Ticketmaster is proud to be headline sponsor of Venues Day 2026, or as this year’s theme says, “This One Goes to Eleven.”
As long-standing partners of Music Venue Trust for over a decade, we’re excited to support the 11th edition of the UK’s leading national networking event for grassroots music venues. Since 2015, Venues Day has been a cornerstone of the grassroots calendar – and in 2026, the format is sharper and more focused than ever on what operators and their teams actually need. This isn’t just a conference. It’s a working day for the people who power live music from the ground up.
Built for GMV Operators and Teams
Venues Day 2026 is designed around three core outcomes:
- Learn something new – practical tools, insight and processes you can apply immediately
- Connect with useful people – peers, partners and suppliers who understand your challenges
- Reaffirm your network – a nationwide community that shares the same pressures and passion
At a time when the UK grassroots sector continues to navigate change, this year’s programme puts operational resilience, collaboration and sustainable growth front and centre.
What To Expect On The Day
The centrepiece of the day sees Team MVT present key findings from the MVT Annual Report 2025, alongside a forward look at what’s next for the UK GMV sector.
The report’s expanded focus on the wider impact of grassroots venues sets the tone for the afternoon, explored through three themed panels:
The Crew
A deep dive into the role GMVs play as critical training grounds for technical, production and managerial talent across the live ecosystem, and how that pipeline can be better supported.
The Artists
Following major artist leadership around the Grassroots Levy in 2024/25, this session explores the evolving relationship between artists and venues, and how collaboration strengthens advocacy for the sector.
The Fans
With major strides made in understanding audience sentiment in 2025, this panel focuses on communication, trust, audience surveys and the Ethical Venues project, and what venues need to know to build long-term loyalty.
Practical Presentations: Tools You Can Use
Short, high-impact sessions deliver actionable knowledge for operators and teams, including:
- Knowing when (and how) to say no
- Moving from reactive crisis management to proactive PR
- Understanding Liveline and how to get involved
- Ensuring the correct songwriters are paid
- What to know about venue improvements and compliance
These sessions are designed to provide clarity, confidence and control; three essentials for sustainable venue operations.
Workshops & Expertise Sessions
For those looking to go deeper, Venues Day offers structured workshops and “Guru” sessions covering:
- Landlord & tenancy best practice
- Building financial strategy and processes
- Licensing and acoustics essentials
- Introducing Venue MOT
- Ethical Venues roundtables
- Programming fundamentals
Alongside these, attendees can book one-to-one sessions with industry Gurus, visit partner stands and connect informally throughout the day.
Why This Matters to Us
Grassroots venues are where it all begins, where artists find their voice, scenes are born and fans experience that “I saw them first” moment. Supporting these spaces isn’t a nice-to-have for us. It’s fundamental to the future of live music.
Our dedicated Ticketmaster Clubs team works with independent venues and promoters across the UK, offering:
- Access to the largest distribution network in live entertainment
- Self-serve tools built for flexibility and control
- Local expertise and hands-on support
- Scalable solutions designed for sustainable growth
Through Ticketmaster Local and our Local Map, we also spotlight what’s happening in venues across the country, helping fans discover events in their communities and driving demand directly to grassroots stages.
After more than 10 years partnering with MVT, we remain committed to strengthening the infrastructure that supports the UK’s live pipeline, from the first gig to the main stage.
See You There!
Venues Day 2026 is more than an event. It’s a statement of collective ambition for the grassroots sector.
As headline sponsors, we’re proud to stand alongside Music Venue Trust and the venues that make live music possible every single night.
Come and say hello to the Ticketmaster team on the day. Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn so you can keep in the loop and find out who is coming along.
We’d love to talk about how we can support your venue’s next chapter. Reach out below!
