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.
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.”