The American launch of Independent Venue Week helped bring international attention to local venues across the country. Through a combination of marketing and media involvement, the event created a showcase of independently owned businesses in the live music sector. Participating venues were able to use this initiative as a platform to elevate their individual presence and metaphorically open their doors to a national audience. This is a frank discussion on how independent venues are working together in a rapidly consolidating marketplace, the complementary role of regional media, and the importance of having these spaces as part of the music industry's ecosystem.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.