A: Chattanooga is known as “The Scenic City.” From hiking trails to Ruby Falls and the Tennessee State Aquarium, it offers breathtaking natural beauty and hundreds of exciting activities in downtown. Click here for more information.
Sponsorship
A: Absolutely! Please contact Amy Combs, IBMA Business Development Director, at amy@ibma.org for all sponsorship inquiries.
A: Yes, there are multiple advertising opportunities available at IBMA World of Bluegrass. Click here to view our digital and onsite advertising options.