SOCIETY OF LEADERS IN DEVELOPMENT (SOLID) AND THE INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT BUYERS ASSOCIATION (IEBA) PRESENTS 4TH ANNUAL UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION
NASHVILLE, Tenn., (April 23, 2025) – The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) hosted its fourth-annual Student Scholarship Competition on April 12-13, continuing its mission to empower emerging music business professionals. Powered by the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) and hosted at the Mechanical Licensing Collective, this year’s competition featured celebrated, genre-expansive artist and Opry sweetheart Madeline Edwards, whose unique blend of country, soul, and rock has earned praise from NPR, The New York Times, and Rolling Stone.
Led by SOLID Ambassadorship Chair Becky Parsons and co-Chair TC Courtney, students from Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University (TSU), Belmont University, and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) were tasked with creating a comprehensive marketing campaign tailored to Edwards’ upcoming album release. Then, they presented these campaigns to Edwards and members of her team. Each student walked away with some amount of scholarship funds and a professional development toolkit.
“Getting to work with SOLID, IEBA, and the students in this competition was truly inspiring,” said Edwards. “These students brought so much creativity, intention, and thoughtfulness to the table. It’s exciting to see the next generation of music industry leaders rising up with so much passion and perspective.”
IEBA's Executive Director Brian Wagner, Director of Operations Jason Connor, and Director of Events Lori Bowman educated students on the resources IEBA has to offer in the live entertainment space, and engaged in a networking lunch along with SOLID alumni.
SOLID President Zach Green added, “This competition is one of the most meaningful initiatives we offer. Watching these students gain confidence and apply what they’ve learned in such a real, impactful way speaks volumes about where our industry is headed.”