NIVA ‘26 Conference
JUNE 8–10, 2026 | MINNEAPOLIS, MN
WITH OPENING PARTY ON JUNE 7TH
After bringing together nearly 1,400 attendees in Milwaukee in 2025, we’re turning up the volume for our fifth annual conference—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. Stay tuned for more updates to come!
✦ Interested in covering NIVA ‘26? Request Media Credentials
Register for NIVA ‘26
Members get our best price! Join today
Early Bird Ends 3/17
NIVA Members
$499
$599
Bring your team! Save 20% with badge bundles
Affiliates unlock special pricing! Join today
Early Bird Ends 3/17
Affiliate Members
$599
$699
Bring your team! Save 20% with badge bundles
Artist / Agent / Manager
Artist / Agent / Manager
Early Bird Ends 3/17
$599
$699
STudents
Reduced Rate
$299
NIVA welcomes students!
Non-Members
Early Bird Ends 3/17
$1000
$1099
Early Bird Pricing Ends March 17th
✶
Don't miss your chance!
✶
Early Bird Pricing Ends March 17th ✶ Don't miss your chance! ✶
Hotel Deals: Special group rates are available for attendees—book early to take advantage. Booking links will be provided in your registration confirmation email.
Questions or issues? Email us at conference@nivassoc.org.
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-In7:00 PM
NIVA ‘26 Opening Party @ First Avenue
presented by Eventim/See Tickets
– Kick off the conference in style with a Prince-birthday party!
Monday, June 8
Day One
Programming
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration & Check-In10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Programming12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Working Lounge12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch + Networking Sessions6:00 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
Programming12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Working Lounge12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch + Networking Sessions6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Happy Hour @ Hennepin Event Center & Rooftop8:00 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
Programming12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Working Lounge12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch + Networking Sessions6:00 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.
Schedule
-
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Registration & Check-In7:00 PM
NIVA ‘26 Opening Party @ First Avenue
presented by Eventim/See Tickets
– Kick off the conference in style with a Prince-birthday party!
-
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration & Check-In10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Programming12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Working Lounge12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch + Networking Sessions6:00 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
Programming12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Working Lounge12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch + Networking Sessions6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Happy Hour @ Hennepin Event Center & Rooftop8:00 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
Programming12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Working Lounge12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch + Networking Sessions6:00 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. Nighttime programming will take place at various NIVA member venues throughout the city.
*Schedule subject to change—stay tuned for updates and additional details.
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
Featured Sessions & Panels
Ideas, strategies, and perspectives from across the conference
A Live Polling Lab – What Is Live Overpaying For?: How We Make It Stop
Accessibility is Hospitality: Best Practices for Welcoming Spaces
Alternative Programming That Fills Rooms
How to Navigate the Overwhelming PRO Maze with TourTech
Latin Music Isn’t One Sound - It’s a Universe
Marketing Strategies for Non-Profits and Performing Arts Centers
Merch: Why Do We Treat It Like the Redheaded Stepchild?
More Than Fliers: Grassroots Marketing for Today
Resuscitating In-Venue Sales: Alcohol, Beverages, Cannabis, & More
State of Play: Fundraising in 2026 and 2027
Ticketless Shows: Using Free and Cover Shows to Drive Attendance
Trying to Use AI for Good: Leveraging New Tools to Connect with Fans
What’s Hot?: A Conversation with Top Bookers on Audience Trends
When Radius Clauses Are Weaponized: Stopping Anti-Competitive Practices
Yeah, Yeah...Meta & Google...What Else Can We Use to Get Butts in Seats?
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
-
A Live Polling Lab – What Is Live Overpaying For?: How We Make It Stop
Accessibility is Hospitality: Best Practices for Welcoming Spaces
Alternative Programming That Fills Rooms
How to Navigate the Overwhelming PRO Maze with TourTech
Latin Music Isn’t One Sound - It’s a Universe
Marketing Strategies for Non-Profits and Performing Arts Centers
Merch: Why Do We Treat It Like the Redheaded Stepchild?
More Than Fliers: Grassroots Marketing for Today
Resuscitating In-Venue Sales: Alcohol, Beverages, Cannabis, & More
State of Play: Fundraising in 2026 and 2027
Ticketless Shows: Using Free and Cover Shows to Drive Attendance
Trying to Use AI for Good: Leveraging New Tools to Connect with Fans
What’s Hot?: A Conversation with Top Bookers on Audience Trends
When Radius Clauses Are Weaponized: Stopping Anti-Competitive Practices
Yeah, Yeah...Meta & Google...What Else Can We Use to Get Butts in Seats?
Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to partnerships@nivassoc.org.
Sponsors & Partners
NIVA ‘26 Sponsors
NIVA ‘26 Partners
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.