The U.S. independent live entertainment community is gathering in Minneapolis June 7-10 for NIVA ’26, the fifth annual national conference of the The National Independent Venue Association.
The event brings together independent venue owners, promoters, bookers, agents and service providers to tackle the most pressing issues in the live music ecosystem.
This week NIVA announced the full schedule sessions and events to be hosted at some of Minneapolis’ iconic NIVA member venues, including Hennepin Event Center, Pantages Theatre, and Dudley Riggs Theatre.
The week kicks off Sunday, June 7 with an Opening Night Party: A Celebration of Prince, presented by EVENTIM, at First Avenue with a local showcase in 7th Street Entry sponsored by Electro Voice and Spotify.
Networking at NIVA ’26 doesn’t end after daytime programming. There’s Nightcap at Icehouse presented by Eventbrite, as well as Happy Hours at The Dakota presented by Etix, Hennepin Event Center presented by Boston Beer Co, and Green Room presented by Adreach.
It’s not to late to join the fun. Explore the schedule here.
NIVA 26 Highlights
Badass Bookers
Monday June 8 5:15 PM – 6:45 PM at the Hennepin Event Center 3rd Floor
Badass Bookers will cover topics specific to talent buying in the new live music industry, what is changing, what artists can do to adjust to venues shifting economics, and so much more. Panelists:
- 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
Learn more here.
Downtown & Beyond: A Special Fireside Chat between Fabrice Sergent and Justin Kalifowitz
Wednesday, June 10 on the Pantages Theater Main Stage from 3:00pm – 3:45pm
Bandsintown’s Fabrice Sergent sits down with entrepreneur and investor Justin Kalifowitz for a conversation about the evolution of independent music, the future of live experiences, and the growing convergence of culture, community, and physical space. From building Downtown Music Holdings into a global music infrastructure platform to now investing across experience-driven businesses, Kalifowitz shares his perspective on what comes next for the independent ecosystem.
Check out the full NIVA ’26 schedule here.
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