NIVA ‘24, the third annual conference of the National Independent Venue Association, took place from June 2-5 with expert-led panels, workshops, networking, and incredible live music. The conference was hosted in New Orleans across multiple iconic NIVA member venues with the highest NIVA conference attendance to date of approximately 1,300 attendees.

Throughout the conference, more than 150 industry experts led discussions on the current state of safety, technology, maximizing revenue, inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, booking, ticketing, and marketing. Impactful panels included discussions on proposed legislation to protect consumers, artists, and venues from predatory ticketing practices with experts educating the audience on the issues and suggesting ways for attendees to take action to create change in the ticketing industry. The diverse panels also highlighted the importance of best venue practices on everything from public safety and security.

“The independent live community made our conference in New Orleans four days we’ll never forget. NIVA strives to be a place to learn about the issues, solutions, and best practices that uniquely apply to independent stages and the people that ensure shows happen,” said NIVA Executive Director Stephen Parker . “Our industry showed up and meaningfully contributed to those conversations. What we saw and heard makes our hearts full. We hope it energizes our entire sector for the important work ahead throughout the year.”

Attendees enjoyed an incredible NIVA roll out of live music nightly. The conference kicked off with the Official Opening Party, presented by Lyte at Tipitina’s, with performances by EIGHTLOCK and George Porter Jr. & Runnin Pardners, and special NOLA second line parade from Generations Hall Happy Hour, presented by Etix, leading attendees to the NIVA Gras, presented by Eventbrite, at Republic NOLA with performances by Rebirth Brass Band and Tank and the Bangas, plus a NIVA Night in NOLA on Frenchmen Street at multiple NIVA member venues ending with Live Music Society Lounge at d.b.a and NITO at Blue Nile.

Parker announced the election of two new board members during the Opening Session and State of the Live Address. Sean Watterson, President and Co­-Owner of The Happy Dog in Cleveland and Katie Tuten, Founder and Co-Owner of The Hideout in Chicago, both founding members of NIVA, will serve as industry and community champions for NIVA.

“Sean and Katie have been critical to the live community that NIVA has built as state and local leaders, vocal advocates for independent stages, and passionate representatives for the needs of the nation’s smallest venues,” said Stephen Parker, NIVA Executive Director.“Their leadership, along with the leadership of our re-elected and continuing Board members, will be critical as NIVA strengthens our state and local policy development and undertakes research that will show the world the tremendous impact independent live entertainment has on the nation.”

Re-elected to the NIVA Board are Andre Perry from University of Iowa’s Hancher Auditorium (currently serving as Board President), Audrey Fix Schaefer from I.M.P. and the 9:30 Club (currently serving as Board Vice President), Brad Grossman from Helium Comedy Club (currently serving as Board Treasurer), Grace Blake from City Winery, and Kira Karbocus from Newport Festivals Foundation. Board members continuing their service are Hal Real from World Cafe Live, Jamie Loeb from Nederlander Concerts, Jim Brunberg from Revolution Hall and Mississippi Studios (currently serving as Board Vice President), and Shahida Mausi from The Right Productions and The Aretha Amphitheater.

“We are the most unique, effective places for supporting artist voices and bringing our people together in rural, suburban, and urban America. Just like New Orleans, we have been and will remain a vital element of this nation’s character, its economy, its soul,” said Andre Perry, NIVA Board President in a speech during NIVA ‘24. “From the smallest to the biggest of us, it can be really hard to move through these current times, but that’s one of the reasons we are here to affirm community, to strengthen our connection.”

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. It 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.

You can learn more about The National Independent Venue Association here.