NIVA ’25 Day 2: Indie Live Music Community Looks Forward
Maia Olmstead Maia Olmstead

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.

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Indie Entertainment Sector Contributed More To The GDP In 2024 Than Beer, Gaming, Airline Industries

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.

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NIVA names new President and Board
Maia Olmstead Maia Olmstead

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.

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Audrey Fix Schaefer Named NIVA Board President
Maia Olmstead Maia Olmstead

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.

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Report lays bare struggles of US independent live music business

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.

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NIVA Conference 2025: A well-deserved spotlight for Milwaukee
Maia Olmstead Maia Olmstead

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.

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