The National Independent Venue Association Announces Programming for NIVA’s Third-Annual Conference Taking Place in New Orleans June 3-5
The nation’s independent live entertainment community will welcome a diverse slate of speakers from Eventbrite, National Independent Talent Organization, Wasserman, Live Music Society, Spotify, Meta, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Pollstar, and hundreds of independent venues and promoters from across the country.
Featuring IAG’s Marsha Vlasic, United Talent Agency’s Nick Nuciforo, Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band, Eventbrite’s Co-Founder and CEO Julia Hartz, Bandsintown’s Fabrice Sergent, NPR Tiny Desk Contest Winner Tank and the Bangas, and Meters Founder George Porter, Jr.
NEW ORLEANS (April 17, 2024) – The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) will bring the independent live concert, comedy, promoter, and festival industry together for its third annual national gathering in New Orleans at NIVA ‘24 from June 3 - 5. The conference will highlight NIVA’s New Orleans members, with conference programming taking place at iconic venues across the city including Generations Hall, Tipitina’s, Republic NOLA, and dba.
NIVA ‘24 will feature a diverse range of sessions covering timely topics impacting the live entertainment industry, including marketing, ticketing, safety, and advocacy. Attendees can expect insightful discussions led by industry experts, keynote presentations, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation within the sector.
“The nation’s independent live entertainment community has finally found a home to focus on the preservation and elevation of our industry at the annual NIVA Conference in New Orleans,” said Jamie Loeb, Chair of NIVA’s Conference Programming Committee and SVP of Marketing at Nederlander Concerts. “Agents, bookers, venue owners and operators, promoters, and festivals will come together to showcase the vibrant voices and experiences of the live entertainment ecosystem. This year, we gather to celebrate our past successes and to chart a collective path towards a more dynamic and inclusive future for independent stages nationwide.”
This year, the National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF), in collaboration with NIVA, will offer a certified harassment training workshop, delivered in partnership with Calling All Crows and Spotify Plus 1. NIVF is also administering a travel grant open to NIVA members and non-members for conference attendees that may be requested by going to: nivassoc.org/conference/assistance.
NIVA ‘24 panel sessions include:
Agent vs Promoter? Help Us Help You
Artistic Alchemy: Why Festivals are Music to Our Ears
Beyond the Stage: Venues and Promoters Creatively Bring Their Expertise to Community Programs Outside Their Four Walls
Ticket Tyranny: The Unseen Grip of Market Dominance
Case Studies in Creativity: How Small Venues Make It All Work (Live Music Society)
Comedy Unplugged: Behind the Laughter
First Party Data – What Is It and How Do I Get It?
Fix the Tix: From D.C. to Sacramento - Get the Latest News
Group Purchasing - Get Huge Discounts, Thanks to Your NIVA Membership
Have Dates to Fill? Think Out of the Box with Alternative Programming
How Can You Beat BIG? Making Your Building More Attractive to Both Artists and Fans
Investing in Your Greatest Asset: Strategies for Hiring, Employee Training and Retention in Live Entertainment
Marketing & Ticketing - BFFs
Nonprofit Roundtable
PROs: What are we paying for? Why? And what can we do to make things better?
Partnering with Agencies to Showcase Emerging Talent
Viva Variety: A Latin American Panel on Live Entertainment, Music, and Comedy
Revolutionizing City Development: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities for the Live Sector
Safety & Insurance: Practical and Affordable Techniques to Unlock Better Rates
Sponsorships Aren’t Just for the Big Dogs
Amplifying Voices: Advocating for State Funding for Music Venues
The Prestige (and Money Saving Power) of NIVA - Certified Live Independent - What Is It and How Can It Help You?
The State Music Journalism and How That’s Impacting Filling Venues with Fans and Artist Discovery
How Small Venues with Small Budgets Can Still Get It Done
What Can We Do to Boost Bar Sales?
What’s New in the World of Marketing?
In addition to sessions, panels, and networking, NIVA ’24 will feature live music at the Opening Party presented by Lyte on Sunday, NIVA Gras presented by Eventbrite on Monday, and NIVA Night in NOLA featuring Live Music Society lounge at d.b.a. on Tuesday. The conference will also include an Operations Networking Session presented by Protect Group on Monday, Booking Networking Session presented by VenuePilot on Tuesday and a working lounge presented by Live Music Society throughout the duration of the conference. Programming will conclude with a happy hour each day presented by Etix on Monday, Prekindle on Tuesday, and Live Music Society with D Tour and Midtopia on Wednesday.
Confirmed Industry speakers at NIVA ‘24 include:
Aaron Bare, Chief Marketing Officer, Etix
Adam Bunge, Attorney, Founder, Chairman and CEO, ideal3
Adam Valen, Director of Marketing, Drusky Entertainment
Alicia Zertuchi, CEO and Booker, Grupo Musical De Cumbia
Allison Harnden, Nighttime Economy Manager, City of Pittsburgh
Allyson Jaffe, Owner/Vice President/Comedy School Principal, The DC Improv Comedy Club
Andre Perry, NIVA Board President
Andy Gensler, Executive Editor, Media and Conferences, Pollstar
Ant Taylor, Founder & CEO, Lyte
Ariel Hyatt, Founder, Cyber PR
Ashley Bradbury, Senior Client Partner, Entertainment, Meta
Ashley Ryan, Vice President, Marketing, First Avenue
Audrey Fix Schaefer, Director of Communications, I.M.P./9:30 Club, VP of the Board of Directors, NIVA
Avery McTaggart, Partner, TBA Agency
Ben Jaffe, Creative Director, Preservation Hall
Ben Van Houten, Business Development Manager, Nightlife and Entertainment Sector, Office of Economic and Workforce Development
Brad Grossman, Chief Operating Officer, Helium Comedy
Brendon Anthony, Director, Texas Music Office
Bruce Finkelman, Founder and Managing Partner, 16 on Center
Carlos Aybar, CEO, Mishu Music
Carly Pritchard, Vice President of Booking, Jade Presents
Cat Henry, Executive Director, Live Music Society
Chad Kampe, Owner, Flip Phone Events
Cherise Rhyns, General Manager, Lincoln Theatre
Chris Bauman, Founder and President, Zenith Music Group
Christian Hee, Vice President of Marketing, Z2 Entertainment, Fox Theatre, Boulder Theater, Aggie Theatre
Darin Atwater, Artistic Director, Monterey Jazz Festival
David Mukpo, CEO and Co-Founder, Pamos Beverage Co.
David Solomon, CEO and Founder, DLS Events
David Weingarden, Vice President of Concerts + Events, Z2 Entertainment
Dean Budnick, Editor-In-Chief, Relix
Denise Melanson, Vice President, Social Impact & Sustainability, Wasserman
Diana Gremore, Founder, RealCount
Donna Westmoreland, Chief Operating Officer, I.M.P.
Emilio Herce, Publicist, Q Prime Management
Emily Madero, President and CEO, French Quarter Festivals, Inc.
Eric Holt, Assistant Professor of Music Business, Belmont University
Ethan Millman, Staff Writer, Rolling Stone
Eugenié "EJ" Encalarde, President and Chief Operating Officer, Festival Productions, Inc. of New Orleans
Fabrice Sergent, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Bandsintown
Farrah Usmani, Partner, Nixon Peabody LLP
Frankie Tesch, Controller, Pabst Theater Group
Frederick “Wood”Delahoussaye, Chief Creative Officer and Artistic Director, Ashé Cultural Arts Center
Gabe Docto, Director of Operations, August Hall
Gary Witt, CEO and Co-Owner, Pabst Theater Group
Gena Gordon, Chief Financial Officer, I.M.P. / 9:30 Club / The Anthem / Lincoln Theatre / Merriweather / The Atlantis
Grace Blake, Programming Director, City Winery
Grace Notary, Manager of Business Development, Accounts, Marketing Friendly Marketing and 16 On Center Chicago
Greg Nacron, COO, VOLUME.COM
Hal Real, NIVF Board President
Howie Kaplan, Owner, Howlin’ Wolf
Howie Schnee, Director, Artist & Venue Partnerships, VOLUME.COM
Ian Fine, Vice President of Partnerships and Strategic Services, Ad.Ventures
Jack Randall, President, The Kurland Agency
Jahmila Williams, Director of Social Impact, 1Huddle
Jake Samuels, Director of Music, 16" on Center Chicago
Jamie Loeb, NIVA Conference Chair; SVP, Marketing, Nederlander Concerts
Jan Ramsey, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, OffBeat Media
Jeez Loueez, Event Producer, Burlesque Entertainer and Instructor, Jeezy's Juke Joint- A Black Burly-Q Revue, Hi-Chick Productions, LLC
Jerid Schmickle, Chief Executive Officer, Applied Underwriters
Jerry Golden, Global Head of Public Policy & Government Affairs, Eventbrite
Jesica Gerbautz, CEO & Executive Producer, Pnk Moon Productions
Jessie Hartke, President, Midtopia
Jon Ostrow, Associate Director, Growth & Discovery, Live Events, Spotify
Jordan Anderson, Talent Booker, Troubadour
Julia Hartz, Co-Founder and CEO, Eventbrite
Karim Karefa, Night Manager, 9:30 Club & Lincoln Center
Katie Nowak, Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships, TBA Agency
Kelsey Kaufmann, Owner and Operator, Cactus Club
Kerri Park, Chief Operating Officer, World Cafe Live
Kira Karbocus, Chief Operating Officer and Producer, Newport Festivals Foundation
Lani Torres, Co-Owner and Talent Buyer, Ivy Room
Laura Wilson, Head of Live Music, Bohemian Foundation; Treasurer, NIVF
Laurie Kirby, Esq., CEO and President, FestForums
Leila Cobo, Chief Content Officer Latin/Español, Billboard
Lisa White, Director of Communications, Nederlander Concerts
Luke Pierce, Artist Manager and Producer, WORKS Entertainment
Mallorie McRea, Director of Operations, World Cafe Live
Maria Valenzuela, Ticketing, Nederlander Concerts
Mariano Otero, Senior Vice President, Fever
Marsha Vlasic, Vice Chair, Music Division at Independent Artist Group (IAG)
Marshall Chiles, Founder and Owner, Laughing Skull Lounge
Matt Ciarleglio, Managing Partner, Empty Bottle
Mike Killeen, Chief Financial Officer, First Avenue
Mike Sosin, Director, Festivals, Wasserman Music
Morgan Harper, Director of Policy & Advocacy, American Economic Liberties Project
Nathaniel Marro, Manager, National Independent Talent Organization
Neeta Ragoowansi, President, Music Managers Forum - US
Nick Nuciforo, Partner and Head of Comedy Touring at United Talent Agency
Rachael Arrington, General Manager, Maple Leaf Bar
Rachel Kopp, Artist Relations Manager, VOLUME.COM
Rachelle Love, Director of Education, Midtopia
Rev. Moose, Managing Partner; Founding & Emeritus Executive Director, Marauder; National Independent Venue Association
Rich Collins, Imagination Movers
Robin Johnson, Founder and General Manager, Stone Church (Vermont)
Sean Lynch, President, 1111 Presents / Pub Station
Sean Moeller, Co-Owner, Raccoon Motel
Sean Watterson, Co-Owner; Chief Legal Officer, The Happy Dog; D Tour
Shahida Mausi, President and CEO, The Right Productions, Inc.
Shane Tobin, Vice President of Partnerships, Sofar Sounds
Shaun Verreault, Business Development Manager - Music, Tradable Bits
Stephen Parker, Executive Director, National Independent Venue Association
Summer Jager, Owner, Ivy Room
Sunae Villavaso, Director, Mayor's Office of Workforce Development in NOLA
Tara Tielmann, Director of Product Marketing, Lyte
Taylor Mims, Editor, Billboard
Taylor Winchester, Director of Revenue, found.ee
Tina Swanson, Chief Revenue Officer, r.World
Tobi Parks, Owner, xBk Live & Board Member, National Independent Venue Foundation
Todd Dyer, Vice President & Head of Live Entertainment Sales, Cast & Crew Live Entertainment
Tom DeGeorge, Owner; COO, The Crowbar; D Tour; National Independent Venue Association Safety Task Force Chair
Tori Powers, Director of Communications, World Cafe Live
Trey Many, Agent, Wasserman
Tyler Godsey, Executive Director and Founder, 5 Points Music Foundation
Will Suter, Co-Founder, All Things Go
William H Nungesser, Louisiana State Lieutenant Governor
Go to www.nivassoc.org/conference to find information about registration, media credential applications, and host hotels.
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
NIVA '24 is made possible by the generosity and commitment of our sponsors, including Eventbrite, Lyte, Live Music Society, DICE, Prekindle, VenuePilot, Protect Group, VOLUME.COM, Etix, Fever, Water Hero, American Specialty Insurance & Risk Services, Inc., Cast & Crew Live Entertainment, Opendate, Cash or Trade, Inc., Prism.fm, Ticketsauce, Merch Idols, Hub International, AXS, Fanimal, Found.ee, Bose and r.World.
Additionally, NIVA extends gratitude to its partners, the National Independent Venue Foundation, Marauder, Bandsintown, D Tour, Midtopia, Folk Alliance International, NAMM, 2112, Backstage Social, Tossware, FestForums, New Orleans & Company, Consequence of Sound, ROSTR and Good Land Supply Co., whose collaboration and support contribute significantly to the conference's success.
REGISTRATION & HOTEL INFORMATION
Register for NIVA ‘24 and book hotels at discounted rates here.
Non-member conference passes are available.
ABOUT NIVA
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) represents independent music and comedy venues, promoters, and festivals throughout the U.S. NIVA led the #SaveOurStages campaign, culminating in landmark legislation in 2020 that established the $16 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program.
NIVA's mission is to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent live venues, promoters, and festivals throughout the United States. NIVA is committed to equity in its support and advocacy for independent venues and seeks to create and encourage opportunities for venues, promoters, and festivals owned, operated, and staffed by people of color, women, non-binary, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities.
CONTACT
Lucky Break PR
Kris Ferraro, Kris@luckybreakpr.com
Mike Stommel, Mike@luckybreakpr.com
