Broadway League Honors Industry Leaders Selby, Ward, Bazadona at 2025 Fort Lauderdale Conference

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – The Broadway League, the national trade association for the Broadway industry, recognized three pivotal figures for their exemplary service and profound impact during its 2025 Biennial Leadership Conference. Held in the vibrant city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the conference served as the venue for presenting prestigious leadership awards to Christina Selby, Tammie Ward, and Damian Bazadona.

These accolades highlight the recipients’ substantial and meaningful contributions that have significantly advanced both the core New York-based Broadway productions and the expansive network of touring Broadway shows that reach audiences across North America.

Recognizing Excellence in Theatrical Leadership

The Broadway League represents a vast network of theatre owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers across 200 cities in North America, alongside the 41 theatres in New York City’s designated Broadway district. The Biennial Leadership Conference is a cornerstone event for the organization, bringing together industry professionals to address key issues, share best practices, and strategize for the future of live theatrical entertainment.

The 2025 iteration of this significant gathering, hosted in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, provided a fitting stage to honor individuals whose leadership has been instrumental in navigating the complexities and fostering the growth of the industry. The leadership awards are specifically designed to celebrate those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and made lasting contributions that benefit the entire Broadway ecosystem.

Christina Selby, Tammie Ward, and Damian Bazadona were specifically cited for their significant contributions to both Broadway and touring Broadway. While the specific nature of their individual achievements is varied, collectively, their work underscores the diverse forms that impactful leadership can take within the theatre world – spanning production management, marketing, audience development, advocacy, and strategic planning. The League’s recognition of these three individuals reflects the high esteem in which they are held by their peers.

The Dual Impact: Broadway and Touring Broadway

Broadway in New York City serves as the artistic and commercial pinnacle of the industry, setting standards for creative excellence and drawing visitors from around the globe. However, touring Broadway is equally vital, bringing professional theatrical productions to audiences far beyond Manhattan, sustaining venues in numerous cities, and contributing significantly to local economies.

The health and success of touring Broadway are intrinsically linked to the strength of the productions originated in New York. Leaders who understand and effectively contribute to both spheres are crucial for the industry’s overall prosperity and reach. Their efforts ensure that high-quality theatrical experiences remain accessible to millions of people across the continent.

Ms. Selby, Ms. Ward, and Mr. Bazadona were specifically honored for making significant contributions that benefit this dual structure. Their work has likely involved strengthening the infrastructure that supports tours, developing new models for reaching audiences, enhancing operational efficiencies, or championing initiatives that bridge the gap between the New York and touring markets. The Broadway League’s acknowledgment highlights the importance of leadership that can navigate and positively influence both critical components of the industry.

The 2025 Biennial Conference in Focus

The choice of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as the host city for the 2025 conference emphasizes the critical role that touring markets play within the Broadway League’s scope. These conferences offer invaluable opportunities for dialogue among producers, presenters, and venue operators from across the country, fostering collaboration and addressing shared challenges, such as ticket sales trends, technological integration, and operational sustainability.

The atmosphere of the conference provides a context for celebrating individual achievements within the framework of collective industry advancement. Presenting the leadership awards during this event underscores the human element behind the successful staging and presentation of theatrical works – recognizing the strategic thinking, dedication, and vision required at the highest levels.

Attendees at the Fort Lauderdale conference engaged in discussions vital to the industry’s future, making the recognition of Ms. Selby, Ms. Ward, and Mr. Bazadona particularly resonant as exemplars of the leadership qualities needed to propel theatre forward.

Looking Towards the Future

As the theatre industry continues to evolve in the face of changing technologies and audience expectations, the role of strong, visionary leadership becomes even more critical. The contributions of individuals like Christina Selby, Tammie Ward, and Damian Bazadona, as recognized by the Broadway League, serve as benchmarks for excellence.

Their significant contributions to both Broadway and touring Broadway reflect a commitment to the art form’s enduring power and its ability to connect communities. The leadership awards bestowed at the 2025 Biennial Leadership Conference in Fort Lauderdale celebrate past accomplishments while also inspiring continued dedication and innovation within the professional theatre industry across North America.