Member Services

NIVA members represent the small businesses, non-profits, and publicly-owned spaces that make up most of the Live entertainment ecosystem.

NIVA offers a range of valuable member services designed to support and uplift its community of nearly 1,500 members. These services include a platform for networking and knowledge exchange within the live entertainment industry, monthly town hall meetings, exclusive partner discounts, and advocacy on the federal, state and local levels. NIVA has also introduced a group discount program to improve its members’ operational efficiency and cost management.

Member Services At A Glance

Our exclusive services foster growth and success for deserving NIVA members and the live entertainment industry at large.

Federal Advocacy & Policy

NIVA engages with Congress, the White House, and federal agencies on behalf of the independent live entertainment industry to uplift and protect the interests of our members. NIVA also champions its membership as the founding member of the Fix the Tix Coalition.

State & Local Advocacy & Policy

NIVA empowers its chapters and members to engage with state and local officials and stakeholders throughout the country to uplift and advocate for independent live entertainment. NIVA’s state and local work provides resources and model advocacy strategies for live entertainment-friendly communities across the United States.

State Policy Tracking

NIVA empowers its members to advocate on the local and state level for the policies that matter most to them. NIVA’s State Policy Tracking Program allows any member to search, track, and receive timely notifications about state legislation and regulations.

NIVA Conference

As the leading conference for independent music and comedy venues, festivals, and the promoter industry, NIVA’s annual conference brings the live entertainment community together to support, educate, and connect industry leaders across the United States. Each year, NIVA members engage in invaluable networking, attend industry-focused programming, and tune in to unforgettable live music.

Free Membership To NIVA Chapters

NIVA empowers its chapters and members to engage with state and local officials and stakeholders throughout the country to uplift and advocate for independent live entertainment. NIVA’s state and local work provides resources and model advocacy strategies for live entertainment-friendly communities across the United States.

Building Community

NIVA provides a space for its members to connect, collaborate, and seek information through webinars, town halls, and more. The NIVA community is more than just a network of contacts. It’s a source of support, camaraderie, and the collective strength needed to overcome industry challenges and drive positive change.

NIVA SAVINGS: Group Discount Program

NIVA Savings is a group discount program that uses the collective buying power of our industry to save our members money on the items they buy every day. Based on a NIVA pilot program’s results across large and small venues, this program will generate significant cost savings.

Economic Impact Calculator

NIVA’s economic impact calculator allows members to calculate the overall economic impact and the number of jobs supported by their venues in their specific region. Understanding the economic impact of their venue empowers members to advocate for the ongoing development and growth of the live entertainment sector throughout the country.

NIVA Care

NIVA Care is a one-of-a-kind health insurance program that allows members to provide healthcare for full, part-time, and 1099 contractors. NIVA Care was designed to fit all NIVA members, whether they already offer benefits, would like to offer benefits, or are a sole proprietor.

Emergency Relief Fund

The NIVF Emergency Relief Fund (ERF), administered by the National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF), a 501(c)(3) organization, provides economic relief to independent, live performance venues and promoters, both for-profit and nonprofit, experiencing a critically severe emergency due to circumstances beyond their control. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed throughout the year.

Workforce Development Program

The Workforce Development Program, managed by the National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF), is designed to advance and strengthen the training of current and future workers in independent live performance spaces. The program aims to foster community-building strategies that aid in developing local talent and removing barriers for entry, in particular for currently underrepresented communities, towards viable career paths within the industry. Currently, the program consists of Virtual Training Sessions and the 4-month Venue Operations Experience (VOX).

Job Board

The Independent Venue Job Board, managed by the National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF), provides exclusive jobs and hiring opportunities for independent venues, promoters, festivals, and more. NIVA members can hire from a broad pool of talent and job seekers can find specific and relevant experience in the independent live events sector. Salary transparency is required.

The Live List

The Live List is an artist development initiative entirely curated by popular vote of the NIVA community. The list was compiled from the suggestions of 1,000+ NIVA members who each contributed to the names of as many as ten favorite up-and-coming live touring artists. This is not a “best of” list but a “most liked” list from the folks who live for live.