Just Announced
*Schedule and speakers subject to change.
NIVA 2025 Opening Party presented by Eventim/See Tickets Featuring A Conversation with Jim James of My Morning Jacket
Fireside Chat with Jimmy Jam
Brew City Bash with NIVA's 2025 Live List Artist Elizabeth Moen & Milwaukee's Own Ladybird
NIVA ‘25 Conference
JUNE 23–25, 2025 | MILWAUKEE, WI
The premier gathering of the nation’s independent live concert, comedy, promoter, venue, and festival industry, NIVA ‘25 will once again unite the independent live entertainment community with an immersive experience, featuring dynamic programming, educational panels, networking opportunities, live performances, and notable speakers from Meta, YouTube Music, Eventbrite, Wasserman, Riot Fest, BandsinTown, Billboard, Summerfest, and more.
WITH OPENING PARTY ON JUNE 22ND
Interested in covering NIVA ‘25? Request Media Credentials
Explore NIVA ‘25
Register for NIVA ‘25
Members get our best price!
NIVA Members
$549
Not yet a member? Join today.
Affiliate Members
$649
Non-Members
$1149
Team Up and Save 20%! Register 5 or more and enjoy a group discount—NIVA '25 is better together!
Affiliate members or non-members looking for bundle rates should email conference@nivassoc.org.
Featured Panels
*Schedule and speakers subject to change.
Breaking Barriers & Building Legacies: A Conversation with Michelle Jubelirer
Comedy's New Blueprint: Bringing Standup to Uncharted Spaces
Festivals & Independent Venues: Balancing Competition & Collaboration
Small Budget, Big Impact: Marketing Strategies for Indies
All Things Bandsintown
All Things Meta
Schedule
Join the nation’s independent live entertainment community for an immersive experience featuring dynamic programming, educational panels, networking opportunities, and live performances. Hear from speakers representing top organizations like Meta, YouTube Music, Eventbrite, Wasserman, Riot Fest, BandsinTown, Billboard, Summerfest, and more.
= Food Provided
= Complimentary Drinks
Schedule subject to change—stay tuned for updates and additional details.
Sunday, June 22
Welcome Party
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Registration & Check-In7:00 PM
NIVA ‘25 Opening Party
presented by Eventim/SeeTickets
Pabst Theater
Monday, June 23
Day One
Programming
Miller High Life Theatre
Turner Hall Ballroom
The Rave / Eagles Ballroom
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration & Check-In10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Operations Networking Session12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Programming11:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Working Lounge
presented by AXS1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Lunch6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Happy Hour
presented by Etix8:00 PM
NIVA Brew City Bash
Tuesday, June 24
Day Two
Programming
Miller High Life Theatre
Turner Hall Ballroom
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration & Check-In10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Booking Networking Session
presented by VenuePilot12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Programming11:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Working Lounge
presented by AXS1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Lunch6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Happy Hour
presented by Prekindle8:00 PM
Salute to NIVA Venues
- Showcases at NIVA Venues
Wednesday, June 25
Day Three
Programming
Miller High Life Theatre
Turner Hall Ballroom
Marcus Performing Arts Center
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration & Check-In10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Ticketing Networking Session
presented by CashorTrade12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Programming11:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Working Lounge
presented by AXS1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Lunch6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Happy Hour
presented by Eventbrite8:00 PM
Salute to NIVA Venues
- Showcases at NIVA Venues
✶ All NIVA ‘25 attendees will also receive complimentary admission to Summerfest!
Keynote Speakers
Meet our Milwaukee Member Venues
Get ready to experience the best of Milwaukee’s independent live events scene! As we gear up for NIVA ‘25, we’re spotlighting our incredible local member venues, promoters, and festivals. Whether you’re catching a show before, during, or after the conference, our members have you covered.
NIVA has also partnered with Milwaukee artist Brandon Singer to create exclusive conference artwork featuring our Milwaukee members. Be sure to stop by the NIVA table to snag some merch!
MKE NIVA Member Events
Choose your own Milwaukee adventure! In addition to official conference programming, NIVA member venues across the city are throwing open their doors for live music, comedy, pop-ups, venue tours, pop-ups, and dance parties. It’s your chance to explore Milwaukee’s legendary independent scene, connect with fellow attendees, and keep the good vibes going well into the night.
Arriving early or staying late? Check out the events happening before and after the conference at our NIVA member venues by visiting their websites. See them all on our Milwaukee NIVA Members page.
Bay View Bash - Bloody Bingo @ X-Ray Arcade
Sunday, 6/22 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Free + $5 Bingo Cards | More Info
Falcon Flea Market @ Falcon Bowl
Sunday, 6/22 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Free | More Info
Lake EFX on the Riverfront @ The Cooperage
Sunday, 6/22 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Free | More Info
Self-Guided Tour @ Bradley Symphony Center
Tuesday, 6/24 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Free for NIVA ‘25 Badgeholders | More Info
SteMartaen Vegan Wings Pop-Up @ X-Ray Arcade
Tuesday, 6/24 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Free
NIVA MKE Indie Showcase @ Falcon Bowl
ft. Social Cig, Diet Lite, Bug Moment
Tuesday, 6/24 | 8:00 PM
$10 for NIVA ‘25 Badgeholders* | More Info
*Use discount code NIVAMKE for advanced tickets
Shawn Mullins @ Shank Hall
Tuesday, 6/24 | 8:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘25 Badgeholders | More Info
Kyle Kinane @ Vivarium
Tuesday, 6/24 | 8:00 PM
$47 | More Info
NIVA Late Night Hang @ The Pabst Theater
Presented by Prism, HIVE & NITO
Tuesday, 6/24 | 8:00 PM – Late
Free for NIVA ‘25 Badgeholders | RSVP Only
The Native Howl + Tejon Street Corner Thieves @ The Rave
Wednesday, 6/25 | 6:30 PM
$21 | More Info
Porch Light + Miloe @ Cactus Club
Wednesday, 6/25 | 7:00 PM
$15 ADV / $20 DOS | More Info
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit @ The Pabst Theater
Wednesday, 6/25 | 8:00 PM
$59.50 – $150 | More Info
Kyle Kinane @ Vivarium
Wednesday, 6/25 | 8:00 PM
$47 | More Info
NIVA MKE Folk Showcase @ Falcon Bowl
ft. The Spine Stealers, Wire and Nail, The Millbillies
Wednesday, 6/25 | 8:00 PM
$10 for NIVA ‘25 Badgeholders* | More Info
*Use discount code NIVAMKE for advanced tickets
YouTube Music Foundry & NIVA Presents CeCe @ X-Ray Arcade
Wednesday, 6/25 | 8:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘25 Badgeholders
Resist & ReJOYce Karaoke Dance Party, Presented by the NIVA IDEA Committee @ X-Ray Arcade
Wednesday, 6/25 | 9:00 PM
Free for NIVA ‘25 Badgeholders
Niva ‘25 Sponsors & Partners
Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to partnerships@nivassoc.org
Niva ‘25 Sponsors
Niva ‘25 Partners
NIVA ‘25 Press Releases & Media
NIVA Press Releases
January 28, 2025
The National Independent Venue Association Announces Registration is Now Open for NIVA ‘25, Presented by Eventbrite
Media Coverage
June 6, 2025
Jim James and Jimmy Jam to Speak at NIVA ‘25 [Billboard]
January 30, 2025
NIVA ’25 Registration Now Open For Milwaukee Indie Conclave [Pollstar]
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.