> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.hypebot.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Live Music Industry News: The Latest - URL: https://www.hypebot.com/live-music-industry-news-23/ - Published: 2026-09-03T17:48:10.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-03T17:48:10.000Z - Description: Live Music Industry News: IFF LDN nears, Ark threatened, new Ticketmaster app, NIVA lobbies ticket bills, free NIVF festival webinar and more. - Author: Bruce Houghton - Tags: live music industry, live music industry news, live music business, live music business news, IFF LDN, The Ark, NIVA, Ticketmaster, music news, live music news, News ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3a/95/3a957c06-c825-4057-9939-0a274cc16d23/content/images/2026/09/IFF-LDN-Large-scaled-1.webp) ### **International Festival Forum London** The prestigious [**International Festival Forum London** ](https://iff.rocks/?ref=hypebot.com)**(IFF LDN)** kicks off **September 7-9**, bringing together an invite-only list of 1,000 booking agents and festival professionals. It's not too late to request an invite [here](https://iff.rocks/register/?ref=hypebot.com). Among the [sessions](https://iff.rocks/schedule/?ref=hypebot.com), **Bandsintown** managing partner **Fabrice Sergent** and **Markus Hetzenegger** of **NYBA** are presenting an innovative workshop "[**Beyond the Headliner: How AI Turns Your Line-up into Ticket Sales**](https://iff.rocks/event/workshop-beyond-the-headliner-how-ai-turns-your-line-up-into-ticket-sales/?ref=hypebot.com)" that will explore how AI-powered discovery helps festivals unlock the value of every artist on the bill, how to convert that attention into ticket sales and using AI across creative, campaigns and audience targeting. ![The Ark Ann ArborHistoric Venue The Ark Faces Development Crunch](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3a/95/3a957c06-c825-4057-9939-0a274cc16d23/content/images/2026/09/The-Ark-Ann-Arbor-1.jpeg) ### **Historic Venue The Ark Faces Development Crunch** Founded on 1965\. Ann Arbor, Michigan's legendary music venue [**The Ark**](https://theark.org/?ref=hypebot.com)**,** is battling major disruptions as the city finalizes a **$17.4 million sale** of the adjacent 144-space public parking lot. A developer will replace it with a high-density, luxury high-rise apartment complex. The complete removal of ground-level parking and designated handicap spaces directly behind the venue threatens to alienate patrons and those with mobility challenges. The Ark staff will also have to navigate a narrow, shared alleyway that will also handle the high-rise's utility infrastructure, squeezing crucial backstage load-in and load-out access for touring artists. ### **New Ticketmaster App** **Ticketmaster** launched a **new consumer app** designed to increase personalization. New features include a **Watchlist** for tracking upcoming events, an updated **Favorites** tool for following artists and a refreshed **Home** with categories like **For You, Trending,** and **Last Minute** that surface events tailored to each fan’s preferences. ![New Ticketmaster App](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3a/95/3a957c06-c825-4057-9939-0a274cc16d23/content/images/2026/09/Blog-Hero-TM-App-Launch-2-1.webp) While valuable for tracking **Ticketmaster** events and tickets, the app is missing most of the 60-7o% tickets available to non-stadium and arena shows ticketed by **AXS, Etix, See Tickets, DICE, Eventim** and other ticketing companies. Independent platforms like[**Bandsintown**](https://www.bandsintown.com/?ref=hypebot.com) combine concerts from Ticketmaster and all of these sources. ### **NIVA Supports National MAIN Event Ticketing Act, Urges CA Bill Veto** The [**National Independent Venue Association**](https://click.mail.nivassoc.org/f/a/EqFGgnvcnqx7T5Ohq9MoFw~~/AAJOsRA~/ON4fhUx0KkXS43u9MHRQ9vsM6XBW1vdQPdmxs58AlA9zYmQst9h2njurMGzoUtpsFpxV2bkFoklNTegAuegw7DU9pqi78Z%5FFNSsqB0BWC8wtImmBNZZjrIZq%5F9POZE7lcxChi6G4kc238cMeDk1KpT1CJb0Slv3AXq8ayokTNEQ59HM8hJvpFd-XNPSXFvekHN-FkaeawrKFbSbUjNaU-0JulSedEvQDYaoxLuqDWQFJqpLwSswdcBy8gWjV8WShSD08SLLrqRVfBn0q2YBHVtT3NLWAmAMHcLuOjDQk42ZZ3tfgjgx2ZMBEJY-8R3UHzRufcINAl6GoNNs9QBqUTbQLomfzdEoa-CfcTUmR5Io70dsiwEcdXHWmKW298kFL?ref=hypebot.com) **(NIVA)** is supporting the advancement of the bipartisan [**MAIN Event Ticketing Act**](https://click.mail.nivassoc.org/f/a/fwDrgRCX6DzTiVy92fvvrw~~/AAJOsRA~/rK-dT5lDGZIpPQLNO%5F1oRYIqzJAHePtoimKy4IRRmJ93ThsFdhcFkMZx4WZu4xE-M7YvfRmfS5IJZeOFEZ-tJc32cKCs00804sAxQ8h7nxiETBRMT3QOfXHYT3fJsId9p-l44bfjDi00HLCyyQDvMlm5XTBFV3YAtGJtMAJRU7dRcyngNeOG-iI4D5eHbyL31U8yfL8K3kAfbLf4n7CB5hNeJ6jnoM56KM778M7UzlsKOM3CuFqpBbUC6gd%5FhnpMK7PuQmbHSlAc2AjS0Y7cvE2PVsGgqQ9qyRmXYE41VUfv0i8AKHDwe5ELCV15B3ZgiU6AMSt5uFiO4yf6RV6NcU-w89P%5FZayJsrUg6q7gtGQYbT9bYJTDkck0TMZd%5F0SZqGo5HPcUoRz2AK9iSMnNL3eVZPsMl7ftEyms6DLHBl-asfgPLe-G9wWWRk0NGLEG?ref=hypebot.com), which will strengthen enforcement against illegal ticket bots and give regulators more tools to protect fans and the live entertainment ecosystem. The House bill, introduced by Representatives **Diana Harshbarger** (R-Tenn.) and **Troy A. Carter, Sr.** (D-La.), advanced out of the House Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee by voice vote this week. Its Senate companion, led by **Senators Marsha Blackburn** (R-Tenn.) and **Ben Ray Luján** (D-N.M.), has cleared the Senate Commerce Committee and been placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar. **In California,** following the late night passage of **California Assembly Bill** **1349 (AB 1349)**, NIVA is [**calling on Governor Gavin Newsom**](https://www.hypebot.com/california-ticket-bill-ab-1349-passes-niva-calls-for-veto/) **to veto** the legislation. What began as an effort to ban speculative 'ghost' ticket sales was altered in final legislative sessions, creating major loopholes that NIVA says protect multi-billion-dollar resale platforms while shifting more legal liability onto independent venues, artists, and fans. **More** [**here**](https://www.hypebot.com/california-ticket-bill-ab-1349-passes-niva-calls-for-veto/)**.** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3a/95/3a957c06-c825-4057-9939-0a274cc16d23/content/images/2026/09/NIVF-1.webp) ### **Free NIVF 'So You Wanna Start a Festival?' Webinar** The[**National Independent Venue Foundation**](https://www.nivf.org/?ref=hypebot.com) **(NIVF)** is hosting a free webinar **"So You Wanna Start a Festival?"** in partnership with **Coalition of Festivals and Major Events (COFAME)**. On September 17, 2026 at 3:30 PM featured speakers include: - **Evan Tzeng** — Coalition of Festivals and Major Events (COFAME), serving as moderator - **Michael “MA” Allegretto** — Live Event Producer with Oceanside Production Services. MA has led production for festivals and events including FORM Arcosanti, FWB Fest, Hulaween, North Coast, SXSW, and more. - **Timothy Liam Epstein, Esq.** — Partner at Duggan Bertsch, LLC and a nationally recognized entertainment attorney who advises festivals, promoters, venues, and events on contracts, risk management, insurance, and other legal and business considerations. - **Register free** [**here**](https://www.nivf.org/event-registration-so-you-wanna-start-a-festival??ref=hypebot.com)**.** ### Venues Ban Smart Glasses As wearable tech like **Meta's smart glasses** surge in popularity, a growing number of live music venues, dance clubs and festivals are pushing back. Citing privacy and consent concerns, live event spaces are updating their policies to explicitly prohibit smart glasses from entering their premises. In addition to to protecting the privacy of patrons and venue staff, the bans help enforce the rights of performing artists to not be recorded without permission. [**Read the full story here.**](https://www.hypebot.com/more-music-venues-ban-smart-glasses-to-protect-fan-privacy/) --- ***Get the latest Live Music & Industry News updated continuously from across the web under the Hypebot Industry News tab*** [***here***](https://www.hypebot.com/music-industry-news-feed/)***.*** ## Hypebot Essential news & insights for artists and live music pros. Sign up for free weekly content delivered to your inbox Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup.