National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) Conference June 7-10

Join NIVA for the fifth annual conference — landing in Minneapolis for bold conversations, compelling programming, and performances you won’t forget.

Concert professionals from all over the country will come to Minneapolis from June 7–10 for the fifth annual National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) Conference. NIVA was created during the COVID‑19 pandemic to help protect music venues, and this event is mostly for people who work in the music industry. But it will also include live performances and show off Minneapolis as a great place for music.

The conference, presented with the City of Minneapolis, will highlight the Twin Cities’ strong music history and independent venues. It will include expert panels, keynote talks, networking events, and special activities.

• Arrive Saturday, June 6 and catch the Prince Celebration produced by the Prince Estate, featuring a Prince Singalong. A one-of-a-kind night in the city that shaped one of music's greatest legacies.

• Fellow NIVA member Hennepin Arts is offering discount admission and reduced service fees on tickets to the touring Broadway musical performances of "The Great Gatsby" June 2 - 7 at Orpheum Theatre.

• Our Opening Party kicks off Sunday, June 7 at First Avenue, an iconic venue and the perfect way to start off four days of community.

• All daytime conference programming is walkable and will be hosted at: Hennepin Event Center, Pantages Theatre, and Dudley Riggs Theatre. 

• The networking doesn’t stop after the sessions end! Happy Hours hosted throughout the week at The Dakota, Hennepin Event Center & Rooftop, and Green Room. 

• Wrap up Monday's daytime programming at the NIVA '26 Night Cap presented by Eventbrite at Icehouse.

Learn more at NIVA | National Independent Venue Association