Media
NIVA In The NEws
News (2025)
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) submitted formal comments this week to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) in response to their joint request for public input on unfair practices in the live entertainment marketplace. NIVA’s submission outlines a comprehensive set of remedies to restore competition, protect consumers, and support independent venues, promoters, and festivals.
Monumental Moments from NIVA ‘25 included the Debut of the State of Live Economic Impact Study, the Announcement of Minneapolis as the Host City for NIVA ‘26, and Discussions on How to Address the Live Nation Monopoly, PROs Not Paying Songwriters and More
Communications Leader Audrey Fix Schaefer Elected Board President Pabst Theater Group's Gary Witt and SBG Productions’ Courtney McClaryYug Join NIVA Board of Directors
Study, Out Today, Reveals 64% of Independent Stages Are Struggling with Unprofitability Due to Inflation, Anti-competitive Practices, and Predatory Resale.
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and the Fix the Tix Coalition applaud the Maine Legislature for passing S.P. 403/L.D. 913—an extraordinary piece of legislation that sets a national standard for consumer protection in the live event ticketing marketplace.
NIVA ‘25 to Highlight the Vital Role Artists Play in the Live Independent Community, Featuring A Special Conversation with Jim James at the Opening Party Presented by Eventim on Sunday, June 22 and Jimmy Jam’s Fireside Chat on Tuesday, June 24
Presented by Eventbrite, the Independent Live Entertainment Community WIll Gather for Panels, Networking Opportunities, Live Music, and Notable Speakers from Crowbar, The Argo, YouTube Music, Black Promoters Collective, Wasserman, Riot Fest, Bandsintown, Billboard, Pollstar, Hollywood Reporter, Radio Milwaukee, High Road Touring, Songbyrd Music House, and More
The cancellation of NEA grants and proposed funding cuts in the President’s budget undermine the billions of dollars in economic activity that nonprofit live performance stages help generate in every state
The speculative ticketing ban in the TICKET Act is an important step toward restoring trust in the ticketing market.
The EO is an improvement on the pending ticket legislation, and should open the door to allow artists and independent venues & promoters to have their voices heard in Congress and reflected in ticketing legislation.
NIVA and its California chapter proudly support Assemblymember Isaac Bryan’s leadership in introducing AB 1349, critical legislation to ban the harmful practice of speculative ticketing in California.
NIVA Also Shines a Light on Rising Talent with Two SXSW Official Showcases March 12: NIVA SoCo Stomp at C-Boy’s Heart and Soul and the Official Live List Showcase at Antone’s Nightclub
NIVA ‘25 Will Honor Legendary Tour Agent Frank Riley and High Road Touring, and Feature Speakers from Meta, Snapchat, Eventbrite, YouTube Music, Wasserman, Riot Fest, Bandsintown, Billboard, and More
NIVA’s Third Annual The Live List Elevates Rising, Must-See Artists that Have Launched Their Careers through Independent Venues and Festivals Across the U.S.
A host of artists are set to play “For Los Angeles”—A Benefit for Those Impacted by Wildfires, two shows for California wildfire relief and recovery.
The State of Live Study Will Quantify Economic Contributions and Address Challenges of Independent Venues, Promoters, Performing Arts Centers, and Festivals Nationwide
Media Contact: niva@luckybreakpr.comThe National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) recently hosted its fourth annual conference in Milwaukee, hosting more than 1,400 attendees from the live music industry. It featured performances, speakers and networking − as well as panel discussions about such issues as ticket scalping and Ticketmaster's sale practices.
NIVA Day 3: The third and last day of the NIVA ’25 independent live music conference included actionable insights, a major award and the announcement of NIVA 2026.
The hardships the majority of independent venues are facing is very real, as detailed in NIVA’s inaugural State of Live report, but as this week’s conference demonstrated, so is the community, optimism and collaborative spirit.
Decked out in a white suit with purple gloves, Minneapolis’ very own Prince Drag King took the stage at Miller High Life Theatre in Milwaukee on the final day of NIVA’s 2025 conference on Wednesday to share a few hints about next year’s host city: “Next year we’re going to party like it’s 1999. You might want to put a little gas in your red corvette and you might want to drive up the Mississippi and put on your raspberry beret.”
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) has dropped its first national economic impact report — and it's not looking great for America's indie stages.
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) has published a new report called The State of Live which found that 64% of independent music venues in the United States were not profitable in 2024.
The State of Live study found that independent live venues, festivals and promoters contributed $86.2 billion to the US GDP in 2024.
NIVA ’25 Day 2 was filled with actionable insights, community building and meaningful discussions about the future of independent live music. The annual convention of the National Independent Venue Association continues in Milwaukee through Wednesday.
Independent live venues, festivals and promoters contributed $86.2 billion directly to the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024, more than the U.S. beer, gaming and airline industries. Coupled with fan spending on local businesses including dining, lodging, shopping and transportation, the indie live sector generated $153.1 billion in total economic output.
The National Independent Venue Association share the results of its first-ever national economic impact study at its conference in Milwaukee on Monday.
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) named a new President, officers and board members at his annual convention in Milwaukee this week.
Independent music venues fuel a $153 billion economy, but many are barely staying afloat. NIVA’s new report breaks down what’s at stake for the future of live music.
The National Independent Venue Association's first-ever State of Live Study showed that 64% of independent venues were not profitable last year.
Audrey Fix Schaefer, the Communications Director for I.M.P. and its iconic venues in Washington, D.C., has been named as NIVA’s Board President. She previously served as NIVA’s Vice President and Communications Director.
The National Independent Venue Association launched the 2025 NIVA conference by unveiling the results of its first-ever comprehensive national economic impact study, The State of Live.
The conference runs through Wednesday at various independently operated venues throughout Milwaukee.