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
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
Bring Your Team & Get Our Lowest Rate!
✶
Save 20% with Badge Bundles
✶
Bring Your Team & Get Our Lowest Rate! ✶ Save 20% with Badge Bundles ✶
Hotel Deals: Group rates starting as low as $184 per night are available for attendees—book early to take advantage. Booking links are provided in your registration confirmation email.
Questions or issues? Email us at conference@nivassoc.org.
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
Hotel Deals: Group rates starting as low as $184 per night are available for attendees—book early to take advantage. Booking links are provided in your registration confirmation email.
Questions or issues? Email us at conference@nivassoc.org.
Schedule
*Schedule subject to change—stay tuned for updates and additional details.
Featured Panels
*Schedule and speakers subject to change.
A Discussion with Carly James
A Generational Sound: Jimmy Jam & Cornbread Harris
Badass Bookers
Latin Music Isn't One Sound – It's A Universe
State of Play: Fundraising in 2026/2027
PROs, Policy, and the Live Music Economy
Beyond Meta & Google: What Else Can We Use To Get Butts In Seats?
Last Call? Rethinking F&B Revenue as Drinking Habits Change
PAC & Nonprofit Marketing: Selling The Show, Serving The Mission
Finally: Real Google Answers For Independent Venues
Let's Get Into The Weeds With Meta
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
An early look at tracks, sessions, and networking topics planned for this year’s conference programming. Additional panels, sessions, and networking opportunities will be added as details are finalized.
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
Booking Row:Meet directly with agents to discuss artists and routing
Networking Rooftop: Networking mixer with complimentary drinks
Agent–Booker Networking Lunch: Structured time to connect
Agent–Booker Collaboration In 2026: Industry conversation on the touring landscape
Salute to Booking Mixer: Celebrating the partnerships that bring live music to communities
Programming Preview
An early look at tracks, sessions, and networking topics planned for this year’s conference programming. Additional details will be added as they are finalized.
-
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
-
Dedicated, structured opportunities to connect with peers
Bookers & Talent Buyers
Festivals
Marketing
Nonprofit Presenters & Performing Arts Centers
Operations
Small Venues (Under 500 Capacity)
Ticketing
-
Dedicated space to strengthen relationships that power touring
Booking Row: Meet directly with agents to discuss artists and routing
Networking Rooftop: Networking mixer with complimentary drinks
Agent–Booker Networking Lunch: Structured time to connect
Agent–Booker Collaboration In 2026: Industry conversation on the touring landscape
Salute to Booking Mixer: Celebrating the partnerships that bring live music to communities
-
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
Look Back on NIVA ‘25
Thanks to everyone who joined us in Milwaukee! Check out the highlights and we’ll see you in Minneapolis for NIVA ‘26!
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.