JUNE 7–10, 2026 | MINNEAPOLIS, MN
NIVA ‘26 Conference
JUNE 7–10, 2026 | MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Join us for our fifth annual conference as we turn up the volume—landing in a city known for its grit, guitars, and iconic independent venues. Join us June 7–10, 2026, in Minneapolis for bold conversations, compelling programming, and performances you won’t forget. Presented by Eventbrite, NIVA ’26 will spotlight the twin cities’ rich music history and independent venue ecosystem with panel discussions led by industry experts, keynote conversations, networking opportunities, and special events.
✦ Interested in covering NIVA ‘26? Request Media Credentials
Explore NIVA ‘26
NIVA ‘26 Conference
JUNE 7–10, 2026 | MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Join us for our fifth annual conference as we turn up the volume—landing in a city known for its grit, guitars, and iconic independent venues. Join us June 7–10, 2026, in Minneapolis for bold conversations, compelling programming, and performances you won’t forget. Presented by Eventbrite, NIVA ’26 will spotlight the twin cities’ rich music history and independent venue ecosystem with panel discussions led by industry experts, keynote conversations, networking opportunities, and special events.
✦ Interested in covering NIVA ‘26? Request Media Credentials
Explore NIVA ‘26
Register for NIVA ‘26
Members get our best price! Join today
NIVA Members
$599
Affiliate Members
Bring your team! Save 20% with badge bundles
$699
$699
Artist / Agent / Manager
STudents
$299
Non-Members
$1099
Livestream NIVA ‘26
Can’t make it to Minneapolis? You don’t have to miss a beat. Experience NIVA '26 from the comfort of your own home or office via our official conference livestream, broadcasting exclusively on Volume.com.
*Livestream coverage only includes programming at Pantages Theatre and on the 2nd Floor of Dudley Riggs Theatre, with limited exceptions.
Questions or issues? Email us at conference@nivassoc.org.
Register for NIVA ‘26
Members get our best price! Join today
NIVA Members
$599
Bring your team! Save 20% with badge bundles
Affiliates unlock special pricing! Join today
Affiliate Members
$699
Bring your team! Save 20% with badge bundles
Artist / Agent / Manager
Artist / Agent / Manager
$699
STudents
$299
Non-Members
$1099
Livestream NIVA ‘26
Can’t make it to Minneapolis? You don’t have to miss a beat. Experience NIVA '26 from the comfort of your own home or office via our official conference livestream, broadcasting exclusively on Volume.com.
*Livestream coverage only includes programming at Pantages Theatre and on the 2nd Floor of Dudley Riggs Theatre, with limited exceptions.
Bring Your Team & Get Our Lowest Rate!
✶
Save 20% with Badge Bundles
✶
Bring Your Team & Get Our Lowest Rate! ✶ Save 20% with Badge Bundles ✶
Questions or issues? Email us at conference@nivassoc.org.
Schedule
*Schedule & speakers subject to change
Get a head start on NIVA ‘26!
Pick up your badge early on Sunday, 6/7 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Dudley Riggs Theatre (Lobby). Stop by to check in, collect your conference materials, and get ready for the days ahead before opening night festivities begin.
Featured Programming
*Schedule and speakers subject to change.
A Discussion with Carly James
Keynote Conversation with Jordan Klepper of The Daily Show
Keynote Conversation with Patrick Carney of The Black Keys
A Generational Sound: Jimmy Jam & Cornbread Harris
Featured Speakers
Loading featured NIVA '26 speakers
Meet our MSP Members
Minneapolis and Saint Paul come together to form one of the country’s most vibrant and influential live entertainment communities. As we gather for NIVA ’26, we’re proud to spotlight our local members who help shape the independent spirit of the Twin Cities. From iconic clubs and historic theaters to beloved neighborhood spaces, be sure to experience them for yourself while you’re in town.
NIVA has also partnered with Minneapolis artist Michael Byzewski to create exclusive conference artwork featuring our Minneapolis members. Be sure to stop by the NIVA table to snag some merch!
Meet our MSP Members
Minneapolis and Saint Paul come together to form one of the country’s most vibrant and influential live entertainment communities. As we gather for NIVA ’26, we’re proud to spotlight our local members who help shape the independent spirit of the Twin Cities. From iconic clubs and historic theaters to beloved neighborhood spaces, be sure to experience them for yourself while you’re in town.
NIVA has also partnered with Minneapolis artist Michael Byzewski to create exclusive conference artwork featuring our Minneapolis members. Be sure to stop by the NIVA table to snag some merch!
Programming Preview
Programming Tracks
Topic-based pathways to tailor your conference experience
Advocacy & Policy
Booking & Talent Buying
Comedy & Alternative Programming
Marketing & Ticketing
Nonprofit, Theaters & University Presenters
Operations, Finance & Accessibility
Networking Sessions
Dedicated, structured opportunities to connect with peers
Bookers & Talent Buyers
Festivals
Marketing
Nonprofit Presenters & Performing Arts Centers
Operations
Small Venues (Under 500 Capacity)
Ticketing
Daily Activations
Spaces & Moments to Recharge & Connect Beyond Sessions
Working Lounge, presented by AXS: Quiet space for attendees to work, meet, and recharge
Exhibit Space: Dedicated space for sponsors and industry partners to connect directly with attendees
Alley Bar: Outdoor networking space with complimentary beverages
Recovery Unplugged: Wellness resources during the conference in support of individuals in recovery
Agent / Booker Hub
Dedicated space to strengthen relationships that power Touring
Agent/Booker Programming: Conversations exploring the evolving touring landscape and the partnerships driving successful live events
Networking Lunch: Structured time to foster meaningful connections between agents, bookers, promoters, and venue professionals
Booking Row:Meet directly with agents to discuss artists and routing
Salute to Booking Mixer: Celebrating the partnerships that bring live music to communities
Programming Preview
Tracks, sessions, and networking topics that you can look forward to at this year’s conference.
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Dedicated space to strengthen relationships that power touring
Agent/Booker Programming: Conversations exploring the evolving touring landscape and the partnerships driving successful live events
Networking Lunch: Structured time to foster meaningful connections between agents, bookers, promoters, and venue professionals
Booking Row:Meet directly with agents to discuss artists and routing
Salute to Booking Mixer: Celebrating the partnerships that bring live music to communities
-
Dedicated, structured opportunities to connect with peers
Bookers & Talent Buyers
Festivals
Marketing
Nonprofit Presenters & Performing Arts Centers
Operations
Small Venues (Under 500 Capacity)
Ticketing
-
Topic-based pathways to tailor your conference experience
Marketing and Ticketing
Booking and Talent Buying
Operations, Finance, and Accessibility
Advocacy & Policy
Nonprofit, Theaters, and University Presenters
Comedy & Alternative Programming
-
Working Lounge, presented by AXS: Quiet space for attendees to work, meet, and recharge
Exhibit Space: Dedicated space for sponsors and industry partners to connect directly with attendees
Alley Bar: Outdoor networking space with complimentary beverages
Recovery Unplugged: Wellness resources during the conference in support of individuals in recovery
Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to partnerships@nivassoc.org.
Sponsors & Partners
NIVA ‘26 Sponsors
NIVA ‘26 Partners
Press Releases & Media
Come Join Us!
Become a NIVA member or affiliate member and join us in our mission to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent venues and promoters throughout the United States. NIVA membership is open to indepedent venues, promoters and festivals, while affiliate membership is available to all entities or individuals working within the live events and surrounding industries.