JUNE 7–10, 2026 | MINNEAPOLIS, MN
What To Expect
We’re excited to welcome you to Minneapolis for NIVA ‘26! From check-in and transportation to safety and conference policies, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your time in the Twin Cities.
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All badges can be picked up in the 1st Floor Lobby of the Dudley Riggs Theatre, located at 824 Hennepin Ave (view map), at the following times:
Sunday, June 7
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Early Registration & Badge Pick UpMonday, June 8 – Wednesday, June 10
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Registration & Badge Pick Up
You must have a photo ID to pick up your badge. Please be aware that each attendee must pick up their own badge - you will not be able to collect a badge for someone else.
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Planning to explore Minneapolis outside of the conference? We’ve got local scoop!
Explore detailed guides from our partner Meet Minneapolis on activities, food and drink, transportation, and visitor safety.
✶ How to Get Around Minneapolis
Minneapolis prides itself on having a very compact downtown, so no matter where you are, you'll find options to get you there quickly and easily. An award-winning transit system with light rail and buses – taxis, Uber, Lyft – and bike rentals on the streets with dedicated bike lanes all over the city. If you find yourself in need of assistance, look for Downtown Improvement District (DID) Ambassadors, who are highly visible individuals who help visitors with directions and information, suggestions on things to do and more.
View Transportation Guide
✶ Visitor Safety
Millions of people enjoy safe and memorable visits to Minneapolis and the surrounding area each year. The local community works collaboratively – including city leadership, law enforcement, and community organizations – to ensure the safety and well-being of residents, workers, and visitors to Minneapolis. The Safety Communications Center, located within the Convention Center District, serves as a downtown safety information hub. Dispatch Ambassadors work 365 days a year, responding to pedestrian requests from Ambassadors on the street, communicating with outreach services for people in need, monitoring public area cameras and collaborating with private security.
View Safety Tips -
NIVA proudly supports individuals in recovery and we’re thrilled to be partnering with Recovery Unplugged to provide you with Sober Support at NIVA ‘26. This includes wellness resources during the conference, as well as daily recovery meetings held twice a day at Hennepin Event Center, 2nd floor, in the NIVA Community Room. Check out our NIVA ‘26 Recovery Field Guide for additional resources.
Location:
Hennepin Event Center – 2nd Floor
NIVA Community Room (follow signs)
900 Hennepin Ave (view map)
Schedule:
Twice daily, Mon 6/8 – Wed 6/10
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
5:00 PM – 6:00 PMThe 5:00 PM daily meeting is a great place to connect with other conference attendees who want to hit the town and have some sober companions. We encourage everyone, whether you are in recovery yourself or want to support a colleague who finds value in these meetings, to attend.
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NIVA values inclusion and access for all participants of the conference. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please do not hesitate to contact conference@nivassoc.org.
Planning to explore Minneapolis outside of the conference? Check out this Accessibility Guide to Minneapolis from our partner, Meet Minneapolis.
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The NIVA ‘26 app is your all-in-one guide to the conference! Browse sessions and speakers, plan your agenda, find your way around, get real-time updates, and connect with fellow attendees–all from the official conference app.
Learn more and browse FAQs here.
iPhone users can download the app from the Apple App Store
Android users can download the app from the Google Play Store
Log in with the email address and zip (postal) code from your conference registration to get started.
For the best experience, enable push notifications to get instant alerts about announcements, last-minute updates, and more.
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Have questions during the conference? Visit NIVA HQ, located on the 1st Floor of Dudley Riggs Theatre. We're your one-stop shop for wayfinding, official NIVA ’26 merch, local recommendations, information about NIVA programs and member benefits, and more. Open and staffed throughout the conference, stop by, say hello, and let our friendly (and highly caffeinated) team help you make the most of NIVA ’26.
Sunday, 6/7
2:00 PM – 5:00 PMMonday, 6/8 – Wednesday, 6/10
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Hotels & Venues Map
Click & drag to interact with map or click on top right button to expand to larger view
Click & drag to interact with map or click on top right button to expand to larger view
Hotels & Venues Map
SUN 6/7 | Opening Party
Life Time Target Center
Dudley Riggs Theater
First Avenue
7th St. Entry
MON 6/8 | Day 1
Pantages Theatre
Hennepin Events Center
Dudley Riggs Theater
Dakota
Icehouse
WED 6/10 | Day 3
Pantages Theatre
Hennepin Events Center
Dudley Riggs Theater
Green Room
Berlin
Capri Theater
Cloudland Theater
Dakota
Fine Line
Icehouse
PILLAR Forum Cafe & Bar
Turf Club
Underground Music Venue
Zhora Darling
TUE 6/9 | Day 2
Pantages Theatre
Hennepin Events Center
Dudley Riggs Theater
7th St. Entry
Berlin
The Cedar Cultural Center
Dakota
Fine Line
Green Room
Hook & Ladder Theater
Icehouse
The Parkway Theater
Zhora Darling
Hotel Partners*
AC Hotel Minneapolis Downtown
Cambria Hotel Minneapolis Downtown
Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Downtown
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Minneapolis Downtown
Hampton Inn & Suites Minneapolis/Downtown
The Lofton Hotel Minneapolis, Tapestry Collection
Residence Inn by Marriott Minneapolis Downtown
The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown
*All NIVA ‘26 group rates have expired. Get in touch with hotels directly for additional availability and rates.
Don’t forget! You’re the eyes and ears of the conference.
If you see something suspicious, say something.
The safety and well-being of our attendees, artists, members, and staff are paramount. NIVA ‘26 organizers have worked closely with Minneapolis local officials to ensure the safest possible experience. You’ll notice security staff and police presence throughout the conference. They are there to keep you safe, so don’t hesitate to ask them for help if you need immediate assistance.
Attendee Safety Guide
Entry Protocols
Don’t forget your conference badge! You’ll need it to get into all official NIVA ‘26 events. But, consider removing your badge as you leave conference events to keep your identity secure.
Each venue might have its own security checks so be ready for those too.
Personal Safety Tips
Look out for your fellow attendees, check in on anyone who seems to need help, and alert staff if extra assistance is needed.
Keep an eye on your personal items, and report lost or found items to venue staff.
Preparation Tips
Minneapolis in June is hot! Remember to stay hydrated and keep cool using the Hydration Stations or bars for water.
Carry a list of allergies and medications in case of emergencies
Anti-Harassment Policy
We want every fan to feel safe at the conference. We will not tolerate any harassment based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, body size, appearance, age or national origin. If you feel like you’re being harassed, are the victim of nonconsensual touching, or otherwise feel unsafe, please report it to the nearest staff member.
Evening Safety Tips
Travel in groups, especially at night, and use reliable transportation such as taxis or rideshares. Be sure to verify the vehicle’s license plate and driver before entering.
Never leave drinks unattended and don't accept drinks from strangers.
Bring earplugs or hearing protection! We get loud at our evening shows.
For more helpful information, review these safety tips from MPD.
For specific inquiries, email conference@nivassoc.org.
In case of emergency, dial 911.
Stay safe and enjoy NIVA '26!
