NIVA - National Independent Venue Association

Exciting news! #NIVA25 is coming to Milwaukee in June 2025! ?? With over 1,300 attendees at #NIVA24 in New Orleans, we’re thrilled to bring our fourth annual conference to Milwaukee. This vibrant city, known for its incredible independent venues, will host panels, programming, and unforgettable performances. Join us as we unite the independent live entertainment community once again. Stay tuned for more details on programming and early bird badge registration. Let’s make #NIVA25 the best yet! ?? For more info and updates: nivassoc.org/conference

We’re honored to share that Bandsintown Group co-founder and managing partner, Fabrice Sergent, has been appointed to the NIVA - National Independent Venue Association Advisory Board, joining a team of live entertainment leaders who are committed to the growth and empowerment of independent venues. This deepens a partnership that has already birthed the groundbreaking Live Independent certification program for independent venues, promoters, and festivals across the U.S. Learn more about this partnership and what it means for live music: https://lnkd.in/gBJNQN7v

?? A big thank you and huge congratulations to everyone who made the NIVA Kentucky Independent Venue, Festival, & Promoter Summit such a success this past weekend in Lexington! Organized by the NIVA Kentucky Chapter and held at Manchester Music Hall and The Burl, this inspiring day was filled with collaboration, learning, and celebration of independent live entertainment. Highlights included a keynote from Stephen Parker, NIVA’s Executive Director, and insights from Chris Cobb, NIVA Tennessee Chapter President, as well as engaging panels with NIVA Kentucky members, networking opportunities, and a lively after-hours show featuring Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle. We’re grateful to everyone who traveled, participated, and helped strengthen our community. It’s amazing to see state chapters organizing events like this that bring our members together. Here’s to more gatherings that inspire and unite our community! ??

Independent venues, artists, and fans deserve fair competition in the live music industry. Variety’s recent article dives into what the DOJ’s antitrust case against Live Nation means for our community—and why it needs to continue in the next Administration. With a bipartisan coalition rallying behind this lawsuit, NIVA stands with those fighting to protect the future of independent live entertainment. Read on to learn why this case matters and what’s at stake for music lovers nationwide. ?? https://lnkd.in/evzxSGiH

Congrats Fabrice Sergent and team! The innovation to improve revenue streams for artists and indie venues is impressive once again. Appreciate Bandsintown Group and their commitment to this sector.

?? Congratulations to the Pabst Theater Group and Black Promoters Collective on this exciting partnership, bringing an incredible lineup of urban talent to PTG’s venues in Milwaukee! This collaboration is a testament to the power of partnerships within our independent community. ?? We’re proud that connections made at the NIVA ’24 conference in New Orleans helped spark this collaboration, reinforcing the value of networking and shared vision among our members. Together, we’re advancing diverse, inclusive, and vibrant live entertainment experiences for fans and artists alike. Here’s to more partnerships that elevate independent live entertainment! ??

?? Exciting News! The National Independent Venue Foundation is proud to be a recipient of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s Digital Skills, Education, and Workforce Development Grant! ??

Ready to amplify your business’ impact in the live entertainment industry? ?? Join NIVA - National Independent Venue Association, the community championing independent venues, festivals, and promoters nationwide. Together, we’re stronger – from securing exclusive discounts and saving on business essentials to advocating for policies that support the heart of live performance. Discover the 5 key reasons to join NIVA today and become part of a movement shaping the future of independent live entertainment. ?? Learn more and join us: nivassoc.org

A statement from NIVA’s Executive Director Stephen Parker on the passing of NIVA Advisory Board Member Quincy Jones: “Quincy Jones was among live music’s greatest champions. Over seven decades, he delivered vibrant performances worldwide, starting with the Quincy Jones Big Band captivating crowds at independent stages like Newport Jazz Festival. He nurtured up-and-coming artists by jump-starting their careers in independent venues and festivals. In 2020, during one of the industry’s greatest crises, Quincy was among the first to step up and help NIVA pass the Save Our Stages Act. He became one of the inaugural members of our advisory board when it formed in 2021. We are forever grateful for his unwavering support of independent stages and for lending his voice to help them survive and thrive. His legacy will continue to resonate wherever live music is celebrated.”

NIVA's Executive Director Stephen Parker will join industry experts Rita Kampalath (LA County) and David Smith, LL.M. (Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP) in the Music Sustainability Alliance’s The Green Room series. This webinar, 'Laying Down the Law: Music Biz and Environmental Regulations,' will explore the new generation of national and local laws impacting everything from logistics and foodservice to fan travel, as the music industry navigates a path toward sustainability. ?? Join us for insights and strategies on adapting to these evolving regulations and advocating for greener practices in live music. RSVP: https://lnkd.in/gUkvMyyn