North American Brass Band Association

Event Information

Summary: 
The North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) is an organization dedicated to the promotion and development of the British-style brass band movement in North America. With bands and musicians covering 15 states and Canada, as well as ranging from school-age youth to senior citizens, NABBA has become a true force in the arena of amateur musicians and brass banding across North America and across the world.

Meeting Size: 
700 attendees over two days

Host Facility:
Embassy Theatre

Addtional Venues Used: 
Grand Wayne Convention Center, Allen County Public Library  

Why Fort Wayne: 
Since 1983, the North American Brass Band Association has hosted its prestigious championship contest in different cities across the United States. In 2012, a local NABBA representative contacted Visit Fort Wayne about the possibility of hosting the championships in Fort Wayne. Visit Fort Wayne’s sales team met with local venues and hotels to create a competitive bid package to meet the needs and wants of NABBA. The group needed a central location, a historic performance theater, connected and quality hotels, affordable parking, and short distance between venues. After making a strong presentation to NABBA board members and decision makers, the championships came to Fort Wayne for the first-time ever in 2015, and will gather in our city in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Reasons NABBA Chose Fort Wayne: 
Downtown Package
Affordability
Transportation 
Location
Hotels

Visit Fort Wayne Services Used by NABBA: 
On-site Assistance
Facilitated Local Representatives
Attendance Building
Local PR
Pre-Promotional Materials
 

What NABBA Organizers Said About Fort Wayne:
“It was great experience working with Visit Fort Wayne on the North American Brass Band Association Championships. Our event continues to grow each year in Fort Wayne! A lot of this is because of the continued support and enthusiasm from Visit Fort Wayne. Josie, Megan and everyone made it easy to work with the Embassy Theatre, Grand Wayne Center, local hotels and the local media in coordinating and promoting our event. As we return to Fort Wayne in 2017 and 2018, we look forward to all that Visit Fort Wayne has to offer. Thanks again for all your efforts.” — David Jones, Board of Directors of the National Brass Band Association