National Independent Venue Association Unveils Initial Programming For Fourth-Annual Conference Taking Place June 23-25 In Milwaukee
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
NIVA ‘25 Reveals the Results of the First-Ever State of Live Research Survey
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MILWAUKEE, WI (May 28, 2025) – The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) brings the independent live concert, comedy, promoter, and festival industries together for its fourth annual national gathering, NIVA ‘25, in Milwaukee on June 23 - 25, with a Kick-Off Party on June 22. This year’s conference will spotlight NIVA’s Milwaukee chapter with programming taking place in the city's historic downtown venues, Miller High Life Theatre and Turner Hall Ballroom. The NIVA ‘25 signature conference celebration, Brew City Bash, will take place at The Rave / Eagle’s Ballroom. Evening shows will take place at many of Milwaukee’s independent venues, including Falcon Bowl, Shank Hall, and X-Ray Arcade.
NIVA ‘25, presented by Eventbrite, will feature a wide range of sessions covering timely topics impacting the live entertainment industry, including marketing, ticketing, booking, operations, safety, advocacy, and policy. Attendees can expect insightful discussions led by industry experts, keynote presentations, plus networking opportunities aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation within the live independent community.
Eventbrite will host a series of activations throughout the conference celebrating the vital role of live independent spaces, including Cultural Catalysts: How Independent Spaces Are Shaping the Future of Live Experiences, a discussion featuring Elsewhere Brooklyn, Orlove Entertainment, Rival Entertainment, and The Argo Milwaukee. In addition, Eventbrite will close out NIVA ‘25 with a special finale happy hour at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. Eventbrite’s support and celebration of NIVA and independent spaces comes on the heels of a reimagined app and brand refresh, making it easier to discover, book, and share live experiences around the world.
NIVA ‘25 will kick off three full days of sessions and networking with the State of Live on Monday morning, June 23, during which the results of the first-ever national economic research study of the independent live entertainment sector will be revealed, culminating with an insightful look at the impact and the future of independent stages.
Conference attendees will also be treated to great live music and entertainment, including access to Summerfest 2025, Milwaukee’s internationally-known music festival and NIVA’s newest member.
“NIVA ‘25 is more than a conference—it’s a turning point. As our ecosystem faces historic challenges and opportunities, this gathering is where the independent live community comes together to chart the future, confront monopolistic threats, and celebrate the irreplaceable role of local venues and promoters in shaping culture,” said Stephen Parker, Executive Director of NIVA. “For the first time, we’ll unveil national economic research that captures the scale, impact, and value of the independent live entertainment sector. We’re proud to bring our community, our story, and these pivotal moments to Milwaukee, a city that knows the power of live music.”
For more information and updates, go to https://www.nivassoc.org/conference.
NIVA ‘25 featured Daytime Programming:
Rollout of the State of Live: The First-Ever Economic Picture of the Independent Live Entertainment Sector
Subsidizing A Monopoly: How Cities Hurt Artists & Venues By Investing in Live Nation, moderated by Ethan Millman, Music Editor, The Hollywood Reporter
KEYNOTE: Independent Icon: Frank Riley in conversation with Michael Dorf
Frank Riley, Founder, High Road Touring
Michael Dorf, Founder & CEO, City Winery
KEYNOTE: Breaking Barriers & Building Legacies: A Conversation with Michelle Jubelirer, featuring:
Michelle Jubelirer, Founder, Soft Shock; Former Chair & CEO, Capitol Music Group
Keith Nelson, Independent Artist, Member of Buckcherry, & Producer
KEYNOTE: From Livestreams to Liftoffs: Ali Rivera’s Journey to Empowering the Next Generation of Artists, featuring:
Ali Rivera, Head of Live Music and Artist Partnerships, YouTube
Sarah Pittman, Managing Editor, Pollstar
Global Stages, Local Struggles: Fighting Monopolies & Government Apathy Around the World, featuring:
Taylor Mims, Senior Editor, Billboard
Stephen Parker, Executive Director, NIVA
Tam Boakes, Venue Owner, JIVE; Board Member, Australian Music Venue Foundation
Jon Weisz, President & Co-Founder, Indie Montreal
Chris Sherrington, Venue Resources Coordinator, Music Venue Trust
NITO Presents: The Return of Agent vs. Promoter, featuring
Jack Randall, President, The Kurland Agency; Board Member, NITO
Sulaiman Mausi, Vice President, The Right Productions, Inc.
Ali Hedrick, Partner and Agent, Arrival Artists
Lindsay Smyers, Talent Buyer & Director of Operations, Black Cat
Ending Price Gouging in Resale Ticketing: Local Policy Inspiring National Change, featuring:
Audrey Fix Schaefer, NIVA Board Vice President; Director of Communications, I.M.P.
Antonio Nunes, Legislative Director, Council of the District of Columbia (DC)
Festivals & Independent Venues: Balancing Competition & Collaboration, featuring:
Laurie Kirby, Esq., Owner, FestForums
Marc Solheim, Senior Talent Buyer, Riot Fest
The Festive Owl
Mike Sosin, Vice President, Global Festivals, Wasserman
Courtney McClary, Director of Operations, SBG Productions
Cultural Catalysts: How Independent Spaces Are Shaping the Future of Live Experiences Presented by Eventbrite, featuring:
Ted Dworkin, Chief Product Officer, Eventbrite
Matt Orlove, Founder, Orlove Entertainment
Rami Haykal-Manning, Co-Founder, Elsewhere Brooklyn
Adam Powers, Co-Founder and CEO, The Argo Milwaukee
Madeline Jackson, Director of Events Programming, Rival Entertainment
The Unstoppable Force - Latin Touring, featuring:
Leila Cobo, Chief Content Officer Latin/Español, Billboard
Ryan Soroka, Music Agent, Wasserman
Gilbert Paz, Vice President of Live Entertainment Business Operations, Loude and Live
Chris Den Uijl, Co-founder, La Familia Presenta
Non-Profit Stages Networking Session, featuring:
Andre Perry, Executive Director, Hancher Auditorium and Office of Performing Arts; Engagement, University of Iowa
Hal Real, Founder & CEO, World Cafe Live; Board President, National Independent Venue Foundation
Laura Wilson, Head of Live Music, Bohemian Foundation; Board President, National Independent Venue Foundation
Krista Bradley, Senior Director of Programs, Association of Performing Arts Professionals
NITO Presents: The Grass ISN'T Greener, So Get a Grip - Everyone's Job is Hard, featuring:
Casey Smith, VP of Live, Ineffable Music Group
Melissa Ferrick, Agent, Paladin Artists; Recording Artist, Kill Rock Stars Records
Jon Grau, Artist Manager, Thirty Tigers
NITO Presents…Middle Agents: Love 'Em or Leave ‘Em?, featuring:
Rick Gorbette, Founder, Event Resources Presents, Inc.
Wayne Forte, Agent, Entourage Talent
Nelly Neben, Manager, AXIS Management
Comedy's New Blueprint: Bringing Standup to Uncharted Spaces, featuring:
Kyle Kinane, Comic
JB Winkin, Booking Manager, Wintrust Arena & Arie Crown Theater
Andrew Skikne, Agent, United Talent Agency
Rae Livingston, VP, Comedy & Alternative Programming, Another Planet Entertainment
Unlocking Capital for Independent Stages, featuring:
Caroline Phillips, Founder and Executive Director, The National Cannabis Festival & National Cannabis Policy Summit
Michael Grozier, Founder & CEO, Trueline
Boris Patronoff, Founder & CEO, SoundCheck Capital
Tom Andrus, President, North America, AXS
All Things Meta, featuring:
Jesse Bauer, Client Solutions Manager, Entertainment, Meta
Darby Miller, Client Solutions Manager, Meta
Small Budget, Big Impact: Marketing Strategies for Indies, featuring:
Ashley Ryan, VP of Marketing, First Avenue
Kristen Mitchell, Director of Tour Marketing, Wasserman Music
Lennora Jules, Chief Marketing Officer, The Pabst Theater Group
Rachel Hunt, Marketing Director; Grog Shop; Promotions Director, WRUW-FM 91.1 Cleveland
One Night Live: A New Model to Support Developing Talent, Presented by Live Music Society, featuring:
Tom DeGeorge, Owner, The Crowbar; COO, D Tour; NIVA Safety Task Force Chair
Cat Henry, Executive Director, Live Music Society
Liza Levy, President, Salt Lick Incubator
Wes Chalfant, One Night Live performer; Tour Manager, Salt Lick Incubator
Alisha Edmonson, Owner, Songbyrd Music House
Navigating the New Arts Landscape with Nonprofits and Universities, featuring:
Andre Perry, Executive Director, Hancher Auditorium and Office of Performing Arts; Engagement, University of Iowa; NIVA Board
Maria Matias, Agent, Maria Matias Music, Inc.
Rick Hansen, VP of Programming, Hennepin Theatre Trust
Mark Jacobson, Vice President, Programming and Production, University of Michigan
Funders’ Insights on Supporting Live Music, featuring:
Element Everest-Blanks, HYFIN Program Director, Radio Milwaukee
Sharon Yazowski, President & CEO, Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation
Bryce Merrill, Music Programs Director, Bohemian Foundation
Shannon Daut, National Director, US Regional Arts Organizations
How Do We Solve a Problem Like Chargebacks?, featuring:
Brian Johannesen, Programming Director, Englert Theatre
Mandi Grimm, Director of Fraud Prevention, Etix
Daniel Spicka, EVP, Director of Strategic Partnerships, EVENTIM/See Tickets
Sally Baptiste & Christine Wade, Co-Founders, Payment Operations Group
All Things Bandsintown, featuring:
Matt Wild, Co-Founder and Editor, Milwaukee Record
Heather Tolley, Associate Director, Bandsintown Pro, Bandsintown
Kylie Fitch, Marketing Director, State Room Presents
Are We Leaving Money on The Table? Lowering Costs for Stages, featuring:
Brad Grossman, COO, Helium Comedy Club
Nancy Trigg, CEO, InstantEncore
Marissa Muzik, National Account Manager, Una
Alisha Edmonson, Co-Owner, Songbyrd Music House; Byrdland Records
Graham White Smith, Pro Audio Expert, Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center
Cameron Smith, SVP Entertainment, HUB International
Grow Your Business with AI-Powered Tools by Google, featuring:
Robert Martinez, Founder and CEO of Braven Agency and Google Ambassador
I do EVERYTHING. How can I do it better?
Jesse Lawrence, CEO, FanIQ
Rae Gentry, Owner & Operator, The Foundry Concert Club
Mariano Otero, Senior Vice President, Fever
Email Is Still The King of Marketing Tools, featuring:
Ellee Ingle, Production / Booking / Social, Cactus Club
Dianya Markovits, Director of Public Relations and Partnerships, The St. Augustine Amphitheatre
Dustin Sugar-Moore, Marketing Director, I.M.P.
Networking Sessions:
Booking Networking Session, Sponsored by VenuePilot
Ticketing Networking Session, Sponsored by CashorTrade
Operations Networking Session
Daily Activations:
Working Lounge, presented by AXS
Recovery Unplugged, wellness resources during the conference
MusiCares Wellness Lounge, a space designed to nurture the holistic well-being of artists and hardworking crew members. Attendees will have the opportunity to receive onsite mental health support with licensed clinicians, massage therapy and personal fitting for custom earmolds.
Happy Hours:
Monday, June 23 – Happy Hour Sponsored by Etix at Miller High Life Theatre
Tuesday, June 24 – Happy Hour presented by Prekindle at Turner Hall
Wednesday, June 25 – Happy Hour presented by Eventbrite at The Marcus Center
Workshops:
From Policy to Practice: Equipping Venue Managers to Lead Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
Facilitator: Maggie Arthur, Director of Here for the Music Program, Calling All CrowsHow to Lead in Any Situation to Get Results, Presented by Entergain
Facilitator: Karol Mattes, Director of Live Entertainment, EnterGain
Live Music and Entertainment:
Sunday, June 22: Kickoff Live Music Conversation, Sponsored by Eventim at Pabst Theater
Monday, June 23: Official Opening Party: NIVA Brew City Bash at The Rave
Tuesday, June 24 and Wednesday, June 25: Salute to NIVA Venues
Summerfest 2025, NIVA ‘25 attendees will enjoy access to tours of the permanent festival grounds and complimentary admission to Summerfest 2025.
Visit https://www.nivassoc.org/conference to find information about registration, media credential applications, and host hotels.
SPONSORS
NIVA ’25 is presented by Eventbrite with support from sponsors, including Eventim, Live Music Society, AXS, Sounds Better with Tito’s, Etix, Prekindle, Tixel, VenuePilot, CashorTrade, Inc., VOLUME.COM, Fever, Cast & Crew, American Specialty Insurance Inc., Clearwing, Curious Elixirs, Cymbal, Hive, Hub International, Levitt Foundation, Mercury. Opendate, PopUpWifi, Prism.fm, Silver Lake Digital, Hochstadler’s Slow & Low, Stagewater, TicketSpice, Audience View, DigiCo, FanIQ, Instant Encore, Master Tour, Tixr, Arnett Credentials, Aurora Payments, Leap Event Technologies, Protect Group, Rave Me Away, Saffire, Una.
PARTNERS
NIVA ’25 is proud to partner with a roster of esteemed organizations for this year's conference including: Bandsintown, Backstage Social, Fan Alliance, Good Land Supply Co., Maia Olmstead, Marauder, MusiCares, National Independent Talent Organization, National Independent Venue Foundation, Pollstar, Recovery Unplugged, Song For Charlie, Static Eye Design Co, Stone Creek Coffee, Sweet Relief, Visit Milwaukee.
NIVA and Milwaukee artist Brandon Singer partner to create exclusive NIVA ‘25 artwork featuring all Milwaukee NIVA members. Link to graphics here.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Register for NIVA ‘25 here.
Non-member conference passes are available.
NIVF’s Travel Assistance Grant is returning this year and is now accepting applications for travel grants. NIF gives priority to first-time attendees and those in financial need.
Apply for media credentials here.
ABOUT NIVA
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is the national trade association representing thousands of independent live entertainment venues, festivals, promoters, and more. NIVA works to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of live entertainment. NIVA empowers members and their teams with member benefits, advocacy on the state, local, and federal levels, an annual industry-leading conference, and more.
NIVA led the Save Our Stages campaign, culminating in landmark legislation in 2020 that established the $16.25 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, the largest arts investment in U.S. history.
NIVA is committed to equity in its support of independent stages. It seeks to create and encourage opportunities for venues, promoters, and festivals owned, operated, and staffed by people of color, women, non-binary, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities.
CONTACT
Lucky Break PR
Kris Ferraro, Kris@luckybreakpr.com
Mike Stommel, Mike@luckybreakpr.com
