The National Independent Venue Association Unveils Minneapolis Conference Programming
Presented by Eventbrite, the Independent Live Entertainment Community Gathers for Panels, Networking Opportunities, and Live Music
Featuring Notable Speakers from Billboard, Creative Artists Agency, Meta, The Pabst Theater Group, Arts Midwest, Legendary Producer and Musicians Jimmy Jam & Cornbread Harris, and more!
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN (May 6, 2026) – The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) today announces the initial programming for NIVA ‘26, its fifth annual national conference taking place June 7-10 in Minneapolis. The national three-day conference brings together the independent live entertainment community, focusing on education, advocacy and networking, artist development, marketing, touring, and more.
Presented by Eventbrite, NIVA ’26 will spotlight the twin city’s rich music history and independent venue ecosystem, with programming taking place across some of Minneapolis’ most iconic spaces, including Hennepin Event Center, Pantages Theatre (stage sponsored by Eventbrite) and Dudley Riggs Theatre (stage sponsored by VenuePilot), with additional events at The Dakota and Green Room. Eventbrite will also close out Monday with the NIVA ‘26 Nightcap at Icehouse, an evening of drinks, music, and connection across the live industry.
“At a time when the live sector is navigating rising costs, industry consolidation, and rapid change, NIVA ’26 is about coming together to share ideas, build relationships, and move the industry forward,” said Stephen Parker, Executive Director of NIVA. “This conference will address the challenges and opportunities that matter most to the independent live space right now while looking ahead to ensure a better future.”
Attendees can expect panel discussions led by industry experts, keynote conversations, networking opportunities and special events designed to foster collaboration across the independent live community with panel topics that include: National Ticket Resale Price Cap Laws; Fundraising; Performing Rights Organizations Policy; and Rethinking Food & Beverage Revenue as Drinking Habits Change.
NIVA 26’ will kick off with an opening night party, A Celebration of Prince, presented by EVENTIM, taking place at First Avenue and 7th Street Entry on Sunday, June 7. The night will honor Minneapolis’ legacy as a music city, coinciding with a special Prince birthday celebration.
Eventbrite, a global events marketplace committed to supporting the independent live entertainment industry, is once again the presenting sponsor for NIVA ‘26. With expanded representation on NIVA’s Advisory Board and ongoing advocacy for fair, transparent ticketing practices, Eventbrite and NIVA are working to ensure a more sustainable, equitable, and thriving future for independent venues, promoters, and artists.
“We're proud to be back at NIVA as presenting sponsor, especially as we start a new chapter for Eventbrite. We're excited to spend time together, listen, and build real relationships that last beyond the conference. Supporting the independent live scene is core to what we're focused on right now. We're putting serious effort into making sure Eventbrite truly meets the needs of this community—and we're committed to getting it right. Come find us—we'd love to talk,” said Andrea Parodi, General Manager of Eventbrite.
NIVA ‘26 Featured Daytime Programming:
Keynote: A Discussion with Carly James
Carly James, Music Touring Agent, Creative Artist Agency (CAA)
Taylor Mims, Senior Editor, Billboard
State of Play: Fundraising in 2026 & 2027
Andre Perry, Executive Director, Hancher Auditorium
Paige Samek, Development Director, The Englert
Rachel Kesley, Director of Strategic Partnerships, National Independent Venue Association
Torrie Allen, President & CEO, Arts Midwest
Latin Music Isn’t One Sound — It’s a Universe
Jorge Hernandez Jr., Chief Experience Liaison, Los Tigres Del Norte
David Zamora, CEO, Zamora Live
Peggy Dold, CEO, Navigation Partners LLC
Nonprofit & PAC Networking, presented by the National Independent Venue Foundation
Andre Perry, Executive Director, Hancher Auditorium
Laura Wilson, Head of Live Music, Bohemian Foundation
Badass Bookers
Jake Samuels, Director of Music, 16" On Center & Talent Buyer for The Salt Shed
Jen Bell, Co-Head of Booking at I.M.P. / Talent Buyer for 930 Club and Lincoln Theatre, I.M.P.
Jordan Anderson, Talent Buyer, The Bellwether and Another Planet Entertainment
Megan Loveless, Talent Buyer, The Blue Room at Third Man Records
Let’s Get Into the Weeds with Meta
Ashley Bradbury-Kane, Sr. Client Partner, Live Events, Meta
Jamie Loeb, SVP, Marketing, Nederlander Concerts
Beyond Meta & Google: What Else Can We Use to Get Butts in Seats?
Emily Hoar, Marketing, Outset
Keona Blocker, Marketing Director, Rival Entertainment, Center Stage, The Loft, & Vinyl
Kyah Orr, Director of Marketing & Communications, Dakota
Laura Regan, Operator, Presents
Lennora Jules, Chief Marketing Officer, The Pabst Theater Group
Nick Faulkner, Music Team Connector, Natalie's Grandview
A Generational Sound: Jimmy Jam & Cornbread Harris
Andrea Swensson, Music Journalist, Slingshot Annie LLC
Cornbread Harris, Musician
Jimmy Jam, Songwriter and Producer
PAC & Nonprofit Marketing: Selling the Show, Serving the Mission
Ashley Ryan, Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
Cat Dooley, Senior Marketing Manager, The Englert Theatre
Colleen Debler, Director of Marketing, Bank of America Performing Arts Center
Finally: Real Google Answers for Independent Stages
Ashley Baronfeld, Founder, AshBar Advisors
Katrina Turnbow, Founder and CEO, Kanopi Social
Last Call? Rethinking F&B Revenue as Drinking Habits Change
Intro by Adam Bunge, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ideal3
Chris Mozena, Executive Director, The Hook & Ladder
Megan Poepping-Widor, Hemp-Derived Sales and Brand Manager, Bernicks
Sam Calagione, Brewer + Founder, Dogfish Head
Tyler Klimas, Principal, Leaf Street Strategies
Fan Fair Pricing: Inside the State Fight for Ticket Resale Protections
Jason Webb, Co-Founder, Tixel
Kendall Gilvar, Strategic Communications and Project Manager, National Independent Venue Association
Susan McClure, Executive Director, Vermont Arts Council
Alex Torres, Vice-President and Co-Founder, Golden Bear Strategies
Alternative Programming: Turning Dark Nights into Bright Opportunities
John Torres, General Manager, Park City Music Hall
Matt Beringer, COO/Talent Buyer, Pabst Theater Group
TJ Olsen, Managing Partner and Talent Buyer, Bar Freda
Velena Vego, Talent Buyer, 40 Watt Club
PROs, Policy, and the Live Music Economy
Ella Yates, Director of Member Services and Coalitions, House Judiciary Committee
Nathaniel Marro, Executive Director, National Independent Talent Organization
Michael Dorf, Founder, City Winery
Tobi Parks, Owner, xBk; D-Tour; Tour Tech
What Does Grassroots Marketing Look Like in 2026?
Intro by Abbie Riley, Live Music, Spotify
Camilla Grayson, Marketing Director, The Masquerade
Liz Pjesky, Head of Marketing/Ticketing, High Road Touring
Meredith Hurley, Marketing & Partnerships Manager, Emo Nite
Protecting & Advocating for Indies at the Local Level
Jaclyn Zapata, Program Specialist, Texas Music Office
Kim Warnick, Culture Lab Director, Western States Center
Scott Mohler, Executive Director, Maine Music Alliance
Virginie Nadimi, Strategic Advisor, Seattle Department of Transportation
Fireside Chat with Volume
Howie Schnee, Director of Artist and Venue Partnerships, Volume.com
Jon Romero, Chief Growth Officer, Volume.com
The Minneapolis Sound: Artists Shaping It
Andrea Swensson, Music Journalist, Slingshot Annie LLC
Dessa Wander, Musician, Doomtree Records
Lori Barbero, Musician/Drummer, Babes in toyland
Tommy Stinson, Musician
Why We Chose It: NIVA Members on Their Ticketing Platforms
Aly Gomaa, Levitation & Austin Psych Fest
Barrie Buck, Owner, 40 Watt Club
Rebecca Throne, Ticketing Consultant, Art of TicketinMichael Strauss, Director of Ticketing, Rising Sun Presents
Nate Kranz, General Manager and Booking Agent, First Avenue
Ryan Wisgerhof, Talent Buyer, Union Stage
Sean Lynch, President / Booker, 1111 Entertainment / Pub Station
Precision Over Volume: The New Rules of Email Engagement
Brittany Einberger, Marketing Director, The Pabst Theater Group
Kaitlyn Moore, General Manager, mtheory
KC Turner, Concert Promoter, KC Turner Presents
Yes, Touring is More Expensive, But is it Possible to Tour More Efficiently?
Intro by Hope Parkin, Owner/Founder, Settle It Best Consulting, LLC
CJ Strock, Agent, Red Light Management
Ethan Berlin, Agent & Partner, Roam Artists
Shelley Grayson, Associate Business Manager, FBMM
Matt "Smitty" Smith, Talent Buyer, The UC Theatre
The Live List: Artist Development in the Indie Ecosystem
Jake Diamond, Marketing Director, Union Stage Presents
Kathryn Callahan, Manager, LoyalT
Tara Fortunato, Music Program Director, Tito's Handmade Vodka
Merch. Why Do We Treat It Like the Redheaded Stepchild?
Chris Moon, Artist Relations Director, Ambient Inks
Jay Steele, Artist Manager, TT Management
Happy Hours:
Monday, June 8— NIVA ‘26 Kickoff Happy Hour presented by Etix at the Dakota
Tuesday, June 9 — A Toast to Artist Teams and Bookers Happy Hour presented by Boston BeerCompany at The Hennepin Events Center
Wednesday, June 10 — Closing Happy Hour presented by AdReach at Green Room
Networking Events:
Facilitated Industry Vertical Networking Lunches
Monday
Festivals
Small Venues
Tuesday
Booking
Ticketing
Non-Profit Presenters & Performing Arts Centers
Wednesday
Marketing
Operations
Marketing Office Hours with Meta and Google
Agent & Booker Hub
NIVA and NITO’s Booker Row - hosted meeting spaces for venues, promoters, and festivals to connect with agents
Agent-Booker Networking Lunch
A Salute to Booking Mixer
Daily Activations:
The AXS Working Lounge, a quiet space for attendees to work, meet, and recharge
The NIVA Exhibit Hall, sponsors and industry partners connect directly with attendees
The Alley Bar, outdoor networking space with complimentary beverages throughout the conference
Recovery Unplugged provides wellness resources during the conference in support of individuals in recovery
Additional Events:
Opening Night Party: A Celebration of Prince — presented by EVENTIM, in partnership with Ideal3 at First Avenue
Featuring Minneapolis Artist Showcase presented by Electro Voice at 7th Street Entry
First Timers Event — presented by the NIVA IDEA Committee learn how the conference works, connect with fellow first-timers, and hear helpful tips
Salute to Independent Venues in Minneapolis & St. Paul - explore legendary NIVA member venues across Minneapolis and St. Paul on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, featuring live music, comedy, and dance parties
End Overdose Training Session- get naloxone training with End Overdose, which provides NIVA members with free naloxone and fentanyl test strips.
Sponsors + Partners
NIVA ’26 is presented by Eventbrite with support from sponsors, including EVENTIM, Spotify, Boston Beer Company, Sounds Better with Tito’s, Live Music Society, Etix, Prekindle, Tixel, Venue Pilot, Volume, Ideal 3, Electro Voice, Adreach, Cast & Crew, Hub International, Opendate, Prism, Stage Water, Tixr, Ticket Goat, American Specialty Insurance, Brown & Brown, InstantEncore, Hive, Ludus Technologies, Master Tour by Eventric, Aurora Payments, Silver Lake Digital, Squad up, Bands In Town, UNA, Settle It Best, Cymbal, Protect Group, Saffire LLC, ANKYR, HGA, gobo, Levitt Family Foundation, Headliner Wines, Alive Risk, Schuler&Shook, YETI, National Independent Venue Foundation, Humantix and Set.
Special thanks to our NIVA '26 Partners, including Backstage Social, Bluegrass Pride, CoMuse, Fan Alliance, Maia Olmstead, MusiCares, City of Minneapolis Arts & Cultural Affairs Department, Pollstar, Static Eye Design Co, Sweet Relief, A Sound Future Foundation, Treefort Music Festival and Western States Center.
Registration Information
Register for NIVA ‘26 here.
Non-member conference passes are available.
Apply for media credentials here.
Visit https://www.nivassoc.org/conference to find information about registration media and host hotels.
ABOUT NIVA
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is the national trade association representing thousands of independent live entertainment venues, festivals, promoters, and more. NIVA works to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of live entertainment. NIVA empowers members and their teams with member benefits, advocacy on the state, local, and federal levels, an annual industry-leading conference, and more.
NIVA led the Save Our Stages campaign, culminating in landmark legislation in 2020 that established the $16.25 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, the largest arts investment in U.S. history.
NIVA is committed to equity in its support of independent stages. It seeks to create and encourage opportunities for venues, promoters, and festivals owned, operated, and staffed by people of color, women, non-binary, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities.
CONTACT
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