AEG Partners With North American Comedy Promoter, Outback Presents

AEG Presents, the international promoter behind Coachella, has entered into a strategic partnership with the large-scale independent comedy promoter, Outback Presents. The collaboration will bring Outback’s footprint in stand-up comedy, comedy festivals, and comedy touring under AEG’s umbrella.

Background:

• Outback promotes tours, festivals, and live comedy throughout North America.

• The company is behind Nashville Comedy Festival and 312 Comedy Festival.

• Outback is led by Co-Founder and Co-CEO Mike Smardak and Co-CEO Brian Dorfman.

• Dorfman co-owns venues such as Stand Up Live in Phoenix and Zanies Comedy Club in Nashville.

What they said:

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

• Shawn Trell, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, AEG Presents: “Outback Presents has built an enviable business from the ground up, and our intent is 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.”