xBk staff advocate for independent live music at NIVA 2026

xBk staff advocate for independent live music at NIVA 2026

by Fred Love

MINNEAPOLIS – A contingent of xBk staff spent three days in Minneapolis last week participating in the 2026 National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) Conference, joining more than 1,400 venue operators, promoters, artists, agents, and industry leaders from across the country.

Gathering at iconic independent venues including First Avenue and the historic Pantages Theatre, attendees tackled some of the most pressing challenges facing live music today: artist compensation, ticketing reform, competition in the entertainment industry, accessibility, marketing, and the long-term sustainability of independent venues.

For xBk, the conference was about more than professional development. It was an opportunity to stand alongside thousands of advocates working to ensure independent artists, independent venues, and music fans continue to have a place in an increasingly consolidated entertainment landscape.

“So much great music begins on independent stages, and NIVA works tirelessly to strengthen the independent live music ecosystem,” said xBk owner Tobi Parks. “At xBk, our independence isn’t just part of our business model. It’s part of our mission. We believe artists deserve fair opportunities, fans deserve authentic experiences, and local communities deserve vibrant cultural spaces.”

Here are five highlights from NIVA 2026:

1. Tobi Parks-led PRO discussion. xBk owner Tobi Parks led a panel discussion including industry professionals and government experts on how performing rights organizations compensate creators. The process suffers from opaque business practices, and panel participants explored potential remedies to make sure songwriters are paid for their talent and the live music industry more equitable.
2. The Fix The Tix Coalition, which champions fan-first and artist-friendly ticketing reform, launched an online hub designed to help fans take immediate action when they encounter misleading, fraudulent and exploitative ticket resale practices. The online hub allows anyone who believes they’ve been targeted by fraudulent ticketing practices to fill out a report with their ticketing provider, advocate for ticketing reform with policymakers and post about their experiences with predatory ticketing on social media.
3. LiveNation-Ticketmaster verdict discussion. The opening session concluded with a panel composed of former U.S. Department of Justice antitrust leaders Roger Alford and David Dahlquist, and Wall Street Journal antitrust reporter Dave Michaels, examining the implications of the landmark Live Nation-Ticketmaster verdict and the future of competition in live entertainment. In April, a federal grand jury found Live Nation-Ticketmaster liable for anti-competitive practices that systematically overcharged consumers across 22 states from 2022 to 2024.
4. Live Independent Badge. NIVA and Bandsintown have launched LiveIndependent.com, a certification program that helps music fans identify venues that are independent, pay performers fairly and support a fair and competitive marketplace for live performances.
5. Plans were announced for Live Independent Month and Live Independent Day coming in the summer of 2027. This effort will highlight and celebrate the efforts of independent venues nationwide while offering fans special behind-the-scenes promotions with their favorite venues. Further details about when this celebration will take place are forthcoming.

The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is the national trade association representing thousands of independent live entertainment venues, festivals, promoters, and related businesses. Since its founding, NIVA has become a leading voice for preserving the independent live music economy through advocacy, education, research, and community building.

Parks, who has been active in NIVA since its inception, serves as board vice president for the National Independent Venue Foundation, NIVA’s 501(c)3 charitable sister organization. Four members of the xBk team attended this year’s conference.

The importance of independent live music extends far beyond the stage. According to NIVA’s 2024 State of Live report, independent venues, festivals, and promoters in Iowa generated $588.6 million in total economic output, supported 2,663 jobs, contributed $266.4 million directly to the state’s GDP, and generated $38 million in annual state and local tax revenue.

Those figures underscore what independent venue operators have long understood: live music is not only a cultural asset but an economic engine that strengthens local communities.

“We’re excited for staff to continue implementing new ideas at xBk as a result of the collaboration and innovation spurred by NIVA,” Parks said. “Events like this help us create better experiences for artists, fans, staff, and everyone who makes live music possible. We’re proud to be an independent voice in Iowa and to continue fighting for a live music industry that is fair, vibrant, and accessible for everyone.”