EDUCATION

MONDAY, Aug. 10
(There are no exhibits today.)

10:30 – 11:00, Seminole Room I

DJX Kick-Off: Networking Session Powered by Goodshuffle Pro

In this opening session, all are encouraged to meet fellow DJ/professionals and prepare for a big week of networking, education, and opportunity. With morning coffee and tea service provided by Goodshuffle Pro and hosted by Jake Jacobsen of Georgia’s A2R Entertainment, this Meet & Greet will allow everyone to experience the magic of DJX. Whether it's your first or twentieth time attending, this kick-off event is designed to immerse you in the heart of the DJX community. It’s your roadmap to DJX ’26. 
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11:00 – 12:00, Seminole Room I

Booked Before You Hang Up: Close Premium Clients in One Call

Many won’t admit it, but… most DJs have a closing problem. Every DJ has felt it… the sales call goes great… then the potential client ghosts. Or, they ask for pricing too early and everything falls apart. Or, they say they’re “talking to a few DJs.” Or, you follow up… and get nothing. Mark Imperial, author of “The One-Call Close for DJs,” will show you how to take back control of the booking – without scripts, pressure, or chasing. He’ll reveal the tools to help you close right away.
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12:00 – 1:00, Seminole Room III

From Browsing to Booking: The New Age of SEO for DJs

In this eye-opening session, Brian Lawrence – industry veteran, co-author of From Browsing to Booking, and trusted consultant, web designer and SEO resource to some of the industry’s most prominent names – will decode the new SEO landscape and show you how to thrive in it. He’ll help you shift your mindset from chasing metrics like “rankings” to building systems that generate more leads, more inquiries, and more bookings. 
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1:00 – 2:00, Seminole Room I

Resilience Strategies for DJs: Thriving in a High-Pressure Industry

The DJ profession demands constant performance under pressure, whether it’s managing client expectations, adapting to unpredictable situations, or handling business uncertainties. How does one navigate these often-bumpy waters? In his detail-rich tutorial, veteran mobile Chuck Zerambo will provide DJs with practical resilience strategies to strengthen mental toughness, maintain confidence, and perform at a high level even in difficult situations. Prepare to be lifted. 
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1:00 – 2:00, Ft. Pierce Salon D

New Tech: Shopping for DJ Gear 

Each year, the DJ industry evolves with new technologies and gear trends, and each year DJX discusses how they impact the market and its greater culture. Looking at playback, pro-audio, lighting, software, studio/content-creation, and accessories, what are the latest industry developments and how will they impact the market in the near-future? What are the implications for DJs of all stripes? In this free-wheeling session moderated by DJ LIFE Editor Jim Tremayne, top retailers and industry insiders will offer their views and take your questions on gear, trends and more. Don’t miss this vital DJ-tech talk.
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1:30 – 2:30, Seminole Room III

Beyond the Booth: A Blueprint for DJs to Expand Into AV/Event Production

Today's DJs are uniquely positioned to grow beyond music and step into higher-value event services. Of course, these events demand production-driven experiences, so the DJs who offer integrated solutions beyond music differentiate themselves, retain clients longer, and unlock revenue streams their competitors can't access. DJ vet Jeffrey Powell will deliver a practical blueprint for expanding into audio, video, lighting, and event production — all designed to increase per-event revenue, win larger clients, and future-proof careers. 
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2:30 – 3:30, Seminole Room I

Mike Walter: The Best Songs Ever

When he’s not running his successful DJ company and rocking parties, Mike Walter is writing books about the music he loves – his latest effort is “The Greatest Song Ever?” For music fans and especially DJs, Walter’s book asks a very basic question: What makes a great song? To find out, he runs thru 40 songs by offering anecdotes and compelling arguments about what makes them all great. In this exclusive session, Walter and DJ LIFE Editor Jim Tremayne will discuss the book’s all-timer tunes for the DJ community.

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2:30 – 3:30, Ft. Pierce Salon D

DJ 101: Lifelong Lessons for Beginner DJs

If you’re an upstart DJ looking to move quickly into the mobile-entertainment business, how do you successfully launch yourself and start swimming upstream? Greg Curran of The DJ Entertainment School will show you the way. With vital tips on performance, business, gear, marketing, and booking, this session will help jumpstart your career in the DJ game. 
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3:30 – 4:30, Seminole Room III

The Side-Hustle DJ: Building Your Career While Keeping Your Day Job

HAPA the DJ Coach is all about teaching other DJs more efficient and effective ways to conduct a DJ career. At this session, you’ll learn practical strategies for balancing your DJ passion with your 9-to-5 gig, including time-management, booking smarter not harder, and knowing when (or if) to make the leap to full-time. Additionally, it will reveal real-world insights from DJs who've successfully built thriving side careers.
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4:00 – 5:00, Ft. Pierce Salon D

Sponsored Seminar: ColorKey Lighting presents “Fast Setup, Big Impact”

Join ColorKey Lighting and see how wireless lighting helps DJs build cleaner, faster, more-profitable events. At this exclusive sponsored session, discover cutting-edge solutions from ColorKey’s full line of wireless and long-lasting battery-powered fixtures. Transform your DJ lighting experience and enjoy the freedom of wireless control! Seminar attendees will also have a chance to win a huge ColorKey fully wireless lighting package! (Must be present to win.)
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5:00 – 6:00, Seminole Room I

Sponsored Seminar: Tools for DJs with AlphaTheta/Pioneer DJ 

AlphaTheta/Pioneer DJ is bringing their best pieces of mobile-DJ gear for the DJX 2026 show. Join Pioneer DJ’s own DJ Jay Brannan for an in-depth and interactive demonstration demonstration of products. Attendees could win some brand new AlphaTheta gear! Must be present to win.
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TUESDAY, Aug. 11
(Exhibits Open 11 am to 6 pm)

11:00 – 12:00, Seminole Room I

LLC Strategies for DJs: How to Operate Off the Radar

Are you running your DJ business as efficiently – or discreetly – as you could be? Many mobile DJs unknowingly expose themselves to risk or miss out on financial advantages simply because they’re not structuring things the right way. What if there were quieter, more strategic ways to operate that could improve both protection and profitability? Business consultant Michael Wedaa will present a practical, insight-driven session designed to help DJs rethink how they use their corporation or LLC – not just for compliance, but as a strategic tool. 
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11:30 – 12:30, Seminole Room III

Country-Music Dance Party & Seminar

Alan Kohn of Premier Entertainment DJ Services of Danbury, Conn., has been a leading country-music DJ for years now. But his success doesn’t just come from his musical selections – it’s also the participatory line-dances that he and his talented crew perform that get his parties started. At DJX ’26, Kohn and a panel of country DJs and dancers will explain why you should be adding a country-music theme to your events, and they’ll demonstrate how it’s done in both mobile and club settings. Be prepared to cut the rug yourself.
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12:30 – 2:00, Seminole Room I

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 Sixteen 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. And, at DJX ’26, mobile vet Jake Jacobsen will return to AC with one of the show’s most-popular sessions, as he’ll present the very latest and most exciting games in the bunch.
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1:00 – 2:00, Seminole Room III

DJ Business Tips 102: Collaboration Over Competition

Learn how your DJ company can get ahead by pursuing collaboration over competition. Philly-based Vernique Fields’ tutorial will help DJs move beyond the limitations of working independently and show them how to build scalable, income-generating opportunities through strategic partnerships, team-based models, and collaborative networks. Learn how to create structured, win-win opportunities that support both growth and sustainability.
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1:00 – 2:00, Ft. Pierce Salon D

Teamwork: How DJs Spin Pro Sporting Events

In the world of professional sports, the demand for DJs has grown from pre-game to in-game to post-game. These days, a stadium DJ serves as the “entertainment director” and crowd psychologist of a sporting event, bridging the gap between the action on the field and the energy in the stands. In this unique session, we’ll visit with DJs from some of America’s most-popular professional franchises – Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets/Islanders/Rangers and new NBA champion New York Knicks – and have them explain their unique range of duties, divulge how they got the gigs, and more. 
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2:30 – 3:30, Seminole Room I

Sponsored Seminar: DJing for the World’s Most Popular Cruise Line: Launch Your International Career at Sea

Ready to take your DJ career global? Then step behind the decks and into a world where your audience spans continents and your stage travels to the most exciting destinations on the planet. Join Carnival Cruise Line for an exclusive, high-impact seminar designed for DJs who are ready for their next big opportunity. Learn what it takes to perform for thousands of guests onboard one of the most recognized entertainment brands at sea – and how you can turn your talent into a worldwide career.
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2:30 – 3:30, Ft. Pierce Salon D

Keynote Q&A: Jellybean Benitez

Legendary DJ/producer/entrepreneur Jellybean Benitez will discuss his rich career—both in and out of the DJ booth. From playing NYC's top clubs (Funhouse and Paradise Garage) to launching chart-topping artists (like Madonna), from running a successful record label (Jellybean Soul) and music-publishing company (Jellybean Music Group) to contributing music for hit films (Carlito's Way, Flashdance & Footloose), hear how Jellybean Benitez has done it all. 
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3:00 – 4:00, Seminole Room III

Mentoring The Next Wave of DJs with The Beat Junkies

Founded in 1992, the Beat Junkies became one of the world’s greatest turntablist 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 2017 with the intention of mentoring the next generation of DJs. Along with fellow Beat Junkie DJ Melo-D – himself a world-class turntablist – Babu will impart his philosophies of mentorship at DJX ’26.
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4:00 – 5:30, Seminole Room I

The Modern DJ-Marketing Playbook: Building a Social-Media Brand That Attracts Leads, Bookings & Opportunities

Most DJs know they should be posting on social media. The problem is that many are creating content without a strategy, without a target audience, and without a clear path to generating leads, bookings, or opportunities. They can do better. Moderated by DJ Cova, the host of popular live-stream and podcast Tweak Music Tips, this panel will show you how. Featuring industry leaders like Cleveland Terry, Aaron Strawn and Nate Acosta, this session will cut thru the noise and provide DJs with a practical blueprint for creating content that attracts the right people, builds trust, and generates real business opportunities.
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4:00 – 6:00, Ft. Pierce Salon D

Keynote Q&A: Arthur Baker/Film Screening of “Rockers Don't Stop: The Revival of Rockers Revenge”

For his timeless hit records, Arthur Baker is a dance-music legend. Baker’s groundbreaking productions like “Planet Rock” and “Looking for the Perfect Beat” (Afrika Bambaataa), “Confusion” (New Order), and “Walking On Sunshine” (Rockers Revenge) rocked global dancefloors and bridged the gap between underground dance clubs, New Wave, and the emerging hip-hop culture. At DJX’26, attendees will get a unique and up-close look at the deeply influential DJ/producer. Not only will Baker discuss his illustrious career in a “Keynote Q&A,” but he’ll also offer an exclusive screening of his self-directed documentary “Rockers Don't Stop: The Revival of Rockers Revenge,” which features interviews with Questlove, Louie Vega, Fatboy Slim and more.
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4:30 – 5:30, Seminole Room III

Sponsored Seminar: “One DJ, Many Worlds: How to Successfully DJ Multicultural Events”

Today’s DJs are serving more diverse audiences than ever before. Join DJ Creme, as he shares practical strategies for successfully DJing faith-based gatherings, multicultural celebrations, community events, and multi-generational audiences. Learn how to understand cultural expectations, create meaningful musical experiences, and use AlphaTheta technology to confidently connect with people from different backgrounds. Whether you're looking to expand your business or become a more versatile performer, this session will provide actionable insights for thriving in today's diverse event landscape.
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WEDNESDAY, Aug. 12
(Exhibits Open 11 am to 6 pm)

10:00 – 11:00, Ft. Pierce Salon D

Sponsored Seminar: German Light Products – How Wireless Lighting Can Transform Your Next Event

For many mobile DJs, having great lighting is an essential. In setting the mood at the event and energizing the dancefloor, the right lighting set-up can make all the difference. With that in mind, German Light Products will make its DJX debut by rolling out its new Nexus Lights. In this exclusive, sponsored session, learn all about GLP’s latest range in wireless lighting and hear how Nexus Lights are transforming events through their fast, customizable deployment with control via app, DMX and programs such as SoundSwitch.
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11:00 – 12:00, Seminole Room I

The DJ Inquiry Playbook: AI-Powered Replies (Done Right)

Most DJs don’t lose leads because they’re not talented –  they lose them because their inquiry replies don’t create momentum. If you take too long to respond, or your message answers questions but doesn’t guide the next step, prospects go quiet. How does one avoid that scenario? Florida-based jock Scott King will show you how to use AI to respond faster, sound more confident, and keep leads engaged so they actually want to continue the conversation. You’ll see real examples and leave with plug-and-play templates and prompts you can use on your very next inquiry.
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11:30 – 12:30, Seminole Room III

Women in the Mix: The Power, Presence, & Future of Women DJs

This session will spotlight women DJs across genres, generations, and career paths, exploring how they are shaping live music, nightlife, radio, festivals, and culture at large. The conversation will highlight their creative journeys, the business of DJing, and the visibility, access, and mentorship needed to support women behind the decks. The panel will also examine how women DJs continue to build community, break barriers, and influence the sound of contemporary music while creating new pathways for the next generation. 
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12:00 – 1:00, Ft. Pierce Salon D

Stop Selling to the Wrong Person – and Really Grow Your Business!

Maryland mobile Jared Rosen will help you boost your sales game by explaining why the challenge to growth isn’t about your sales skills, but rather who you’re selling to. Most DJs think their job is to sell to the end-client; in reality, the most reliable growth comes from building relationships with the people who influence the end-client: venues, planners, photographers, and community centers of influence. Attendees will gain a framework to identify and prioritize the right referral partners.
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12:30 – 1:30, Seminole Room I

Say It Different: Modern MC Skills for Today’s Weddings

Mark Brenneisen from All We Do Is Epic Dot Com will show you how to step away from the typical first-pumping format of intros, how to say less, and, ultimately, how to have a greater impact as an MC. In this info-filled session, he’ll cover more impactful, classy and polished solutions for: introductions/grand entrances; parents/special dances; all other wedding formalities; opening dancefloors; and replacing predictable wording to make you shine.
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1:00 – 2:00, Seminole Room III

10 Lessons: The Business They Never Taught You 

Many DJs are never really taught how to run a business. They figure it out as they go, usually by making mistakes that cost time, money, energy, or confidence. There must be ways to prevent such calamities, right? Successful industry vet Tom Gambuzza will share 10 of the biggest business lessons he wishes he’d understood earlier. This illuminating session will be a real conversation about pricing, cash flow, leadership, hiring, decision making, and learning how to think more like a business owner – valuable lessons, indeed.  
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1:30 – 2:30, Ft. Pierce Salon D

Sponsored Seminar: Planning from the Palm of Your Hand with Vibo

As a mobile-entertainment provider, imagine having a proven event-planning process that consistently outperforms your competitors. Picture an interactive system that bridges the gap between you and your clients, delivering significant outcomes for your DJ business. In its sponsored seminar, Vibo will show you a unique software that’ll make it all a reality. Join a panel of influencers for a transformative roundtable and gain an insider's view of how top DJs in the industry are achieving success with Vibo event-planning software.
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2:00 – 3:00, Seminole Room I

Tools, Systems & Procedures: How to Run a DJ Business While You Sleep

Are you getting overwhelmed (or burnt out) running your DJ business? Chances are you probably are already paying for tools that can take a lot of work off your plate, and in this fact-filled seminar – presented by New England mobile Alex Brown – he’ll explore everything from basics to pro-level automations, and their respective tools, to help you run your business more efficiently and with ease. 
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3:00 – 4:00, Ft. Pierce Salon D

Keynote Q&A: Slipknot’s Sid Wilson

In this exclusive session, Sid Wilson, the menacing, masked DJ marvel of Slipknot, the Grammy-winning metal band that’s sold more than 30 million albums, will discuss his wild and wildly successful career. Wilson will touch on: his deep DJ history and his turntablist influences; the backstory of his joining one of metal’s most raucous bands; his contributions to Slipknot’s genre-blending sound and its manic stage show; his successful solo career as DJ Starscream; and his ventures into the DJ-gear game with his company, Stop the Panic.
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3:30 – 4:30, Seminole Room I

Bet On Yourself: Why You’re Capable of More

You’re an experienced DJ – someone who’s already successful in your market – but somehow you know that you’re capable of much more. More fulfillment, more growth, and certainly more money. Sound familiar? Drawing from his own journey of service that has benefited from strong mentorship, New England DJ Mike Benoit will challenge attendees to look inward rather than outward. This interactive lecture is built to help seasoned DJs leave with clarity, confidence, and a concrete plan to level up the areas of their business that matter most right now.
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4:00 – 5:00, Seminole Room III

Will AI Replace You at Your DJ Gigs?

AI is already changing the music industry faster than most DJs realize. From AI-generated music and automated mixing to virtual performers and algorithm-driven playlists, the future of DJing is shifting in real time. But what’s really happening behind the scenes with record labels, artists, DJ/producers, streaming platforms, and studios? And how could these changes impact your bookings, value, and career as a DJ? Cova, the host of popular live-stream/podcast Tweak Music Tips, will have the answers.
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5:00 – 6:00, Seminole Room I

The Psychology of the Guest

Presented by Lazarus Stark of Maryland’s Epic Events, this is not a sales seminar – it’s a perspective seminar. This is a crash course on people skills, one that’ll show you: how to maximize the ROI for every other vendor onsite; the emotional ROI of framing moments or letting them breathe; how to set up everyone on the team for a seamless effort. Learn how to succeed by understanding your guests and clients at a deeper level. 
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5:00 – 6:00, Ft. Pierce Salon D

Sponsored Seminar: A SMPL Path to Success: Why A Good CRM System Is Crucial

Being a great DJ is only half the job – running a successful DJ business requires efficient systems, organization, and automation. This exclusive seminar will help you discover how SMPL System was built specifically for today's working DJ to simplify every aspect of running your business. The session will explore powerful tools that help you capture and nurture leads, automate follow-ups, manage clients, send contracts, collect payments, build timelines, organize music requests, communicate with staff, and deliver an exceptional client experience.
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THURSDAY, Aug. 13
(Exhibits Open 11 am to 3 pm)

12:00 – 1:30, Ft. Pierce Salon D

The Big Rig: Delivering Great Sound at Larger Events

For mobile jocks, booking bigger events can create lucrative opportunities. But there may be some challenges involved. Are you prepared to deliver a great experience and get that repeat business? At DJX’26, DJ vet/soundman Tony Fernandez will explain why you should make that move for a bigger rig and further demonstrate how you can take a step up in class, sound-wise.
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