The Independent Presenters Network (IPN) resumed its biennial meeting in London last month. The meeting, which is usually held every two years, was on hold for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the 2022 meeting, a new executive committee, approved by the full membership, was selected. The committee will serve for three years. John Ekeberg, Executive Director for Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ Broadway & Cabaret division was named President.  

“John Ekeberg is not only a valued leader locally, but also internationally. November 3rd marked his 30-year anniversary with the DCPA. He serves on the Board of Governors for The Broadway League, which presented him with the 2018 Outstanding Achievement in Presenter Management Award and is an active Tony Award voter,” said Janice Sinden, DCPA President & Chief Executive Officer. “We are proud and excited for his three-year term as President of the IPN.” 

IPN is a consortium of 40 preeminent Broadway presenters, theaters and performing arts centers. A leader in the industry, IPN is monumental in influencing the shows that make it to Broadway and national tour. Its members bring Broadway productions to more than 110 cities in North America, the United Kingdom, Japan, and China.  

IPN is a powerhouse in the industry, shaping the landscape of Broadway and touring markets on the road. As a collective, the group has produced Broadway shows including recent productions such as the 2022 Tony Award–winning best musical revival Company and Best Play, The Lehman Trilogy. Other recent productions include Mrs. Doubtfire, Jagged Little Pill, TINA, Hadestown, Waitress, and many others. IPN has received 27 Tony Award nominations and 13 Tony Awards.  

Upcoming, IPN is proud to be a co-producer of &Juliet, The Life of Pi, The Notebook, The Devil Wears Prada, and the UK tour of Mrs. Doubtfire.  

IPN’s Investment Committee Chair Al Nocciolino (NAC Entertainment) said, “IPN members are committed to bringing the best of Broadway to the communities they serve. These shows are an anchor to many downtowns who rely on them to fill restaurants, hotels and stimulate their local economies. Working together, IPN members are helping to make Broadway shows available to fans close to their home.” 

“As many shows from the West End enjoy national tours in the US, our members find great value in meeting in London. And we are all very grateful to all the producers and theater owners who are so very kind to us and make us feel most welcome,” said Jeff Chelesvig, IPN’s Immediate Past President and President and CEO of Des Moines Performing Arts.  

As part of the week of meetings in London, IPN members networked with industry leaders in the UK. The group learns from its UK peers as well as shares with them best practices, new ideas, and strategies in presenting, producing, and venue management. 

“We’ve come a long way since starting these London meetings nearly 11 years ago. While a few members back then worked on individual projects, we set out to intentionally cultivate dialogue to encourage joint ventures and shows that go both directions across the Atlantic,” said Blumenthal Performing Arts President and CEO Tom Gabbard. “The results of this networking have been remarkable.” 

Executive Committee:  
John Ekeberg (Denver Center for the Performing Arts), President 
Jeff Chelesvig (Des Moines Performing Arts), Immediate Past President 
Dione Kennedy (Bass Hall, Fort Worth), President-Elect 
Janice Anderson (Providence Performing Arts Center), Treasurer 
John O’Brien (Fabulous Fox Theatre, St. Louis), Secretary 
Al Nocciolino (NAC Entertainment), Investment Committee Chair 
Brett Batterson (Orpheum Theatre, Memphis), Governance Committee Chair 

IPN member organizations include:  
A.C. Orange Co. Ltd. 
Ambassador Theatre Group 
Blumenthal Performing Arts 
Broadway Sacramento  
Bushnell Memorial Hall 
Celebrity Attractions 
Center Theatre Group & Ahmanson Theatre 
Dayton Live 
Denver Center for the Performing Arts 
Des Moines Performing Arts 
Fox Associates, LLC 
Kimmel Center, Inc. 
Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts 
Kyodo Tokyo, Inc. 
Kennedy Center 
NAC Entertainment 
Nederlander Producing Co. 
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts 
Orpheum Theatre Group 
Peace Center 
Performing Arts Fort Worth 
Pittsburgh CLO 
Playhouse Square 
Proctors Theatre 
Providence Performing Arts 
Shubert Organization 
The Smith Center for the Performing Arts 
Starlight Theatre Association 
David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts 

For a list of IPN Broadway and Touring credits, visit here.