AEG Presents Forms Strategic Partnership with Outback Presents

AEG Presents is expanding its footprint in the promoter space with today’s announcement that the company has formed a strategic partnership with independent comedy touring and promotion company Outback Presents.

The announcement notes that the “partnership brings together AEG Presents’ global live platform with Outback Presents’ category defining expertise in stand-up comedy, comedy festivals and comedy touring.”

Outback Presents, which was founded in 1996, has built a reputation in the business for its “long‑standing artist relationships, trusted representation, and a reputation for thoughtful career development.” In particular, the company is an “influential incubator of new comedy talent.”

Led by Co-Founder and Co-CEO Mike Smardak and Co-CEO Brian Dorfman, Outback is behind major tours, festivals, and live comedy events across North America, including the Nashville Comedy Festival and 312 Comedy Festival.

As detailed in co-founder and Co-CEO Mike Smardak’s Impact 50 profile, Outback Presents continues to make moves and expand, finding continued success in comedy in particular, including Nate Bargatze and Shane Gillis, who continue to break attendance records on tour. Outback also promoted Nikki Glaser’s first arena shows and John Michael Montgomery’s final show ever, at Lexington’s Rupp Arena on Dec. 5.

In addition to being recognized multiple times as a Pollstar Impact 50 honoree, Smardak’s accolades include being an IIEBA Hall of Fame inductee and designated as a 2024 Billboard Touring Power Player. He also co‑created the Nashville Comedy Festival and 312 Comedy Festival.

Dorfman co-owns a number of comedy venues across the country, including multiple Improv locations and Stand Up Live in Phoenix, with today’s announcement noting that his “deepest roots and most hands-on involvement in Zanies Comedy Club in Nashville.” The announcement adds that “his combined club level and national promotion perspective strengthens Outback Presents’ ability to identify, develop, and scale the next generation of comedic voices—capabilities that will be further amplified through AEG Presents’ global infrastructure and resources.”

“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 their unique business units. It feels global and bespoke at the same time.”

Shawn Trell, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, AEG Presents, added, “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.”

_Originally reported by [Pollstar](https://news.pollstar.com/2026/05/01/aeg-presents-announces-strategic-partnership-with-outback-presents/)._