NIVA Reveals Details for Second Annual Conference 

The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) will host its latest conference this July in Washington, D.C.

The association — which successfully lobbied for the $16.25 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) for indie venues struggling through the pandemic — will bring together its members from July 10-12. The inaugural NIVA Conference was held last year in Cleveland with more than 650 members in attendance.

The 2023 edition will focus on topics including industry diversity, mental health, safety, insurance, the economic impact of live entertainment, booking, artist development, ticketing and the role of live entertainment in policymaking. NIVA ‘23 will also give members the opportunity to engage with the organization’s federal and national partners on Capitol Hill, in the Biden administration and throughout the D.C. region.

“In welcoming the NIVA conference to the District, we look forward to showcasing the independent venues and creatives who keep D.C. the capital of creativity,” said Washington, D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser in a release. “And we have a lot to be proud of — from our vibrant Go Go scene, to the venues that have hosted and built generations of music fans, to the festivals that bring Washingtonians together year after year. D.C. residents love going to festivals and shows and supporting artists, and we know the important role our creative community will continue to play in D.C. ‘s comeback. We look forward to bringing NIVA members and industry experts together in D.C., and we’ll see you in July.”

In addition to a full slate of programming, organizers promise live performances, a pre-party on July 9 and an awards gala July 10 at independent venue The Anthem that will celebrate live entertainment’s contribution to the nation. Events will take place at multiple NIVA music and comedy venues across Washington, D.C. During the evenings, attendees can take advantage of concerts and performances happening every night of the conference as NIVA ‘23 coincides with National Independent Venue Week, making D.C. the epicenter of independent live music in the country the week of July 10.

“Thousands of music and comedy venues across the country spent 2020 and 2021 focused on making the case to Washington D.C. policymakers that small businesses in live entertainment needed help to prevent the permanent loss of stages in every community, and NIVA’s efforts led to the largest arts investment in U.S. history,” said NIVA’s recently appointed executive director Stephen Parker in a release. “This summer, the nation’s music and comedy community will return to D.C. to illustrate why the partnership between government and the independent live entertainment industry must continue beyond the pandemic, to forge the future for independent music and comedy venues, festivals and promoters and to demonstrate their place in America’s culture and economy.”

NIVA is partnering with the following member venues and festivals to bring the 2023 conference to Washington, D.C.: All Things Go, Black Cat, DC Improv, DC9 Nightclub, Down in the Reeds Festival, I.M.P. (The Anthem, 9:30 Club and Lincoln Theatre), Listen Local First D.C., National Cannabis Festival, Pearl Street Warehouse, Rhizome, Songbyrd Music House, The Hamilton, The Pie Shop, The Pocket, U Street Music Hall Presents and Union Stage.

Further details on the conference’s programming and speakers will be announced at a later date. Registration information can be found here.