One of the panels we're most looking forward to at this year's National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) Conference is called "Badass Bookers."
The panel will cover topics specific to talent buying in the new live music industry, what is changing, what artists can do to adjust to venues shifting economics, and so much more. Below is an introduction to the four featured panelists of the forthcoming "Badass Bookers" panel.
Presented by Eventbrite, the event will take place June 7-10, 2026, in Minneapolis, MN, and brings together venue owners, promoters, bookers, agents and service providers to tackle the most pressing issues in the live music ecosystem. Check out the rest of the conference programming here.
Jordan Anderson
Talent Buyer at The Bellwether & Another Planet Entertainment (Los Angeles, CA)
Jordan Anderson is a Los Angeles based talent buyer and live music executive known for her work developing emerging artists and shaping influential venues. She began her career in Nashville, holding marketing and talent buying roles with organizations including AEG Presents and AC Entertainment, where she worked across multiple prominent venues and major tours.
In 2021, Anderson was named Talent Booker for the iconic Troubadour in West Hollywood, where she quickly built a reputation for championing rising talent and curating diverse lineups. During her tenure, she booked a wide range of artists including Chappell Roan, Raye, Medium Build, Laufey, and Sombr, among others. In 2024, she set a new Troubadour record by booking over 300 shows in a single year.
In 2025, she was appointed Senior Talent Buyer at The Bellwether, overseeing programming for multi-room venue and contributing to booking efforts across additional Another Planet Entertainment and Teragram Presents properties. Recognized for her strong artistic instincts and impact on the live music landscape, Anderson has become a respected voice in the live music ecosystem.
Jen Bell
Co-Head of Booking at I.M.P., 9:30 Club & Lincoln Theatre (Washington, D.C.)
Jen Bell is co-head of the booking department at I.M.P. Concerts, one of the nation’s leading independent promoters and venue operators. Jen is responsible for booking Washington, D.C.’s legendary 9:30 Club, as well as the historic Lincoln Theatre. As the most attended venue of its size in the world, the 9:30 Club has been named one of the "10 Best Music Venues in America" by Rolling Stone and hosts more than 300 shows each year.
Jake Samuels
Director of Music at 16" on Center & Talent Buyer at The Salt Shed (Chicago, IL)
Jake Samuels walked into SPACE in 2008, dropped off a mix tape with the owner, and talked his way into a job just as the venue was preparing to open. He handled all aspects of venue management and booking, then went on to join the opening teams of Thalia Hall, The Promontory, and The Salt Shed. He currently serves as one of two Directors of Music for 16" on Center, where he works on booking The Salt Shed, as well as overseeing venue management, production, and ticketing for the 16OC group of venues. In addition, he founded and books for Space Presents which produces Winnetka Music Festival, Evanston Folk Festival, and around 30 theater shows annually.
Megan Loveless
Talent Buyer at The Blue Room at Third Man Records (Nashville, TN)
Megan Loveless is a Project Manager and A&R Coordinator at Third Man Records, and the Talent Buyer at The Blue Room at Third Man Records in Nashville. Although she's based in New York City, she has been able to add value in this role remotely for some time. In her career, Loveless has done everything from work in the record store to marketing assistant to social media manager. She also writes a music blog on Substack called Loveless Lately.
These aren't the only talent buyers or venue pros we're excited to meet at this year's NIVA Conference, there are so many more incredible speakers lined up. Check out the rest of the conference programming here.
