Indianapolis to Host NIVA Live Policy Summit
The Indiana Independent Venue Alliance (IIVA) is proud to share that Indianapolis will host the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) Live Policy Summit, presented by Tixel, on October 15–16, 2025, at HI-FI in Fountain Square. This important two-day gathering will bring together independent venue leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the country to address the pressing issues that continue to shape the live music ecosystem
Independent venues are vital to creative communities, and the policies that support or hinder them have a direct impact on artists, fans, and the local economies that depend on live performance. From ticketing reform and state incentives to zoning, sound ordinances and cultural planning; the conversations taking place in Indianapolis this fall will continue to provide a foundation for the future of live entertainment across the country.
We are especially proud that NIVA chose Indiana as the host for this year’s summit. Indianapolis has long been recognized as a city that knows how to host large-scale events and national conferences. By bringing the summit to Fountain Square, one of the city’s fastest-growing entertainment districts, we are able to showcase not only Indiana’s collaborative spirit and Hoosier hospitality but also the vibrant local culture that defines our music community. This summit will bring those strengths together, creating a welcoming and dynamic setting for meaningful conversations about the future of live entertainment.
Hosting this national policy discussion in Indiana also reflects the progress we’ve made together through the Independent Indiana Stages initiative and the strong partnerships built between IIVA, NIVA, and our local community. It is proof that our state has an important voice in national policy conversations and is committed to supporting independent live entertainment for the long term.
Josh Baker, Executive Director of the Indiana Independent Venue Alliance & Co-Owner of HI-FI, said:
“Independent venues have always found ways to adapt and survive, but the challenges we face today require thoughtful policy solutions and collaboration at every level. The Live Policy Summit is about bringing people together to address those challenges and make sure independent stages remain strong for the next generation. We are honored to host this discussion in Indianapolis, right in the heart of the country.”
About the Summit
Dates: Wednesday, October 15 – Thursday, October 16, 2025
Venue: HI-FI, 1043 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis, IN (Fountain Square)
Times: Full agenda and daily schedule will be announced soon
More Info & Registration: Register Now
The Live Policy Summit will feature sessions on:
State of Live: Why Live Entertainment Policy Matters
Sustaining Live: State Incentives and Live Performance Funds
Ticketing 101: The Landscape and Legislation
Cities and Live Policy
Navigating the PRO Licensing Landscape
Growing the Coalition for Change
By convening industry leaders, policymakers, and advocates in Indianapolis, the summit provides a chance to strengthen the independent live ecosystem, both here in Indiana and across the nation.
Sponsors and Partners
This event is presented by Tixel, with additional support from Tixr, Eventbrite, Meitus Strohm, Opendate, Prism and Sound Better with Tito’s.
Supporting partners include Indiana Independent Venue Alliance, HI-FI Indianapolis, Pattern, Backstage Social, Static Eye Design Co., and Maia Olmstead.
We look forward to welcoming colleagues from across the country this October and showing them how Indiana continues to lead with creativity, collaboration, and the hospitality that makes our community so unique.