Indie music venue operators meet in Milwaukee. Read their takes on scalping, Live Nation
The 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: It’s A Wrap w/Frank Riley, Bandsintown, YouTube & More
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.
NIVA Exec. Dir. Stephen Parker On 2025 Conference, State Of Live Report: ‘We Finally Have The Data To Match The Heart’
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.
NIVA 2026 Conference To Take Place In Minneapolis
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.”
NIVA reports 2/3 of U.S. indie venues lost money in 2024 despite generating $86.2 billion in GDP
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.
Most independent music venues do not turn a profit finds new study
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.
NIVA report: 64% of US indie venues unprofitable
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: Indie Live Music Community Looks Forward
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.
Indie Entertainment Sector Contributed More To The GDP In 2024 Than Beer, Gaming, Airline Industries
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.
Over Half of Independent Concert Stages Weren’t Profitable in 2024
The National Independent Venue Association share the results of its first-ever national economic impact study at its conference in Milwaukee on Monday.
NIVA names new President and Board
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) named a new President, officers and board members at his annual convention in Milwaukee this week.
NIVA’s ‘State of Live’ report shows independent venues are essential, but under threat
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 Majority of Independent Music Venues Were Not Profitable in 2024, According to New Report
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 Named NIVA Board President
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.
NIVA’s State of Live Survey Finds Independent Venues Generated $153.1B In Total Economic Output Across U.S. In 2024, 64% Stages Struggling With Unprofitability
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 National Independent Venue Association Conference Is in Milwaukee
The conference runs through Wednesday at various independently operated venues throughout Milwaukee.
Independent stages generate $153.1 billion in economic investment across U.S. based on new National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) research study
Study, Out Today, Reveals 64% of Independent Stages Are Struggling with Unprofitability Due to Inflation, Anti-competitive Practices, and Predatory Resale.
Report lays bare struggles of US independent live music business
The US-based National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) has published its first national economic impact study, ‘The State of Live’. It makes the case for the importance of grassroots venues to their local communities and economies, but also highlights the financial struggles facing nearly two thirds of them.
Independent Stages Generate $153.1 Billion in Economic Activity, NIVA Study Finds
“Independent venues are more than stages for entertainment; they are economic engines and cultural lifelines,” said Stephen Parker, NIVA Executive Director.
NIVA Says Independent Stages Generated $153.1 Billion In Economic Investment In the US In 2024
Independent stages generated $153.1 billion in economic investment across the U.S. in 2024, based on the NIVA State of Live survey.