We’re heading to Minneapolis for NIVA ’26! 🌟. After welcoming nearly 1,400 attendees in Milwaukee, our fifth annual conference lands June 7–10, 2026—for bold conversations, compelling programming, and electrifying live shows. #NIVA26 registration and details coming soon.

And don’t miss the new photo gallery now live at

Looking back on #NIVA25, where nearly 1,400 independent venue operators, promoters, festivals, and live advocates came together for four days of panels, performances, and connection. Relive the moments that made this year’s conference so special with the full video recap.

Read more from @THR 👇

NIVA commends the FTC for taking 𝙁𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 action. We’ve waited years for this kind of accountability, and hope it marks the beginning of a new 𝙀𝙧𝙖 — where fans, artists, and stages are protected from predatory resale practices. 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙩? 😤

That’s 𝙆𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙖 — and a violation of the BOTS Act. As Taylor and Travis celebrate their engagement, we’re reminded: fans deserve their own 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 — not an unchecked system where resellers obtain tickets illegally and mark them up, leaving them 𝘿𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝘽𝙖𝙙. 😔

𝙇𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙩: 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘱𝘪𝘥 𝘨𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘱𝘪𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘴. Last week, the FTC filed a lawsuit against a ticket reseller with a 𝖗𝖊𝖕𝖚𝖙𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓 for using thousands of fake accounts to snatch up Eras Tour tickets.

The NIVA Live Policy Summit is already generating buzz. 🗞. The two-day event at @TheHiFiIndy will bring stakeholders together to explore legislative, regulatory, and policy solutions to strengthen the independent live industry. Learn more and register:

We’re working to ensure the workers who make live music possible are recognized, protected, and supported through smart, equitable policy. Read the full report and policy recommendations at

But their future is far from guaranteed. Despite this impact, 64% of independent stages operated without profitability in 2024—putting thousands of these jobs, and the people behind them, at risk.

Together, they paid $51.7 billion in wages and benefits. These aren’t gig jobs. They’re careers in sound, lights, security, hospitality, and more—often rooted in the communities they serve.

The #StateOfLive economic research study shows what’s at stake: In 2024, independent venues, festivals, and promoters directly employed over 316,000 people—and supported 908,000 jobs when factoring in contractors, vendors, and surrounding local businesses.

Congrats to @Marauder on 10 years! 🎉. They’ve long championed the independent music sector — and in 2020, helped lead the effort to save it. What began as an @IVW_US town hall sparked the formation of @NIVAssoc. Here’s to a decade of creativity, impact, and community. 🧡

NIVA applauds this decision and points to Maine’s moratorium law as a model for cities and states across the country. We’re working to ensure that independent live entertainment remains a cornerstone of local culture—not collateral damage of unchecked consolidation.

This temporary pause gives the city time to assess the risks such a venue poses to its $550M live entertainment economy, including Portland’s vibrant network of independent venues, festivals, and promoters.

Portland, Maine just made a major move to protect independent live entertainment. Last week, the Portland City Council voted 6–3 to enact a 180-day moratorium on new large venues—effectively halting a proposed @LiveNation–backed project. Press release:

Early bird registration is $100 through September 8. Space is limited. Learn more and see the summit schedule:

Introducing the NIVA Live Policy Summit – Oct 15–16 in Indianapolis!. Presented by @TixelOfficial, this 2-day summit at @TheHIFIIndy unites industry leaders, policymakers, & stakeholders to explore legislative, regulatory, and policy solutions to strengthen the independent live.

We’re back with a double-decker edition of the Welcome Wagon! 🚌. We’re thrilled to have these new members on board as we continue building a more connected, resilient, and independent live ecosystem—together. 💡 Interested in joining NIVA? Learn more at

NIVA is committed to telling this story — and fighting for the policy solutions that can protect the future of independent live. Read the full report and our policy recommendations at