Registration Open for NIVA ’25 in Milwaukee, Presented by Eventbrite

The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) announces registration is still open for NIVA ’25 presented by Eventbrite, taking place June 22nd to 25th, 2025, in Milwaukee.

The premier gathering of the nation’s independent live concert, comedy, promoter, venue, and festival industry, NIVA ‘25 will once again unite the independent live entertainment community with an immersive experience, featuring dynamic programming, educational panels, networking opportunities, live performances, and notable speakers from Meta, Snapchat, YouTube Music, Eventbrite, Wasserman, Riot Fest, BandsinTown, Billboard, and more.

Andre Perry, NIVA Board President and Executive Director of the University of Iowa’s Hancher Auditorium, comments:

“Each year of this conference, I am inspired by the vision, resilience, and talent within our community. We gather under one roof to share our best ideas, embrace each other, and drive the industry forward. Bringing NIVA ‘25 to Milwaukee is a dream. This city is independent, it’s vibrant, and it’s real. That’s what NIVA is about.”

NIVA ‘25 is presented by Eventbrite, a global events marketplace committed to championing the interests of the independent live entertainment industry. Eventbrite co-chairs Fix the Tix, a coalition that helps drive meaningful change to protect artists, fans, and independent venues by advocating for a better and safer ticketing experience. The company also serves as the exclusive partner of NIVA’s Industry Affairs Committee, which helps shape strategy for the broader live entertainment industry on all industry-related issues, initiatives, and programs.

Milwaukee’s selection as the host city underscores its rich history of live entertainment and an array of historic and modern venues. The following participating venues highlight Milwaukee’s charm and contribution to the national independent music scene. NIVA ‘25’s featured member venues include Cactus Club, The Rave/Eagles Club, Falcon Bowl, Linneman’s Riverwest Inn, Marcus Performing Arts Center, Miller High Life Theatre, Pabst Theater, Riverside Theater, Summerfest, The Cooperage, The Fitzgerald, Turner Hall Ballroom, Vivarium, Shank Hall, Baird Center, 4 Villa Theater, and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.

NIVA ‘25 takes place between the first two weekends of Summerfest 2025, Milwaukee’s internationally known and NIVA’s newest member. NIVA ‘25 attendees will have access to tours of the permanent festival grounds as well as complimentary admission to Summerfest. In addition, a Summerfest headline artist – to be announced at a later date – will deliver a keynote session at the conference.

Stephen Parker, NIVA Executive Director, says:

“The conference continues to be the space where live performance spaces and the people who work in them have a place to meet, learn, and forge stronger connections throughout the year. NIVA strives to be a place where solutions are conceived for the hard issues independent stages are facing in every aspect of their organizations, from booking to the box office. We’re excited to continue to grow the conference as our fourth year brings us to Milwaukee.”

Conference attendees will have access to a robust schedule designed to foster collaboration, learning, and celebration within the live entertainment community. Panels and keynote sessions take place from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm each day, allowing plenty of time for networking and live entertainment.

NIVA ‘25 kicks off on Sunday evening, June 22nd, with an exciting opening event at Pabst Theater, presented by Eventim, honouring industry icon Frank Riley and High Road Touring. Featuring great conversation, music, and more surprises, NIVA will pay tribute to Frank and HRT’s contribution to independent stages across the U.S. The evening will set the stage for an engaging and collaborative week with three full days of programming taking place at Miller High Life Theatre and Turner Hall, with a working lounge available all three days presented by AXS.

On Monday, June 23rd, activities begin with an operations networking session, followed by programming sessions and keynotes throughout the afternoon. The day concludes with a happy hour presented by Etix and the highly anticipated NIVA Brew City Bash at The Rave / Eagle’s Club.

Tuesday, June 24th, starts with a booking networking session presented by VenuePilot. A key highlight includes the Agent/Manager/Booker meet-up, alongside programming and happy hour at Turner Hall, presented by Prekindle.

NIVA ‘25 wraps up on Wednesday, June 25, at Miller High Life Theatre with a ticketing networking session presented by CashorTrade and additional programming at Turner Hall. The Marcus Performing Arts Center will host a happy hour, presented by Eventbrite, bringing the conference to an inspiring close.

More details on conference programming, exciting panels, and speakers to be announced soon.

Registration is open here. All conference registrants will be served breakfast and lunch each day. They will also experience complimentary drinks at happy hours each day and at the opening night party. All conference attendees will be invited to a special dinner event on Monday evening.

Non-member conference tickets are also available.

Additional information about registration, media credential applications, and host hotels is available here.