NIVA State of Live study released as convention begins
The NIVA State of Live study was released Monday as the independent venue and promoter trade group’s annual convention began in Milwaukee.
NIVA Conference 2025: A well-deserved spotlight for Milwaukee
Since the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) began writing its story, Milwaukee has played an important role. With a legacy of vibrant, grassroots venues and a tight-knit creative community, the city's independent stage network not only shapes local identity, but also serves as a blueprint for national advocacy.
NIVA 2025 Conference will shine 'a giant spotlight' on Milwaukee's music scene
Milwaukee is about to be the center of the live music industry — and not just because of Summerfest.
NIVA ’25 Conference Preview: Ticketing, Declining Alcohol Sales & More Topics to Get the Spotlight
NIVA executive director Stephen Parker discusses how the association is planning to address several hot-button issues at this year's conference in Milwaukee.
Summer Concerts Return to Wildwood Amphitheater in Orion Township
“Wildwood has quickly become a regional destination for live entertainment,” said Township Supervisor Chris Barnett. “With our new status as a Certified Independent Venue by the National Independent Venue Association, we’re proud to be officially recognized on a national stage.”
Jim James and Jimmy Jam to Speak at NIVA ‘25
Jim James will kick of NIVA ‘25 with a keynote address on Sunday, June 22. In addition, legendary producer Jimmy Jam will address the conference of the nation’s independent live concert, comedy, promoter, venue, and festival industry on June 24 in a fireside chat.
How Much Does It Cost to See Beyoncé? It Depends.
Ticketing, said Stephen Parker of the National Independent Venue Association, has become “a war between multibillion-dollar platforms” who “point fingers at each other about what’s going wrong while fans lose.”
Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People of 2025
NIVA’s Executive Director Stephen Parker is recognized in Washingtonian Magazine’s list of the experts and advocates, outside the government, who are playing big roles in Washington’s policy debates.
Live Nation Dominates Live Music. Here Are the Ways It Cashes In on Concerts. (Video)
The company, which owns Ticketmaster, can also be a live show’s promoter, artist manager or venue operator. Featuring Stephen Parker, NIVA Executive Director, this Wall Street Journal video examines how one company came to dominate the live music industry.
Club Outlook Still Grim Despite Overcoming Hurricane (Tampa Market Focus)
“When it’s gone, it’s gone and there is no way to get it back,” said DeGeorge, southeast president at NIVA, covering Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas as well as chair of NIVA’s industry affairs committee. “It impacts your business whether your business has been damaged or not.”
The Best of SXSW Day Three: Big Freedia, Lily Seabird, Sunflower Bean, and More
Ten in the morning on the third day of music at SXSW is awfully early for most attendees, so the fact that the panel for “Small Stages, Big Impact: Saving Indie Stages for Artists” drew a healthy audience to the Austin Convention Center speaks well to the work that the National Independent Venue Association performs.
NIVA exec calls for truly ‘enforceable’ US ticketing bill
National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) executive director Stephen Parker has told TheTicketingBusiness that there needs to be a ticketing bill in the US with “teeth” to really protect consumers and live music fans.
Guest Post: Why Every Stage Matters (Take NIVA’s State of Live Survey Now!)
By Stephen Parker, Executive Director, National Independent Venue Association
Data drives decisions. If we want independent live music to have a seat at the table when policies, funding, and industry trends are set, we need the numbers to back up what we already know: that these stages, these shows, these venues matter.
Fix the Tix Coalition Calls for TICKET Act Changes to Protect Consumers: ‘It Contains Gaps’
A letter authored by Fix the Tix chairman Stephen Parker implores Congress to strengthen the bill aimed at increasing price transparency, banning speculative ticket sales and more.
NIVA ’25 Registration Now Open For Milwaukee Indie Conclave
Get ready to belly up to the bar in Polka City. Registration for the National Independent Venue Association’s NIVA’25 in Milwaukee is now open.
NIVA Live List Finalists From 2024: Where Are They Now?
The 2024 NIVA Live List featured many up-and-coming artists. As we gear up for the 2025 Live List that will be dropping next week, let’s take a look at where 10 of our favorites are now and what kind of year they just had.
Music Industry Moves: NIVA Launches Economic Research Survey of Independent Live Entertainment
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) has launched The State of Live, a national economic research study of the independent live entertainment sector.
NIVA Launches ‘State of Live’ Survey to Assess Economic Impact of Independent Live Music Sector
The organization is seeking to collect cross-country data to help quantify the economic contributions and operational challenges of indie venues, promoters and more.
NIVA Launches ‘State Of Live’ Survey (Exclusive)
NIVA is undertaking the first national economic research study of the independent live entertainment sector and is asking for participation in its “State of Live” survey.