DJX ‘25 | TUESDAY
EDUCATION & LEARNING

Seminars and workshops are core features of DJX, with more than 35 sessions, including sponsored seminars, “Keynote Q&A,” and panel discussions – covering everything from DJ performance to music production, technology to business growth. DJs leave equipped with high-impact insights and actional strategies to improve their businesses right away. This elite educational program is spread across three ballrooms, offering available seating from 100-400 attendees on Level 2 of the DJX Campus. Required passes for access offer unparalleled opportunities to learn, network, and elevate your craft from the industry’s most coveted talent, educators, and thought leaders. 

Tuesday 11:00 – 12:00 PM
Ft. Pierce Salon D
with DJ Greggie C

DJ 101: The Beginner’s Guide to DJing

Are you just getting started DJing? Do you want to work for – or eventually run – a mobile-entertainment company? We all must start somewhere and it’s always important to have a mentor to show you the ropes and to warn you of the industry’s pitfalls. Enter Philadelphia’s DJ Greggie C (aka Greg Curran) of The DJ Entertainment School & Curran Entertainment. In this session, he’ll break out the starter kit that’ll fuel your fire and help launch your entry into the DJ world.

For his tutorial, Curran and some special guests will offer guidance and tips on a variety of topics for newbies, including performance, business-building, and marketing. He’ll explain it all – basic microphone skills and PA setup, networking strategies and client management, participation dances and games, networking and job placement , and more . He’ll get you started and have you up and running – if you’re just starting out, you can’t miss this session. And whether you’re a beginner or a vet, he’ll have business tips that’ll keep you operating into the future.

Tuesday 11:30 – 12:30 PM
Seminole Room III
with Howard Wallach and Geoffrey Sandler's

More Than Music: Making Non-Profit Gigs Profitable for DJs

DJs, if you’ve ever thought charity gigs were just opportunities for “exposure,” it’s time to flip the script at DJX ’25. Don't miss Howard Wallach and Geoffrey Sandler's powerful seminar showing you how to transform fundraising events into real revenue opportunities – without selling out your integrity. They'll break down and share smart strategies, insider tips and proven techniques that have helped turn giving back into a sustainable, income-generating part of their DJ businesses. From sponsorships to brand-building and referrals — this isn’t theory. It’s a blueprint.

Join presenters Howard Wallach of Chicago’s A-Z Entertainment and Geoffrey Sandler of Wisconsin’s Celebrations Entertainment as they show you how to unlock your nonprofit event’s potential. They’ll delve into how DJs can turn charity gigs into career-boosting opportunities, while maintaining profitability.

Tuesday 12:30 – 2:00 PM
Seminole Room I
with Jake Jacobsen

Party Games by Jake

Are you looking to make your mobile events more memorable than ever? Do you want your interactive parties to be the pacesetters in your market? Whether it’s Sweet 16 celebrations, corporate events, high-school dances or the like, knowing how to get the gig going with a variety of party-starting games is always beneficial.

Back for his 18th consecutive DJX session, Jake Jacobsen of Georgia’s A2R Entertainment will demonstrate a set of brand-new party games for mobile jocks looking to take the very latest back to their various markets. Long a staple on the Jersey Shore DJ scene, Jacobsen in recent years has taken his talents South and has made his mark by bringing his East-Coast-party vibes to suburban Atlanta. Annually, one of the most-lively and participation-filled seminars at DJX, this 90-minute session will light up the room and arm DJs in attendance with a years’ worth of exciting and new mobile party games.

Tuesday 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Seminole Room III
with DJ Alex Updike

Level Up: Making Your Mixes Radio-Ready

Are you ready to take that next step in your DJ career? Do you want to showcase your skills and musical tastes by creating DJ mixes for use on radio or Mixcloud? In this eye-opening session, veteran DJ Alex Updike will show you the way with a hands-on workshop that’ll fully demonstrate how to make your mixes radio-ready.

Updike, the owner of the Coachella Valley, Calif.-based company Bass & Bliss, knows how important a great mix can be for DJs. Sure, it can put your technical and musical abilities on full display, but it can also open a variety of fulfilling and potentially lucrative avenues for you. In this tutorial, Alex Updike will explain: understanding the goal of the mix; employing cue points, stems, FX, loops & more; master BPM, key changes, recording & more; working with a DAW & loading drops for radio; recognizing & fixing imperfections; and mastering & uploading your mix.

Tuesday 1:30 – 2:30 PM
Ft. Pierce Salon D
with Kool DJ Red Alert

Keynote Q&A: Kool DJ Red Alert (Presented by Mo & Joe Electronics)

Whenever DJs are mentioned as historical arbiters of taste and culture-changing promoters of genres, Kool DJ Red Alertis always near the top of those lists. Long-known as one of hip hop’s great radio pioneers, Red Alert has rocked the New York City area airwaves for more than 40 years and has played a pivotal role in making hip hop the cultural force that it is. At DJX’25, Red Alert will sit down for a “Keynote Q&A” to tell his success story and discuss the history of hip hop – and his place in it.

As one of hip hop’s radio trailblazers, Kool DJ Red Alert (aka Frederick Crute) has broken more music than almost any DJ you could mention. In his case, that includes Native Tongues acts like A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul and Queen Latifah, plus KRS-One’s Boogie Down Productions collective and more. He’s also served as tour DJ for a variety of acts such as BDP and the Jungle Brothers. His “Red Alert Goes Baserk” mixshow on KISS-FM was a legendary blast from the early days of the genre, and he’s continued with a series of mixshows on Gotham stations WBLS and Hot 97. His honors and accomplishments are many: more than 40 years DJing live on NYC radio channels; Honorary Ambassador to the United Nations for his achievements in music; honored with his own exhibit in the Radio Section at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame; original member of Universal Zulu Nation; honorary location on the Bronx Walk of Fame; and has appeared in over 50 music videos. Bring your questions to this exclusive DJX “Keynote Q&A” with Kool DJ Red Alert.

Tuesday 2:30 – 3:30 PM
Seminole Room I
with Ryan von Ahn

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Wedding-Planning Techniques & Taking Charge of Your Event

Why do DJ/couple planning sessions for weddings often create such headaches? Are there better ways to conduct a thorough event-prep with methods that will ensure everyone will be happy with the actual event? Join mobile vet Ryan von Ahn, as he offers tips and techniques to smooth out those tricky, but necessary planning sessions with wedding couples.

In this “wedding-prep-made-easy” presentation, von Ahn of Akron, Ohio’s By Request DJs will explain the benefits of taking a logistical approach, considering the venue, vendors, friends, and family, and ultimately making the moments the couple wants when crafting a timeline or creating a playlist. With proper prep, creating a memorable event for the couple while maximizing the guest experience is always possible – Ryan von Ahn will show you the way.

Tuesday 2:30 – 3:30 PM
Seminole Room III
with Shortkut and DJ Babu

Mentoring The Next Wave of DJs with The Beat Junkies

Founded in 1992, the Beat Junkies became one of the world’s greatest turntablism crews. After winning multiple International Turntable Federation titles, recording with the likes of Linkin Park and Dilated Peoples, and making classic breakbeat albums like “Super Duck Breaks,” Beat Junkies member DJ Babu co-founded the Beat Junkie Institute of Sound in Glendale, Calif., in 2017 with the intention of mentoring the next generation of DJs. Along with fellow Beat Junkie Shortkut – himself a world-class turntablist – Babu will impart his philosophies of mentorship at DJX ’25.

At the Beat Junkie Institute of Sound, young DJs are given a foundation and structure in every level of class. Whether they’re learning Serato Studio, Ableton Live or the basics of turntablism, BJIOS students are mentored and taught by the philosophy that what they learn is not bound by genre, music style or technology. BJIOS instructors embrace their responsibilities as mentors and approach DJing as a discipline, a fine art, a passion. If you are an upstart looking for mentorship or you strongly believe in passing on the wisdom of previous generations to the next wave of DJs, this is the session for you.

Tuesday 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Ft. Pierce Salon D
with Jordan Williams & Sydney Golombek of Twitch

Sponsored Seminar: Twitch DJ Program 101: Learn How to Build Your Business with Twitch

Whether you’ve been rocking crowds for decades or just love spinning from your home set-up, there’s a powerful way to share your passion for music with the world – and in this sponsored session, you’ll find out that it’s easier than you might think. Twitch is a service in which creators live-stream – meaning they broadcast themselves in real-time to a live audience. Twitch isn’t just about streaming, it’s about connecting and building communities. While Twitch is primarily known for its gaming community, it’s also home to a huge and growing community of DJs and music lovers.

New to DJX, Twitch is proud to be the first service to have partnered with the music industry to build a long-term home for DJs. The recently launched Twitch DJ Program is a first-of-its-kind offering that enables DJs to legally livestream the vast majority of popular music. Thousands of DJs from around the world use Twitch to live-stream their sets, connect with fans, and even earn income doing what they love. As you grow your channel, Twitch offers tools to earn revenue through subscriptions, donations, and ads. Some DJs turn Twitch into a side hustle – or even a full-time gig.

In this special Twitch x DJX Info Session, Twitch staffers Jordan Williams and Sydney Golombek will walk you through everything you need to know about Twitch – from setting up your stream to growing your audience. Whether you’re curious or ready to go live, this is your chance to ask questions and get hands-on guidance directly from the team. Let’s get you spinning for a global crowd – live and direct from your set-up!

Tuesday 4:00 – 5:30 PM
Seminole Room I
with DJ Cova

Social-Media Strategies for DJs: Attract More Gigs, Earn More Money

Are you ready to build a powerful and recognizable brand via social media? DJs, it’s time to cut through the noise! With this session, get ready to learn the latest strategies directly from top DJ-industry influencers. Demystify the algorithms!Our expert panel, moderated by DJ Cova, will reveal the secrets to maximize reach and convert followers into paying clients. Are you bold enough to have these experts take apart and rebuild your personal brand? Dare, if you will, to join us!

Confused why your socials aren’t working? Are you brave enough to submit your social-media pages to be critiqued by industry experts? Join Cova, Cleveland Terry, Jack Kristian, and “Justin the DJ” Stringfellow for a free-wheeling session that’s sure to push buttons and bring you closer to social-media success. Learn how to make content that converts.

Tuesday 4:30 – 5:5 PM
Seminole Room III
with DJ Creme of AlphaTheta/Pioneer DJ

Sponsored Seminar: The Art of Mixing Latin Music with AlphaTheta/Pioneer DJ

AlphaTheta/Pioneer DJ and international Latin DJ-producer DJ Creme bring you an exclusive seminar designed for DJs looking to master the art of mixing Latin music. From salsa and reggaetón to merengue and dembow, learn pro-level techniques, crowd control strategies, and real-world tips to elevate your Latin sets. Whether you're spinning at weddings, clubs, or private events, this hands-on session will give you the skills and confidence to ignite any dancefloor. Come enjoy this seminar and get a chance to win some AlphaTheta gear! Must be present to win.

Tuesday 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Ft. Pierce Salon D
with Jim Tremayne

Stadium Jocks: Spinning for the Team

As college- and pro-sports venues have ramped up their in-game entertainment, the modern DJ is pumping up the volume like never before. Nonetheless, whether it’s working a stadium, arena or ballpark, many DJs must acquire and master a new set of skills, in addition to maintaining their party-rocking abilities. It’s an exciting, but often challenging, new gig. In this session, a diverse crew of stadium jocks explains the ins and outs of spinning before, during and after the games. 

During this first-ever DJX panel, moderated by DJ LIFE Editor Jim Tremayne, we’ll find out: how the DJs got their gigs; what’s fully required of them; what’s different about the job; the challenges, the rewards, and more. Panelist DJs include: Matt Dodge (MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays, NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning, and University of South Florida sports teams); DJ Anarchy (NFL’s Houston Texans); John Murray (MLB’s Atlanta Braves); and Mike Alevras (Sally League’s Hudson Valley Renegades, MAAC’s Marist Red Foxes basketball).