2 Weeks Away: NIVA Live Policy Summit Returns To Indianapolis
NIVA Live Policy Summit Returns to Indianapolis Oct. 26–27 at HI-FI
The Indiana Independent Venue Alliance (IIVA) is proud to partner with the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) to host the 2026 NIVA Live Policy Summit, taking place Oct. 26–27 at HI-FI in Indianapolis.
The two-day summit will bring independent venue operators, promoters, festivals, industry leaders, policymakers and advocacy professionals from across the country together for practical conversations, workshops and networking focused on strengthening independent music and live performance.
With attendees traveling to Indianapolis from across the region and beyond, the Live Policy Summit is designed to turn advocacy into action. The program will give independent live professionals practical tools for working with elected officials, navigating state and local government, communicating across the political spectrum and building stronger support for independent stages in their own communities.
TWO DAYS OF POLICY, ADVOCACY + CONNECTION
Regional live entertainment leaders discuss secondary market ticketing challenges at the 2025 NIVA Live Policy Summit at HI-FI in Indianapolis.
Programming begins at noon Monday, Oct. 26, and concludes at noon Tuesday, Oct. 27.
This year’s agenda looks ahead to 2027 and tackles several of the most important policy and advocacy issues facing the independent live community, including:
Setting the State & Local 2027 Agenda, with attendees helping identify priorities for music and live performance
Navigating 22+ New Governors & Executive Branches in 2027, with an inside look at how governors’ offices operate and how advocates can effectively build relationships
The State Legislative Agenda, including strategies for working with lawmakers, building coalitions and delivering effective testimony
Cities, Counties & Towns, exploring how local relationships and policy can help preserve independent stages, support emerging artists and strengthen communities
Messaging Across the Spectrum, with communications experts sharing strategies for reaching policymakers across political lines
How to Start a Music & Live Entertainment Office, featuring leaders who helped successfully advocate for the creation of the Kentucky Governor’s Music Office
Sessions include audience Q&A and interactive workshops designed to give attendees ideas and strategies they can take home and put to work.
LEARN FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE DONE THE WORK
The summit brings together speakers with experience inside government, state legislatures, national political organizations and independent music advocacy.
Featured participants include former National Governors Association leaders David Quam and Bill McBride; Jasper Hendricks III, executive director and CEO of the Black Legislative Leaders Network; Jessica Post, former president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee; Indiana State Sen. Andrea Hunley; Audrey Fix Schaefer of NIVA and I.M.P.; and independent music advocates and operators from across the country.
The closing session will feature leaders from Kentucky sharing the story behind the creation of the Kentucky Governor’s Music Office, including how the music community organized, developed bipartisan relationships and made the case for dedicated state support.
It’s exactly the kind of real-world case study the summit is built around: learning what has worked elsewhere and giving attendees tools to pursue meaningful progress in their own cities and states.
KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING
Monday’s programming concludes with the Live Policy Summit Happy Hour from 6–8 p.m. at HI-FI.
After a full afternoon of sessions and workshops, attendees will have a chance to connect with speakers, fellow independent venue operators, promoters and advocates from around the country.
Complimentary beverages will be provided by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Dogfish Head Brewery, Sun Cruiser Canned Cocktails and Stagewater.
JOIN US IN INDIANAPOLIS
NIVA Live Policy Summit 2026
Oct. 26–27, 2026
Noon Monday – Noon Tuesday
HI-FI Indianapolis
1043 Virginia Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Whether you operate a venue, promote shows, produce festivals, work in advocacy or are helping build a stronger independent live community in your city or state, the Live Policy Summit is an opportunity to connect with peers, learn from successful advocacy efforts and help shape the priorities ahead.
REGISTER FOR THE 2026 NIVA LIVE POLICY SUMMIT
Discounted Summit hotel rates are available at Tru by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown, The Alexander Hotel and Fountain View Inn while rooms remain available. Hotel booking information is provided following registration.
IIVA is proud to welcome the independent live community back to Indianapolis.