JUNE 7–10, 2026 | MINNEAPOLIS, MN
NIVA ‘26 Conference
JUNE 7–10, 2026 | MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Join us for our fifth annual conference as we turn up the volume—landing in a city known for its grit, guitars, and iconic independent venues. Join us June 7–10, 2026, in Minneapolis for bold conversations, compelling programming, and performances you won’t forget. Presented by Eventbrite, NIVA ’26 will spotlight the twin cities’ rich music history and independent venue ecosystem with panel discussions led by industry experts, keynote conversations, networking opportunities, and special events.
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Explore NIVA ‘26
Register for NIVA ‘26
Members get our best price! Join today
NIVA Members
$599
Bring your team! Save 20% with badge bundles
Affiliates unlock special pricing! Join today
Affiliate Members
$699
Bring your team! Save 20% with badge bundles
Artist / Agent / Manager
Artist / Agent / Manager
$699
STudents
$299
Non-Members
$1099
Bring Your Team & Get Our Lowest Rate!
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Save 20% with Badge Bundles
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Bring Your Team & Get Our Lowest Rate! ✶ Save 20% with Badge Bundles ✶
Hotel Deals: Group rates starting as low as $184 per night are available for attendees—book early to take advantage. Booking links are provided in your registration confirmation email.
Questions or issues? Email us at conference@nivassoc.org.
NIVF Travel Grant
Everyone is welcome! The National Independent Venue Foundation is now accepting applications for NIVA ‘26 travel grants. These reimbursement-based grants, generously provided by Dave Mattingly of Eddie’s Attic, prioritize first-time attendees and are awarded based on demonstrated need. Applications will be accepted through May 18, with awards made on a rolling basis and subject to limited availability.
Grants will provide up to $500 in flight reimbursement for a round-trip economy airline ticket or for estimated fuel costs to drive to Minneapolis. Applications are open to independent venues and promoters, members and non-members of NIVA, who are registered for NIVA ‘26. Applicant's business must be independently owned.
Featured Panels
*Schedule and speakers subject to change.
A Discussion with Carly James
A Generational Sound: Jimmy Jam & Cornbread Harris
Badass Bookers
Latin Music Isn't One Sound – It's A Universe
State of Play: Fundraising in 2026/2027
PROs, Policy, and the Live Music Economy
Beyond Meta & Google: What Else Can We Use To Get Butts In Seats?
Last Call? Rethinking F&B Revenue as Drinking Habits Change
PAC & Nonprofit Marketing: Selling The Show, Serving The Mission
Finally: Real Google Answers For Independent Venues
Let's Get Into The Weeds With Meta
Featured Speakers
Loading NIVA '26 speakers
Schedule
Join the nation’s independent live entertainment community for an immersive experience featuring dynamic programming, educational panels, networking opportunities, and live performances.
= Food Provided
*Schedule subject to change—stay tuned for updates and additional details.
= Complimentary Drinks
Sunday, June 7
OPening Party
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Registration & Check-In3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
5th Annual NIVA Con Pickleball Tournament @ Life Time
– Limited spots! RSVP7:00 PM
NIVA ‘26 Opening Party: A Celebration of Prince @ First Avenue
presented by EVENTIM, in partnership with Ideal3
– Featuring Minneapolis Artist Showcase presented by Electro Voice at 7th Street Entry
Monday, June 8
Day One
Programming
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration & Check-In10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Programming12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch + Networking Sessions12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Working Lounge6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Happy Hour @ The Dakota
presented by Etix8:00 PM
NIVA ‘26 Nightcap Party @ Ice House
presented by Eventbrite
Tuesday, June 9
Day Two
Programming
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration & Check-In10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Programming +
Agent & Booker Hub12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch + Networking Sessions12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Working Lounge6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Happy Hour @ Hennepin Event Center & Rooftop
presented by Boston Beer Co.8:00 PM
Salute to Independent Venues
– A night of curated events & showcases at member venues
Wednesday, June 10
Day Three
Programming
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration & Check-In10:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Programming12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch + Networking Sessions12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Working Lounge6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Happy Hour @ Green Room8:00 PM
Salute to Independent Venues
– A night of curated events & showcases at member venues
Start Your NIVA ‘26 Experience Early & Support Minneapolis
Support MNIVA Mutual Aid Relief Fund
With the surge in ICE operations in Minnesota, community members are banding together to support each other across the Twin Cities. Contribute directly to these mutual aid efforts by donating and sharing the Minnesota Independent Venue Alliance Mutual Aid Relief Fund.
Don’t miss the Prince Celebration 💜
Honor the music, creativity, and community that Prince created that continues to inspire. The Prince Celebration on Saturday, June 6, is produced by the Prince estate and features a Prince Singalong. Check back soon for more details and updates.
See The Great Gatsby at Orpheum Theatre
Hennepin Arts is offering conference attendees priority access, group rates, and reduced fees for the Broadway hit musical The Great Gatsby at the Orpheum Theatre from June 2–7. Check your registration confirmation email for ticket links. Buy early for the best selection and prices.
All daytime programming will take place at Hennepin Event Center, Pantages Theatre (sponsored by Eventbrite), and Dudley Riggs Theatre (sponsored by VenuePilot).
Schedule
-
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Registration & Check-In3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
5th Annual NIVA Con Pickleball Tournament @ Life Time
– Limited spots! RSVP →7:00 PM
NIVA ‘26 Opening Party: A Celebration of Prince @ First Avenue
presented by EVENTIM, in partnership with Ideal3
– Featuring Minneapolis Artist Showcase presented by Electro Voice at 7th Street Entry
-
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration & Check-In10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Programming12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch + Networking Sessions12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Working Lounge6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Happy Hour @ The Dakota
presented by Etix8:00 PM
NIVA ‘26 Nightcap Party @ Ice House
presented by Eventbrite
-
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration & Check-In10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Programming + Agent & Booker Hub12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch + Networking Sessions12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Working Lounge6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
HappyHour @ Hennepin Event Center & Rooftop
presented by Boston Beer Co.8:00 PM
Salute to Independent Venues
– A night of curated events & showcases at member venues
-
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration & Check-In10:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Programming12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch + Networking Sessions12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Working Lounge6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Happy Hour @ Green Room8:00 PM
Salute to Independent Venues
– A night of curated events & showcases at member venues
All daytime programming will take place at The Hennepin Event Center, Pantages Theatre - Stage (sponsored by Eventbrite), and Dudley Riggs Theatre (sponsored by VenuePilot). Nighttime programming will take place at various NIVA member venues throughout the city.
*Schedule subject to change—stay tuned for updates and additional details.
Start Your NIVA ‘26 Experience Early & Support Minneapolis
With the surge in ICE operations in Minnesota, community members are banding together to support each other across the Twin Cities. Contribute directly to these mutual aid efforts by donating and sharing the Minnesota Independent Venue Alliance Mutual Aid Relief Fund.
Honor the music, creativity, and community that Prince created that continues to inspire. The Prince Celebration on Saturday, June 6, is produced by the Prince estate and features a Prince Singalong. Check back soon for more details and updates.
Hennepin Arts is offering conference attendees priority access, group rates, and reduced fees for the Broadway hit musical The Great Gatsby at the Orpheum Theatre from June 2–7. Check your registration confirmation email for ticket links. Buy early for the best selection and prices.
Programming Preview
An early look at tracks, sessions, and networking topics planned for this year’s conference programming. Additional panels, sessions, and networking opportunities will be added as details are finalized.
Programming Tracks
Topic-based pathways to tailor your conference experience
Advocacy & Policy
Booking & Talent Buying
Comedy & Alternative Programming
Marketing & Ticketing
Nonprofit, Theaters & University Presenters
Operations, Finance & Accessibility
Networking Sessions
Dedicated, structured opportunities to connect with peers
Bookers & Talent Buyers
Festivals
Marketing
Nonprofit Presenters & Performing Arts Centers
Operations
Small Venues (Under 500 Capacity)
Ticketing
Daily Activations
Spaces & Moments to Recharge & Connect Beyond Sessions
Working Lounge, presented by AXS: Quiet space for attendees to work, meet, and recharge
Exhibit Space: Dedicated space for sponsors and industry partners to connect directly with attendees
Alley Bar: Outdoor networking space with complimentary beverages
Recovery Unplugged: Wellness resources during the conference in support of individuals in recovery
Agent & Booker Hub
Dedicated space to strengthen relationships that power Touring
Booking Row:Meet directly with agents to discuss artists and routing
Networking Rooftop: Networking mixer with complimentary drinks
Agent–Booker Networking Lunch: Structured time to connect
Agent–Booker Collaboration In 2026: Industry conversation on the touring landscape
Salute to Booking Mixer: Celebrating the partnerships that bring live music to communities
Programming Preview
An early look at tracks, sessions, and networking topics planned for this year’s conference programming. Additional details will be added as they are finalized.
-
Topic-based pathways to tailor your conference experience
Marketing and Ticketing
Booking and Talent Buying
Operations, Finance, and Accessibility
Advocacy & Policy
Nonprofit, Theaters, and University Presenters
Comedy & Alternative Programming
-
Dedicated, structured opportunities to connect with peers
Bookers & Talent Buyers
Festivals
Marketing
Nonprofit Presenters & Performing Arts Centers
Operations
Small Venues (Under 500 Capacity)
Ticketing
-
Dedicated space to strengthen relationships that power touring
Booking Row: Meet directly with agents to discuss artists and routing
Networking Rooftop: Networking mixer with complimentary drinks
Agent–Booker Networking Lunch: Structured time to connect
Agent–Booker Collaboration In 2026: Industry conversation on the touring landscape
Salute to Booking Mixer: Celebrating the partnerships that bring live music to communities
-
Working Lounge, presented by AXS: Quiet space for attendees to work, meet, and recharge
Exhibit Space: Dedicated space for sponsors and industry partners to connect directly with attendees
Alley Bar: Outdoor networking space with complimentary beverages
Recovery Unplugged: Wellness resources during the conference in support of individuals in recovery
Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to partnerships@nivassoc.org.
Sponsors & Partners
NIVA ‘26 Sponsors
NIVA ‘26 Partners
Press Releases & Media
Look Back on NIVA ‘25
Thanks to everyone who joined us in Milwaukee! Check out the highlights and we’ll see you in Minneapolis for NIVA ‘26!
Come Join Us!
Become a NIVA member or affiliate member and join us in our mission to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent venues and promoters throughout the United States. NIVA membership is open to indepedent venues, promoters and festivals, while affiliate membership is available to all entities or individuals working within the live events and surrounding industries.