AEG Presents Announces Strategic Partnership With Outback Presents

Outback Presents has built a strong position in comedy touring through long-term relationships with artists, reliable representation, and a focus on career growth. The company organizes tours, festivals and live comedy shows across North America, including the Nashville Comedy Festival, and the 312 Comedy Festival and works closely with top agents and managers in the comedy industry.

Together, AEG Presents, and Outback Presents aim to create more opportunities for comedians at all stages of their careers, connect more with fans and support the growth of comedy in the live entertainment industry.

Under the leadership of Co-Founders and Co-CEOs Mike Smardak and Brian Dorfman, Outback Presents has grown into a leading company and a strong platform for developing new comedy talent. Smardak is a well-known industry leader, a multiple-time winner of IEBA’s Promoter of the Year award, and a Hall of Fame inductee. He also co-created the Nashville Comedy Festival and 312 Comedy Festival, and has received major recognition, including Pollstar Impact 50 honors and being named a 2024 Billboard Touring Power Player.

Complementing the company’s national touring strength, Brian Dorfman brings strong experience in discovering and developing new comedy talent. In addition to being Co-CEO of Outback Presents, he also co-owns several top comedy venues across the U.S., including Improv locations and Stand Up Live in Phoenix, and is deeply involved with Zanies Comedy Club.

His experience at both the club level and national touring level helps Outback Presents find, grow, and promote new comedians. With support from AEG Presents and its global platform, these capabilities are expected to grow even further.

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“We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership and the opportunity to work closely with AEG Presents,” said Smardak and Dorfman in a joint statement. “The company brings a market-leading perspective and presence to the live events business, while remaining intentional about protecting the identity of its unique business units. It feels global and bespoke at the same time.”

Added Shawn Trell, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, AEG Presents: “Outback Presents has built an enviable business from the ground up, and we intend to let them do what they do best: create best-in-class comedy events. This partnership is founded – like so many of the ones we seek out at AEG Presents – on collaborating with true visionaries who complement our business strategy in meaningful and creative ways.”

About AEG Presents

AEG Presents is a global leader in music and entertainment, combining live events with a strong focus on developing artists. Operating across five continents the company is known for its commitment to creativity, talent, and community. It's major festivals and multi day events include the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, British Summer Time Hyde Park, Stagecoach Festival Electric Forest, Rock en Seine, and All Points East, all of which help set the standard for live music experiences worldwide.

About Outback Presents

Founded by Mike Smardak, Outback Presents is a leading independent, full-service live entertainment promoter based in Nashville. The company produces thousands of music and comedy shows, tours, and festivals each year across North America, helping connect a wide range of artists with their fans. It also follows an equal opportunity policy, providing fair employment to all employees and applicants regardless of background or personal characteristics.

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