International Festival Forum London
The prestigious International Festival Forum London (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.
Among the sessions, 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" 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.
Historic Venue The Ark Faces Development Crunch
Founded on 1965. Ann Arbor, Michigan's legendary music venue The Ark, 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.
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 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 (NIVA) is supporting the advancement of the bipartisan MAIN Event Ticketing Act, 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 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.
Free NIVF 'So You Wanna Start a Festival?' Webinar
The National Independent Venue Foundation (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.
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.
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