Academy of Country Music Partners With What A Trip! Entertainment to Offer First-Ever VIP Trip Packages to the 44th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS

Academy of Country Music Partners With What A Trip! Entertainment to Offer First-Ever VIP Trip Packages to the 44th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS

ENCINO, Calif., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time ever, the Academy of Country Music and What A Trip! Entertainment have joined forces to offer one-of-a-kind trip packages to fans in conjunction with the 44th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS to be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. In addition, the packages will include the taping of the ARTIST OF THE DECADE SPECIAL honoring George Strait at the same location on Monday, April 6th, 2009 to air at a later date on the CBS Television Network.

What A Trip! will produce a limited number of four different VIP consumer trip packages for the events, which will take place from Friday, April 3 to Tuesday, April 7, 2009 and range from 3 to 4 nights, with unique options for each:

   --  Premier Package - The most exclusive package, this luxury 4-night       experience is unlike any country music trip ever offered, anywhere and       includes elements that cannot be purchased or accessed any other way,       such as admission to selected rehearsals.   --  Girls' Getaway - A rollicking frolicking 3-night country music getaway       for four gals which includes makeovers, daybed and bottle service at       Wet Republic at MGM Grand and the option to be part of the on-camera       audience in the "pit!"   --  Kickass Country Weekender - Geared for guys, it's just what it sounds       like! This package features entry into the hottest clubs and VIP       poolside service, and more.   --  Amore Package - This country-infused romantic trip for couples       includes strawberries delivered to the hotel room, luxurious       transportation, and more.    

"The Awards sells out every year, and this year has been no exception so far, but we've held a very limited number of high-level tickets for these packages because consumers have shown interest in an elevated experience," said Tiffany Moon, Senior Director, Operations & Finance of the Academy of Country Music. "The What A Trip! packages will pamper guests with elements ranging from a dedicated concierge to VIP transportation to special gifts and artist experiences -- we are thrilled to be able to offer country music fans this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

"What A Trip! Entertainment is honored to present these exclusive one-of-a kind trip packages for country music fans to attend the ACM Awards," said Grace Reinbold, CEO of What A Trip!

All packages include VIP tickets to the awards show, the post-awards All-Star Jam and the George Strait Artist of the Decade Special, along with hotel accommodations and limited edition Academy of Country Music merchandise, produced specifically for each package. With the MGM Grand as the official award show venue, the Girls Getaway package specifically offers exclusive MGM Grand incentives including a VIP table at Tabu Ultra Lounge or Studio 54 and much more! More detailed information is available at www.acmtrips.com.

This will be the first year What A Trip! has partnered with the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS for trip packages, and the first time both organizations have offered consumers a VIP country music experience.

About the Academy of Country Music Awards

The 44th Academy of Country Music Awards is dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in the country music industry. The show is produced for television by dick clark productions and will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. Orly Adelson and R.A. Clark are executive producers, Barry Adelman is producer and Bob Bardo is executive in charge of production.

About What A Trip! Entertainment

Since it opened its doors in 1998, What A Trip! co-founders Grace Reinbold and Darlene Williams have guided the company to unprecedented success. The result is WAT's recognition as the leading purveyor of unique trips and travel planning for record companies, radio and television stations.

For more information on the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC and the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, please visit www.acmcountry.com. For more information on the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC CHARITABLE FUND, please visit www.acmcf.org.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Academy of Country Music

CONTACT: Brooke Primero, +1-818-788-8000, Ext. 213,
Brooke@acmcountry.com, or Katie Jo Sheek, +1-818-788-8000, Ext. 220,
Katiejo@acmcountry.com, both of Academy Of Country Music

Web Site: http://www.acmcf.org/
http://www.acmcountry.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment