Workforce Development
Venue Operations Experience (VOX)
Want to Get Your Foot in the Door at an Independent Music Venue?
Whether you're interested in digital marketing, front of house operations, or learning the ins and outs of live show production, the VOX Program offers the training, mentorship, and real-world experience to kick-start your career.
The National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF) presents two distinct Venue Operations eXperience (VOX) training programs, each designed to support under-recognized groups in the live entertainment industry (POC, women, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities). These programs provide hands-on training, mentorship, and intern opportunities to help participants build careers in live entertainment.
TENNESSEE VOX PROGRAM: Digital Marketing
A 4-month program in the summer that is focused on digital marketing within live entertainment venues, offering real-world experience and career-building opportunities.
Program Highlights:
📚 15 virtual gamified training workshops
💼 12-week paid internship at a TN local host indie venue
🎓 3-month mentorship with an industry expert
🎟 Free 3-day streaming pass to NIVA '26 Conference
📝 Resume and career workshop
🌐 Networking opportunites & extended learning resources
2026 Participating Cities in TN:
📍 Chattanooga
📍 Memphis
📍 Nashville
📍 Pelham
NATIONWIDE VOX PROGRAM: Digital Marketing, Front of House Operations or Production
A 4-month program designed for individuals seeking careers in digital marketing, FOH operations or production within independent music venues.
Program Highlights:
📚 15 virtual gamified training workshops
💼 8-week paid internship at a local host indie venue
🎓 3-month mentorship from industry professionals
🌐 Networking opportunities, resume workshop & extended learning resources
2026 Participating Cities:
📍 Denver, CO
📍 Fort Collins, CO
📍 Tupelo, MS
📍 Sioux Falls, SD
📍 Walla Walla, WA
📍 Brooklyn, NY
📍 Central Park, NY
Thank you to our program partners: Bohemian Foundation, Inherit the Music, Levitt Family Foundation, Nightlife United, and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.
Be A Mentor!
If you’re an experienced pro ready to support emerging talent in digital marketing, FOH operations, or production, we’d love to hear from you. As a mentor, you’ll provide real-world guidance as participants move through the VOX program and prepare for entry-level venue roles. This form is interest only, not a commitment, and final mentor placements will depend on program capacity and participant needs. Click below for more info and the Mentor Interest Form.
thank you to the 2025 mentors!
Be A HOST VENUE!
Interested in becoming a 2026 Host Venue? We’re opening the door for more independent venues to join the Venue Operations eXperience and help shape the future live entertainment workforce. At this stage, we’re collecting interest only — completing the form does not commit you to hosting, and final placements will depend on program capacity.
Interest forms are now closed.
Stay tuned—2026 Host Venue locations will be announced soon!
thank you to our 2025 Host Venues - 2026 will be announced soon!
Please consider supporting the Venue Operations eXperience workforce development program and help lay the groundwork for more equitable opportunities in the live entertainment sector. For more information, please contact Christy Culver at christy@nivf.org
Meet the summer 2025 COHORT GRADUATES!
Check out these amazing people joining and supporting our industry! Impressively, 86% of the 2025 cohort secured job offers!
