Two major music industry business conferences of note to the acoustic music community are slated for the fall in Nashville, Tennessee. The Americana Music Association’s 10th Annual Americana Music Festival & Conference returns to the “Music City,” September 16-19, while the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA)’s World of Bluegrass is set for September 28-October 4. Early-bird registration opened this month for both events.

More than 1,000 artists and other music industry professionals are expected to converge at the Nashville Convention Center and various venues throughout the city in mid-September for three days of learning, networking and entertainment during the Americana Music Festival & Conference. In addition to a number of professional development seminars and panel discussions during the day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and an exhibition hall-trade show, established and emerging artists yet-to-be-named will perform during the day and in off-site evening showcases.

The Americana Music Association reports that more than 700 applications for showcase opportunities were received for some 75 available slots, and that all applicants will be notified of their status in late July.

A highlight of the conference is sure to be the Americana Honors & Awards at the historic Ryman Auditorium on September 17, from 7-9:30 p.m. Jim Lauderdale hosts the event, while Buddy Miller’s All-Star Band will be featured. A listing of the 2009 Americana Music Association Honors and Awards nominees follows.

Album of the Year: Real Animal (Alejandro Escovedo), Written in Chalk (Buddy and Julie Miller), Jason Isbell and the 40 Unit (Jason Isbell and The 40 Unit), Midnight at the Movies (Justin Townes Earle)

Artist of the Year: Alejandro Escovedo, Buddy Miller, Justin Townes Earle, Raul Malo

Instrumentalist of the Year: Buddy Miller, Gurf Morlix, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush

New & Emerging Artist: Band of Heathens, Belleville Outfit, Justin Townes Earle, Sarah Borges

Song of the Year: “Chalk,” written by Julie Miller, performed by Buddy Miller and Patty Griffin; “Country Love” by the Gourds; “Homeland Refugee” by Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, performed by the Flatlanders; “Rattlin’ Bones” written and performed by Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson; “Sex and Gasoline,” written and performed by Rodney Crowell

Duo/Group of the Year: Buddy and Julie Miller, Flatlanders, Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson, Reckless Kelly

The Honors and Awards ceremony will also include Lifetime Achievements and awards in performance, songwriting and the Spirit of American Award honoring free speech in music.

More information will be posted later this summer on the Americana Music Association’s website, www.americanamusic .org.

Established in 1999, the Americana Music Association is a professional trade association dedicated to building and promoting the Americana genre and the individuals who participate in the industry.

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA)’s annual “World of Bluegrass” is expected to attract thousands of fans and music industry professionals from the world-over when it returns to Nashville, Sept. 28-Oct. 4. Featured events include a four-day IBMA Business Conference, a three-day Bluegrass Fan Fest, and the 20th International Bluegrass Music Awards Show.

The Business Conference, taking place at the Nashville Convention Center/Renaissance Hotel, Sept. 28-Oct. 1, will begin with a new “Open Forum” and includes more than 300 artist showcases; a 100-booth exhibit hall; more than 20 professional development seminars and forums focused on topics ranging from key legislative issues to market research, broadcasting, and event production; a DJ taping session; songwriter circles; mentor sessions, a health fair; and a gig fair aimed at bringing together event producers and talent representatives. There will be plenty of opportunities for informal networking and relationship-building for those engaged in the bluegrass music industry. Featured showcase performers include such artists as Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Audie Blaylock & Redline, The Bankester Family, The Crowe Brothers, Davidson Brothers, David Davis & The Warrior River Boys, Joe Diffie, G2 Bluegrass Band, Gold Heart, Donna Hughes, The Martins, Dave Peterson & His Old Tyme Country Revue, The Quebe Sisters Band, Billy Smith, Spring Creek, Adam Steffey, Tommy Webb and Josh Williams. Dozens of more informal “after hours’ shows and late-night hospitality functions also are planned throughout the week.

More than 60 bluegrass artists will perform and greet their fans during Bluegrass Fan Fest, October 2-4, also at the Nashville Convention Center/Renaissance Hotel. The indoor festival will feature three stages: the Main Stage, Masters Workshop Stage, and the Grand Masters Fiddler Championship. Although additional acts are still to be announced, participating artists will include Audie Blaylock & Redline, Cherryholmes, The Church Sisters, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, Dailey & Vincent, Grasstowne, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Del McCoury Band, Don Rigsby & Midnight Call, Kenny & Amada Smith, The SteelDrivers, Randy Waller & the Country Gentlemen, Johnny Warren & Charlie Cushman and special Carter Family tribute. Rounding out the Fan Fest will be a Friday morning Fan Feast breakfast, jam sessions galore and an exhibit hall.

Awards, judged by the professional membership of the IBMA, will be presented in some two dozen categories during the 20th Annual International Bluegrass Music Awards Show. Set for Thursday night, October 1, at the historic Ryman Auditorium, the show will be broadcast live on Sirius-XM Radio.

Nominations from IBMA members for special awards – including Best Broadcaster of the Year, Print Media Person of the Year, Best Graphic Design, Best Liner Notes and Best Event of the Year – are being accepted through June 30.

Early-bird conference registration is $340 for IBMA members and $440 for non-members (postmarked by July 7) and $100 less for children under 16. Awards show admission is separate, with tickets ranging from $55-110.

More information on the World of Bluegrass is available at www.ibma.org.

AcousticMusicScene.com also will publish updates about both the Americana Music Festival & Conference and the World of Bluegrass events.