NIVA Unveils Conference Programming

 The National Independent Venue Association has announced the initial programming for NIVA ‘26, its fifth annual national conference taking place June 7-10 in Minneapolis.

NIVA ’26 will spotlight the Twin Cities’ rich music history and independent venue ecosystem, with programming taking place across some of Minneapolis’ most iconic spaces, including, Hennepin Event Center, Pantages Theatre and Dudley Riggs Theatre with additional events at The Dakota and Green Room. 

“At a time when the live sector is navigating rising costs, industry consolidation, and rapid change, NIVA ’26 is about coming together to share ideas, build relationships, and move the industry forward,” said Stephen Parker, Executive Director of NIVA. “This conference will address the challenges and opportunities that matter most to the independent live space right now while looking ahead to ensure a better future.”

Attendees can expect panel discussions led by industry experts, keynote conversations, networking opportunities and special events designed to foster collaboration across the independent live community with panel topics that include: National Ticket Resale Price Cap Laws; Fundraising; Performing Rights Organizations Policy; and Rethinking Food & Beverage Revenue as Drinking Habits Change. 

NIVA 26’ will kick off with an opening night party, A Celebration of Prince, presented by EVENTIM, taking place at First Avenue and 7th Street Entry on June 7. The night will honor Minneapolis’ legacy as a music city, coinciding with a special Prince birthday celebration.

“We’re proud to be back at NIVA as presenting sponsor, especially as we start a new chapter for Eventbrite. We’re excited to spend time together, listen, and build real relationships that last beyond the conference. Supporting the independent live scene is core to what we’re focused on right now. We’re putting serious effort into making sure Eventbrite truly meets the needs of this community—and we’re committed to getting it right,” said Andrea Parodi, General Manager of Eventbrite.

NIVA ‘26 Featured Daytime Programming:

• Keynote: A Discussion with Carly James
  • Carly James, Music Touring Agent, Creative Artist Agency (CAA)
  • Taylor Mims, Senior Editor, Billboard

• State of Play: Fundraising in 2026 & 2027
  • Andre Perry, Executive Director, Hancher Auditorium
  • Paige Samek, Development Director, The Englert
  • Rachel Kesley, Director of Strategic Partnerships, National Independent Venue Association
  • Torrie Allen, President & CEO, Arts Midwest

• Latin Music Isn’t One Sound — It’s a Universe
  • Jorge Hernandez Jr., Chief Experience Liaison, Los Tigres Del Norte
  • David Zamora, CEO, Zamora Live
  • Peggy Dold, CEO, Navigation Partners LLC

• Nonprofit & PAC Networking, presented by the National Independent Venue Foundation
  • Andre Perry, Executive Director, Hancher Auditorium
  • Laura Wilson, Head of Live Music, Bohemian Foundation

• Badass Bookers
  • Jake Samuels, Director of Music, 16″ On Center & Talent Buyer for The Salt Shed
  • Jen Bell, Co-Head of Booking at I.M.P. / Talent Buyer for 930 Club and Lincoln Theatre, I.M.P.
  • Jordan Anderson, Talent Buyer, The Bellwether and Another Planet Entertainment
  • Megan Loveless, Talent Buyer, The Blue Room at Third Man Records

• Let’s Get Into the Weeds with Meta
  • Ashley Bradbury-Kane, Sr. Client Partner, Live Events, Meta
  • Jamie Loeb, SVP, Marketing, Nederlander Concerts

• Beyond Meta & Google: What Else Can We Use to Get Butts in Seats?
  • Emily Hoar, Marketing, Outset
  • Keona Blocker, Marketing Director, Rival Entertainment, Center Stage, The Loft, & Vinyl
  • Kyah Orr, Director of Marketing & Communications, Dakota
  • Laura Regan, Operator, Presents
  • Lennora Jules, Chief Marketing Officer, The Pabst Theater Group
  • Nick Faulkner, Music Team Connector, Natalie’s Grandview

• A Generational Sound: Jimmy Jam & Cornbread Harris
  • Andrea Swensson, Music Journalist, Slingshot Annie LLC
  • Cornbread Harris, Musician
  • Jimmy Jam, Songwriter and Producer

• PAC & Nonprofit Marketing: Selling the Show, Serving the Mission
  • Ashley Ryan, Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
  • Cat Dooley, Senior Marketing Manager, The Englert Theatre
  • Colleen Debler, Director of Marketing, Bank of America Performing Arts Center

• Finally: Real Google Answers for Independent Stages
  • Ashley Baronfeld, Founder, AshBar Advisors
  • Katrina Turnbow, Founder and CEO, Kanopi Social

• Last Call? Rethinking F&B Revenue as Drinking Habits Change
  • Intro by Adam Bunge, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ideal3
  • Chris Mozena, Executive Director, The Hook & Ladder
  • Megan Poepping-Widor, Hemp-Derived Sales and Brand Manager, Bernicks
  • Sam Calagione, Brewer + Founder, Dogfish Head
  • Tyler Klimas, Principal, Leaf Street Strategies

• Fan Fair Pricing: Inside the State Fight for Ticket Resale Protections
  • Jason Webb, Co-Founder, Tixel 
  • Kendall Gilvar, Strategic Communications and Project Manager, National Independent Venue Association
  • Susan McClure, Executive Director, Vermont Arts Council
  • Alex Torres, Vice-President and Co-Founder, Golden Bear Strategies 

• Alternative Programming: Turning Dark Nights into Bright Opportunities
  • John Torres, General Manager, Park City Music Hall
  • Matt Beringer, COO/Talent Buyer, Pabst Theater Group
  • TJ Olsen, Managing Partner and Talent Buyer, Bar Freda
  • Velena Vego, Talent Buyer, 40 Watt Club

• PROs, Policy, and the Live Music Economy
  • Ella Yates, Director of Member Services and Coalitions, House Judiciary Committee
  • Nathaniel Marro, Executive Director, National Independent Talent Organization
  • Michael Dorf, Founder, City Winery
  • Tobi Parks, Owner, xBk; D-Tour; Tour Tech

• What Does Grassroots Marketing Look Like in 2026?
  • Intro by Abbie Riley, Live Music, Spotify 
  • Camilla Grayson, Marketing Director, The Masquerade
  • Liz Pjesky, Head of Marketing/Ticketing, High Road Touring
  • Meredith Hurley, Marketing & Partnerships Manager, Emo Nite

• Protecting & Advocating for Indies at the Local Level
  • Jaclyn Zapata, Program Specialist, Texas Music Office
  • Kim Warnick, Culture Lab Director, Western States Center
  • Scott Mohler, Executive Director, Maine Music Alliance
  • Virginie Nadimi, Strategic Advisor, Seattle Department of Transportation

• Fireside Chat with Volume
  • Howie Schnee, Director of Artist and Venue Partnerships, Volume.com
  • Jon Romero, Chief Growth Officer, Volume.com

• The Minneapolis Sound: Artists Shaping It
  • Andrea Swensson, Music Journalist, Slingshot Annie LLC
  • Dessa Wander, Musician, Doomtree Records
  • Lori Barbero, Musician/Drummer, Babes in Toyland
  • Tommy Stinson, Musician

• Why We Chose It: NIVA Members on Their Ticketing Platforms
  • Aly Gomaa, Levitation & Austin Psych Fest
  • Barrie Buck, Owner, 40 Watt Club
  • Rebecca Throne, Ticketing Consultant, Art of Ticketing
  • Michael Strauss, Director of Ticketing, Rising Sun Presents
  • Nate Kranz, General Manager and Booking Agent, First Avenue
  • Ryan Wisgerhof, Talent Buyer, Union Stage
  • Sean Lynch, President / Booker, 1111 Entertainment / Pub Station

• Precision Over Volume: The New Rules of Email Engagement
  • Brittany Einberger, Marketing Director, The Pabst Theater Group
  • Kaitlyn Moore, General Manager, mtheory
  • KC Turner, Concert Promoter, KC Turner Presents

• Yes, Touring is More Expensive, But is it Possible to Tour More Efficiently?
  • Intro by Hope Parkin, Owner/Founder, Settle It Best Consulting, LLC
  • CJ Strock, Agent, Red Light Management
  • Ethan Berlin, Agent & Partner, Roam Artists
  • Shelley Grayson, Associate Business Manager, FBMM
  • Matt “Smitty” Smith, Talent Buyer, The UC Theatre

• The Live List: Artist Development in the Indie Ecosystem
  • Jake Diamond, Marketing Director, Union Stage Presents
  • Kathryn Callahan, Manager, LoyalT
  • Tara Fortunato, Music Program Director, Tito’s Handmade Vodka

• Merch. Why Do We Treat It Like the Redheaded Stepchild?
  • Chris Moon, Artist Relations Director, Ambient Inks
  • Jay Steele, Artist Manager, TT Management

Happy Hours:

• Monday, June 8— NIVA ‘26 Kickoff Happy Hour presented by Etix at the Dakota
• Tuesday, June 9 — A Toast to Artist Teams and Bookers Happy Hour presented by Boston Beer Company at The Hennepin Events Center
• Wednesday, June 10 — Closing Happy Hour presented by AdReach at Green Room

Networking Events: 

• Facilitated Industry Vertical Networking Lunches
  • Monday
    • Festivals
    • Small Venues
  • Tuesday
    • Booking
    • Ticketing
    • Non-Profit Presenters & Performing Arts Centers
  • Wednesday
    • Marketing
    • Operations

• Marketing Office Hours with Meta and Google
• Agent & Booker Hub
  • NIVA and NITO’s Booker Row – hosted meeting spaces for venues, promoters, and festivals to connect with agents
  • Agent-Booker Networking Lunch
  • A Salute to Booking Mixer

Daily Activations: 

• The AXS Working Lounge, a quiet space for attendees to work, meet, and recharge
• The NIVA Exhibit Hall, sponsors and industry partners connect directly with attendees
• The Alley Bar, outdoor networking space with complimentary beverages throughout the conference
• Recovery Unplugged provides wellness resources during the conference in support of individuals in recovery

Additional Events:

• Opening Night Party: A Celebration of Prince — presented by EVENTIM, in partnership with Ideal3 at First Avenue
  • Featuring Minneapolis Artist Showcase presented by Electro Voice at 7th Street Entry 
• First Timers Event — presented by the NIVA IDEA Committee learn how the conference works, connect with fellow first-timers, and hear helpful tips 
• Salute to Independent Venues in Minneapolis & St. Paul – explore legendary NIVA member venues across Minneapolis and St. Paul on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, featuring live music, comedy, and dance parties
• End Overdose Training Session- get naloxone training with End Overdose, which provides NIVA members with free naloxone and fentanyl test strips.