NIVA 2025: WHERE REAL CONVERSATIONS HAPPEN

Last week, we joined venue managers, promoters, and leaders across the live event space in Milwaukee for NIVA 2025—and let’s just say, the conversations didn’t disappoint.

This wasn’t a conference full of sales pitches. It was a gathering of people who care deeply about keeping independent venues alive, vibrant, and successful. For us at Sellout, it was a chance to listen, learn, and realign our efforts to better serve the venues we support.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE WEEK

1. THE INDUSTRY IS HUNGRY FOR SMARTER, MORE SUPPORTIVE MARKETING

AI is on everyone’s mind—but what stood out was that venues don’t just want smarter tools; they want smarter support. Teams are tired of being left alone with complex platforms and inconsistent results. They’re looking for ticketing partners who show up with marketing strategies, creative assets, and hands-on help.

Takeaway: We’re doubling down on marketing support, from real-time content ideas to data-driven ad campaigns that actually convert.

2. VENUES DON'T JUST WANT A PLATFORM—THEY WANT A PARTNER

“Customer service” came up again and again. Many venue managers shared stories about being left in the dark during high-pressure moments—pre-sales, sell-outs, tech glitches. What they need isn’t just a system; it’s a team they can count on.

Takeaway: We’re proud of our under-3-minute response time, and we’re committed to staying personal, accessible, and present.

3. TICKETING FEES: THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

There was no avoiding it—ticketing fees remain one of the biggest sources of frustration for both venues and fans. Transparency matters, and everyone is asking for more control, clarity, and fairness.

Takeaway: Our pricing remains transparent, no hidden fees, and no subscriptions. We're ready to help venues keep more of what they earn—without losing trust from fans.

4. TECH SHOULD BE POWERFUL—BUT NOT OVERWHELMING

The future of ticketing includes AI, automation, and better analytics—but it shouldn’t feel like a full-time job to figure out how to use it. Venue teams need solutions that simplify, not complicate.

Takeaway: We’re focused on building an experience that’s intuitive, streamlined, and customizable without the tech headache.

SO, WHAT'S NEXT?

We’re heading home from Milwaukee with more than just notes—we’re bringing back renewed focus, deeper empathy, and a bigger commitment to the venues that make this industry what it is.

We’ll be taking what we heard directly from venue managers and weaving it into our platform updates, service offerings, and marketing support.

LET'S KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING

Whether we met at NIVA or you’re just learning about Sellout, we’d love to connect.

• Contact us or schedule a demo

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