October 15-16, 2025 | HI-FI INDY | Indianapolis, IN
Open exclusively to the independent live community
NIVA Live Policy Summit
Join the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) at the NIVA Live Policy Summit presented by Tixel on October 15–16, 2025, at HI-FI Indy in Indianapolis, IN.
The NIVA Live Policy Summit is a unique gathering designed to drive critical conversations and collaborative action to strengthen the live music ecosystem. Industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders will convene to discuss pressing topics affecting independent live venues, festivals, and promoters, identify strategic solutions, and build stronger coalitions to advocate for meaningful policy changes at the local, state, and national levels.
Space is limited. Priority registration is reserved for NIVA members, independent live entertainment stakeholders, and policymakers, with additional invitations extended as space allows. Remaining tickets, if available, will be released to the public at a later date.
Lock in the Early Bird rate — just $100 through 9/8!
Lock in the Early Bird rate!
just $100 through 9/8!
Questions? advocacy@nivassoc.org
Hotel Partners
Special group rates for hotels in Indianapolis are available for summit attendees. Book now to get the best rate!
The Alexander Hotel
333 South Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Website | (888) 236-2427
Booking is available online and through the hotel’s reservation line. Mention NIVAIndy to book.
Fountainview Inn
1105 Prospect St, Indianapolis, IN 46203
Website | Email | (317) 686-6018
Booking is available only by calling or emailing directly. Mention NIVAIndy to book.
*Schedule may be subject to change
Summit Schedule
Wednesday, October 15
Day One
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch, Introductions & Networking
Fuel up and connect. Grab lunch, meet fellow attendees, and swap ideas before diving into the afternoon sessions.
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
OPENING SESSION
State of Live: Why Live Entertainment Policy Matters
We’ll kick off the summit with a look at the State of Live, nationally and in Indiana, revealing the impact and challenges of the independent live sector. Learn why policy decisions at every level shape the future of live music and why your voice in these conversations matters.
1:45 PM – 2:30 PM
Sustaining Live: State Incentives and Live Performance Funds
Several states, including Tennessee and Texas, have passed innovative funding bills such as live performance funds and alcohol tax rebate programs to strengthen their music ecosystems. This session will examine how these laws work, the policy goals behind them, and the impact they have on venues, festivals, and local economies. We’ll explore trends in similar legislation across the country and discuss what it takes to bring these initiatives from proposal to reality.
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
Live Performance Fund Brainstorming
Roll up your sleeves and shape the future of live. Join an open discussion on how a live performance fund could work in your state and what it would take to make it happen.
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM
– – – – – Break – – – – –
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM
Ticketing 101: The Landscape and Legislation
This session offers a clear introduction to the live event ticketing ecosystem, covering key market players, industry challenges, and the laws that shape ticket sales and resales. Panelists will explain core terms, outline the major policy issues including consumer protections, speculative ticketing, and fee transparency, and review legislative developments at local, state, and federal levels. Attendees will leave with a grounded understanding of how the system works and the provisions shaping its future.
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Ticketing Brainstorming
Turn ideas into action. Work together to map out strategies for improving ticketing policy and practice in your community.
5:00 PM – 5:45 PM
Cities and Live Policy: Strengthening Local Partnerships
Local policy directly impacts live entertainment through zoning, noise regulation, transportation, alcohol laws, and more. This session brings together leaders working across live entertainment and municipal policy to share strategies for engaging with city and state decision-makers. Topics include sound ordinance negotiations, infrastructure planning, and artist access needs, and more. Participants will learn effective ways to address shared challenges and foster partnerships that support both cultural vitality and economic growth.
5:45 PM – 6:30 PM
Cities & Live Policy Brainstorming
Share experiences, identify local priorities, and workshop practical solutions for issues like sound ordinances, transportation, zoning, and artist access. Leave with actionable next steps tailored to your community.
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Happy Hour
Unwind, connect, and keep the conversations going over drinks.
Thursday, October 16
Day Two
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Breakfast
Grab a bite to eat and ease into the day while connecting with fellow attendees.
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Navigating the PRO Licensing Landscape
Performing rights organizations ensure songwriters and publishers are compensated when music is performed publicly but their licensing systems can be difficult and time-consuming for independent stages to navigate. This session will demystify how PROs operate, outline venue obligations, and explain key differences between organizations. Panelists will share strategies for managing costs, meeting compliance requirements, and approaching negotiations effectively, giving attendees practical tools to handle licensing in a legally sound and financially sustainable way.
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Closing SESSION
Growing the Coalition for Change
Passing meaningful live entertainment policy requires broad, united support. This session will focus on how to build coalitions that bring together legislators from both sides of the aisle, nonprofit and for-profit partners, and community stakeholders. We’ll explore strategies for engaging fans, artists, and business owners in hearings, meetings, and outreach campaigns, as well as how to reach the right decision-makers at the right time. Attendees will leave with practical approaches to relationship building and mobilization that can turn the ideas and policies discussed throughout the summit into real-world wins.
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