At NIVA Conference, Venue Owners Celebrate Live Music’s Comeback but Cite Challenges: ‘I Thought We’d Be Hitting the Roaring ’20s by Now’
variety.comAnnie Zaleski When the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) scheduled its first annual conference in Cleveland, Ohio, for July 11-12, it set a modest attendance goal of around 350 people.
The two-day event exceeded expectations: Nearly 600 people registered for a gathering that included solutions-driven panel discussions, robust networking and packed concerts at various Cleveland independent venues.The mood was indeed upbeat at a Monday night happy-hour mixer and awards ceremony at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Attendees shared drinks on the museum’s plaza in balmy (if windy) summer weather and then headed into the building for the lively Independent AF Awards, which honored innovators (and innovations) within the event and touring space.
NIVA’s pause for reflection and celebration was well-deserved. Formed in April 2020, the non-profit trade organization was integral in ensuring Congress passed the Save Our Stages Act in late 2020.
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