National Independent Venue Association Wraps Fourth Annual Conference With Record Attendance And Renewed Resolve To Fight For The Future Of Independent Stages
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
MILWAUKEE (June 27, 2025) – NIVA ‘25, the fourth annual conference of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) presented by Eventbrite, which took place from June 22-25, in Milwaukee with expert-led panels, workshops, networking, and incredible live music, attracted a record number of attendees, nearly 1,400 people across multiple iconic NIVA member venues.
NIVA ‘25 began with the release of the first-ever State of Live economic impact report, which revealed that independent venues, festivals, and promoters generated $86.2 billion in direct GDP impact in 2024, surpassing the contributions of the beer, gaming, and airline industries, and $153.1 billion in total economic output including tourism and fan spending.
Attendees also heard how NIVA is delivering for the live performance community throughout the year, including:
Addressing fraudulent chargebacks negatively impacting independent venues
Taking down speculative tickets across major national platforms
Facilitating more than 65,000 fan letters to Congress on ticketing reform in a single day
Working with a Senate office to spur an FTC investigation into predatory resale platforms
Tracking 80 live event-related bills in state legislatures nationwide and advocating on 36 of them - all since January of this year
Passing pro-consumer ticketing laws in Maine, Oregon, and Pennsylvania
Fighting back against National Endowment for the Arts cuts
Launching Live Independent and how the certification’s partnership with Bandsintown spurred 22 million fan visits to independent venue pages and box offices in less than 9 months
"NIVA '25 reinforced what we've always known—independent venues, festivals, and promoters are the heartbeat of America's live entertainment culture and a critical engine for our economy,” said Stephen Parker, Executive Director of NIVA. "Our community came together in record numbers this year, not just to celebrate their achievements, but to recommit to the fight for fairness, transparency, and a sustainable future. We're leaving Milwaukee energized, determined, and ready to ensure the live entertainment industry continues to grow for years to come.”
NIVA also announced new leadership, including Audrey Fix Schaefer (I.M.P./9:30 Club) as Board President, Brad Grossman (Helium Comedy) as Board Vice President, Kira Karbocus (Karbocus & Co.) as Board Treasurer, and new board members Courtney McClary Yug (SBG Productions) and Gary Witt (Pabst Theater Group).
Additional standout moments included:
A keynote conversation with Jim James of My Morning Jacket during the Opening Night event presented by Eventim
An appearance by comedian, musician, and venue owner Hannibal Buress
A powerful fireside chat with five-time Grammy-winning producer and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Jimmy Jam
Awarding Frank Riley (High Road Touring) with the first-ever Independent Visionary award
A discussion on NIVA Savings, a group discount program for independent venues, and the announcement of the first-ever swipe fee discount program for independent stages
Two featured panels on how Live Nation is negatively impacting live performance communities in cities in the U.S. and countries across the globe
An update and call to action on U.S. Performing Rights Organizations
Live performances across the City every night at venues including: Cactus Club, Falcon Bowl, X-Ray Arcade, Shank Hall, The Cooperage, and The Rave/Eagle's Club
The presentation of the Blayne Tucker Advocacy Award to Abby McKee (Britt Music & Arts Festival), Tobi Parks (xBk), and Sean Watterson (Happy Dog)
To cap off the conference, Minneapolis was announced as the host city for NIVA ‘26, which was presented as a video montage and a special welcoming address from Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and emceed by Minneapolis' very own Prince Drag King. Watch the video clips here.
"Minneapolis has always punched above its weight when it comes to music — from iconic venues to homegrown legends — and in 2026, we get to share that legacy on a national stage," said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. "Hosting NIVA ‘26 is more than a celebration of independent music; it's a recognition of the artists, venues, and cultural workers who make our city a creative powerhouse. We're proud to welcome NIVA to Minneapolis, and even prouder to show the country what our music community is all about!"
More details on conference programming and early bird ticket registration will be announced soon. Visit the NIVA ‘26 Conference website to find information about registration, media credential applications, and host hotels.
SPONSORS
NIVA '25 was 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.
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
