The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) released the full program lineup for its 2024 conference, taking place from June 2-5 in venues around New Orleans. The event gathers industry professionals, including members from Eventbrite, National Independent Talent Organization, Wasserman, United Talent Agency, Live Music Society, Spotify, Meta, Rolling Stone, Lyte, Billboard, Pollstar and hundreds of independent venues and promoters from across the country.
Throughout the conference, attendees will enjoy nightly entertainment, including performances by by George Porter Jr. & Runnin Pardners, Paul Reed Smith’s Eightlock, Rebirth Brass Band, Tank and The Bangas and a Second Line Street Parade showcasing the vibrant local culture of New Orleans.
The conference will feature an array of sessions addressing critical issues in the live entertainment industry, including marketing, ticketing, safety and advocacy. Notable sessions include discussions on topics like first-party data, the state of independent live entertainment as well as marketing and ticketing strategies.
The conference will also host networking sessions and panel discussions led by industry leaders. Key sessions include “The State of Music Journalism,” moderated by Rolling Stone’s Ethan Millman, and “Artistic Alchemy: Why Festivals are Music to Our Ears,” moderated by Laurie Kirby, Esq., owner and founder of FestForums. Other highlights include “Ticket Tyranny: The Unseen Grip of Market Dominance,” and a keynote conversation with prominent New Orleans musicians like Ivan Neville and Kermit Ruffins.
In addition to its educational components, NIVA ’24 will feature various social events designed to foster connections among attendees. These include happy hours presented by Etix, Prekindle and Live Music Society. For those unable to attend in person, the conference will be livestreamed via Volume.com.
NIVA, which represents independent music and comedy venues, promoters, and festivals throughout the U.S., has been at the forefront of advocacy for the live entertainment industry, notably leading the #SaveOurStages campaign that resulted in the $16 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program. The association’s mission is to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent live venues, promoters and festivals, with a commitment to equity and support for venues owned, operated and staffed by underrepresented groups.
For more information about NIVA ’24, including registration and the full schedule of events, visit the NIVA website.
