The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) submitted formal comments this week to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) in response to their joint request for public input on unfair practices in the live entertainment marketplace. NIVA’s submission outlines a comprehensive set of remedies to restore competition, protect consumers, and support independent venues, promoters, and festivals.

Monumental Moments from NIVA ‘25 included the Debut of the State of Live Economic Impact Study, the Announcement of Minneapolis as the Host City for NIVA ‘26, and Discussions on How to Address the Live Nation Monopoly, PROs Not Paying Songwriters and More

Communications Leader Audrey Fix Schaefer Elected Board President Pabst Theater Group's Gary Witt and SBG Productions’ Courtney McClaryYug Join NIVA Board of Directors

Study, Out Today, Reveals 64% of Independent Stages Are Struggling with Unprofitability Due to Inflation, Anti-competitive Practices, and Predatory Resale.

The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and the Fix the Tix Coalition applaud the Maine Legislature for passing S.P. 403/L.D. 913—an extraordinary piece of legislation that sets a national standard for consumer protection in the live event ticketing marketplace.

NIVA ‘25 to Highlight the Vital Role Artists Play in the Live Independent Community, Featuring A Special Conversation with Jim James at the Opening  Party Presented by Eventim on Sunday, June 22 and Jimmy Jam’s Fireside Chat on Tuesday, June 24

Presented by Eventbrite, the Independent Live Entertainment Community WIll Gather for Panels, Networking Opportunities, Live Music, and Notable Speakers from Crowbar, The Argo, YouTube Music, Black Promoters Collective, Wasserman, Riot Fest, Bandsintown, Billboard, Pollstar, Hollywood Reporter, Radio Milwaukee, High Road Touring, Songbyrd Music House, and More

The cancellation of NEA grants and proposed funding cuts in the President’s budget undermine the billions of dollars in economic activity that nonprofit live performance stages help generate in every state

The speculative ticketing ban in the TICKET Act is an important step toward restoring trust in the ticketing market.

The EO is an improvement on the pending ticket legislation, and should open the door to allow artists and independent venues & promoters to have their voices heard in Congress and reflected in ticketing legislation.

NIVA and its California chapter proudly support Assemblymember Isaac Bryan’s leadership in introducing AB 1349, critical legislation to ban the harmful practice of speculative ticketing in California.

NIVA Also Shines a Light on Rising Talent with Two SXSW Official Showcases March 12: NIVA SoCo Stomp at C-Boy’s Heart and Soul and the Official Live List Showcase at Antone’s Nightclub

NIVA ‘25 Will Honor Legendary Tour Agent Frank Riley and High Road Touring, and Feature Speakers from Meta, Snapchat, Eventbrite, YouTube Music, Wasserman, Riot Fest, Bandsintown, Billboard, and More

NIVA’s Third Annual The Live List Elevates Rising, Must-See Artists that Have Launched Their Careers through Independent Venues and Festivals Across the U.S.

A host of artists are set to play “For Los Angeles”—A Benefit for Those Impacted by Wildfires, two shows for California wildfire relief and recovery.

The State of Live Study Will Quantify Economic Contributions and Address Challenges of Independent Venues, Promoters, Performing Arts Centers, and Festivals Nationwide