diff --git a/livesync/indico_livesync/cli.py b/livesync/indico_livesync/cli.py
index 37fef3e..e701538 100644
--- a/livesync/indico_livesync/cli.py
+++ b/livesync/indico_livesync/cli.py
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ def initial_export(agent_id, force=False):
                 transaction.abort()
 
     with DBMgr.getInstance().global_connection():
-        agent.backend(agent).run_initial_export(_iter_events())
+        agent.create_backend().run_initial_export(_iter_events())
 
     agent.initial_data_exported = True
     db.session.commit()
@@ -128,6 +128,6 @@ def run(agent_id=None):
         print cformat('Running agent: %{white!}{}%{reset}').format(agent.name)
         with DBMgr.getInstance().global_connection():
             try:
-                agent.backend(agent).run()
+                agent.create_backend().run()
             finally:
                 transaction.abort()
diff --git a/livesync/indico_livesync/models/agents.py b/livesync/indico_livesync/models/agents.py
index fcb0f55..b8a16e6 100644
--- a/livesync/indico_livesync/models/agents.py
+++ b/livesync/indico_livesync/models/agents.py
@@ -64,6 +64,10 @@ class LiveSyncAgent(db.Model):
         from indico_livesync.plugin import LiveSyncPlugin
         return LiveSyncPlugin.instance.agent_classes.get(self.backend_name)
 
+    def create_backend(self):
+        """Creates a new backend instance"""
+        return self.backend(self)
+
     @return_ascii
     def __repr__(self):
         return '<LiveSyncAgent({}, {}, {})>'.format(self.id, self.backend_name, self.name)