AEG Presents Teams With Outback Presents In Major Comedy Expansion

AEG Presents is making a major move in the comedy space, announcing a new strategic partnership with Outback Presents, one of North America’s leading independent comedy touring and promotion companies.

The deal pairs AEG Presents’ global live entertainment platform with Outback’s deep roots in stand-up comedy, comedy festivals, and national touring. Founded in 1996, Outback Presents has built its reputation on long-standing artist relationships, career development, and a strong presence across North America’s comedy ecosystem.

Outback’s portfolio includes major comedy properties such as the Nashville Comedy Festival and 312 Comedy Festival, alongside a broad slate of touring and live comedy events. The company is led by Co-Founder and Co-CEO Mike Smardak and Co-CEO Brian Dorfman, both of whom bring extensive experience across different levels of the comedy business.

Smardak is a longtime industry figure who has been recognized with multiple IEBA Promoter of the Year honors, induction into the IEBA Hall of Fame, Pollstar Impact 50 recognition, and a 2024 Billboard Touring Power Player nod. He also co-created both the Nashville Comedy Festival and 312 Comedy Festival.

Dorfman adds a strong venue and talent-development perspective to the partnership. In addition to his role at Outback Presents, he co-owns several premier comedy venues across the country, including multiple Improv locations and Stand Up Live in Phoenix, with particularly deep ties to Zanies Comedy Club in Nashville.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership and the opportunity to work closely with AEG Presents,” Smardak and Dorfman said 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.”

AEG Presents said the partnership is designed to strengthen Outback’s existing comedy business while giving the promoter access to expanded infrastructure and resources.

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

Together, the companies aim to create more opportunities for comedians at every career stage, deepen fan engagement, and continue growing comedy as a major pillar of the live entertainment business.