Alan Stern is a dynamic speaker, DJ, and marketing expert with nearly 20 years of sales and marketing experience in retail and service industries. Passionate about helping small businesses thrive, Alan teaches how to leverage AI and freemium apps to create a big impact with your marketing on a small budget. Driven by the belief that people buy from a person before they buy from a brand, his unique approach helps audiences blend humor and education to create marketing that builds trust and truly connect.

Andrew Brode is the president of AV Chicago which is one of the gest AV companies in Chicago. Andrew is currently the president of the Chicago ILEA Chapter. He is also a member of NACE, MPI, and WIPA.

David Hanscom is a nationally recognized DJ, entrepreneur, and podcast host with over two decades of experience creating unforgettable client experiences. A 2025 MEX Hall of Fame inductee, David now helps creative professionals and event pros master the art of client loyalty and repeat business.

Duerell Jones is a nationally recognized DJ and the Founder of Spark Entertainment Group. With over a decade of experience providing upscale entertainment experiences for weddings, corporate, and private events, he also serves as Director of Programs at Large for WIPA Chicago. Duerell is passionate about elevating industry standards through education, collaboration, and innovation.

Erik Massengale, owner of multiple DJ operations along the East Coast, is a systems and automation expert. His work has helped industry professionals reclaim valuable time through streamlined processes while boosting profits.

Keith "K.C." KoKoruz is the Marquee Show Producer as well as a serial entrepreneur. He currently owns a photography and video studio, two entertainment companies, a catering company, as well as a floral decor company. He is a DJX Dj of Year winner, ADJA Peter Merry Award Winner, Knot Hall of Fame business owner, MEX Hall of Fame Inductee, and the founder of DJ Think Tank.

Luke Renchan is the founder of the Rhode Island Wedding Group and the Southern New England Association of Professional Disc Jockeys (SNAPDJ) and owns Luke Renchan Entertainment a successful multi-op company based in Rhode Island.

Marc McIntosh is the founder of Wedding Venue Success and Team Wedding Marketing as well as Wedding Pro News. He makes his living working with show producers and wedding professionals. He is a website developer and a marketing expert.

Matt Radicelli is a serial entrepreneur, keynote presenter, executive coach, business consultant, event producer, DJ, and most importantly… the best dad and husband he can be. He is also the founder of Mentor Pods

Michael Saulpaugh is the owner of the Elegant Music Group which was just ranked the #1 fastest growing events company in America by Inc magazine.

Michael Francis, aka DJ MIXX, is a Chicago-based DJ with over 25 years in the entertainment industry. Known for his high-energy sets, he spins everything hence the name “MiXX.”Whether rocking clubs, weddings, or corporate events, DJ MIXX keeps the party unstoppable!

Roberto Villegas is the owner of Chicago's leading DJ service Pink Noise. Pink Noise specializes in weddings, quinceañeras, sweet 16’S, Proms, High School Parties, private and corporate events.

Thomas Schabow understands the intersection of media and marketing. See It Media, a three-time Emmy-nominated full-service media and digital marketing agency, they offer video production and digital services to a diverse array of clientele. With extensive experience in hospitality, marketing, and media, he will discuss the power of networking and getting involved through industry organizations like NACE in connecting professionals and driving success in today's dynamic event landscape.

Troy Adams is the owner of Carolina DJ Professionals. Troy has built one of the most in-demand companies in the country. His team of 30 performs 1,000 gigs a year, turns away another 300, and has amassed over 3,000 5-star reviews. He'll share the core concepts to help people chase you…and not the opposite.

Ella Whitley is a Marketing and Social Media Coordinator at David's Bridal, bringing fresh perspective and digital expertise to one of the nation's leading bridal retailers.

Matt kicks off the show with a rapid-fire checkup of your DJ business! We’ll hit marketing, sales, and operations with quick, actionable tips to get your gears turning and your business booming. Start strong, think bigger, and let’s set the tone for an amazing conference experience.

Want more leads in your pipeline? Less ghosts? To make a bigger impact at networking events? Better sales? Whether it's your marketing, networking, communication or closing, there are 3 core strategies to grow your demand and improve your business.

Ready to stop blending in and start booking out? This isn’t your average marketing talk. In this fast-paced session, you’ll learn 10 proven strategies to boost your visibility, attract more right-fit clients, and grow your DJ business with purpose. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, these steps are built to work with your style, your goals, and your market—without gimmicks or sleazy sales techniques. Just real strategies that cut through the noise and get results—without selling your soul or sounding like everyone else.

In this seminar, Erik Massengale, owner of multiple DJ operations along the East Coast, shares insights into why automation is a game-changer. He’ll break down the practical methods he’s used to streamline processes that boost profits and reclaim time.

Your words can win or lose the sale. In this session, we’ll break down real-world scripts and swaps that turn “maybe” into “yes.” Learn the phrases that build trust, create urgency, and close more deals—without sounding pushy. One word can change everything.

Learn how to market with precision with the best employee that's not on payroll— ChatGPT! In this interactive session, you’ll discover how to use AI for simple market research, craft compelling copy, and pinpoint your ideal audience to create

This presentation will highlight how implementing a solid system using today’s technology and tools can streamline your workflow, enhance client experience, and boost overall efficiency. By leveraging modern solutions, event professionals can stay organized, save time, and scale their business with confidence.

Drop Some H.E.A.T. is Alan Stern’s signature keynote designed to help salespeople and business owners stay top of mind in a fun, authentic, and cost-free way. Using the H.E.A.T. Method—Humor, Education, Adding-Value, and Trust—Alan provides a simple framework for building a personal brand that allows people to naturally warm up to you over time.

Every event should make you money—real money. In this session, we’ll break down what you’re actually keeping, not just what you’re bringing in. Learn how to price right, cut waste, and boost your take-home with every event. Profit isn’t a mystery—it’s a simple math problem you can solve.

You want the truth? You CAN handle the truth! Growing your mobile entertainment business requires a great strategy, hard work, smart investments, and an unwavering commitment to win. In this electrifying panel discussion, you'll hear from four highly-successful industry leaders, each sharing their unique and inspiring paths to growth. Get ready for a fast-paced, no-holds-barred session that will challenge you to think differently and push your boundaries. These Chicago-based trailblazers will provide you with invaluable insights and actionable advice to help you map your own journey to success.

Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Join us and unleash your potential!

Your panelists:

Marz Laworn, Charizma Entertainment

Arianna Rozen: Vibe Entertainment

DJ Flipside

DJ Threejay

Your Moderator: Jason Fernandez, QSC Training Manager

Hosted by Bryan Festa A panel of board members from ILEA, NACE, MPI, and WIPA, discussing the purposes of each organization and the reason to become members. Andrew Brode is the President of the Chicago ILEA Chapter. Thomas Schabow is the Vice President of Chicago NACE Chapter. Duerell Jones is the Director of Programs at Large for WIPA Chicago, and David Hanscom is the President of the North Florida MPI Chapter.

Your website shouldn’t just exist—it should convert. In this session, we’ll break down exactly what makes a DJ website work—and what drives potential clients to bounce without ever reaching out. From first impressions to key touchpoints, you’ll learn how to build a site that not only looks great but actually books gigs. Whether you're starting from scratch or fine-tuning what you’ve got, you’ll leave with the tools to level up fast.

Roberto will lead attendees through everything they need to know to market, sell, and celebrate with the Latin / Hispanice community.

Paid ads aren’t just a marketing tactic — they’re a system that when built and managed properly, becomes the engine that drives your business forward. You don’t need to know how to build the engine yourself — but you do need to know how to operate it, evaluate its performance, and tune it over time.

In today’s wedding industry, couples are craving more than just great music — they want meaning, memory, and moments that feel uniquely them. This seminar will explore how DJs and entertainment professionals can elevate their craft by curating music that reflects each couple’s personal journey. From the first inquiry to the final dance, learn how to use storytelling through music to connect, engage, and deliver unforgettable experiences.

We’ll also dive into how tools like Vibo make this process seamless, helping you gather everything you need — from song choices and cultural preferences to special dedications — in one place. Whether you’re a seasoned DJ or just starting out, you’ll walk away with a fresh approach to music planning that puts your couples at the center of it all.

Tired of the feast-or-famine cycle? Learn the marketing moves that keep your calendar full no matter the season. We’ll cover simple strategies, smart automations, and real examples to help you attract leads, stay top of mind, and stay booked year-round.

Making it to the Finish Line"—where we focus on reaching both your personal and business goals. It’s all about setting clear, actionable goals and staying motivated. Today, we’ll break down three key areas: Goal Setting: Start by defining what you want to achieve. Whether it’s hitting a specific revenue target or expanding your network, make your goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). Time Management: Prioritize your tasks. Break your goals into smaller, manageable steps. Use tools like calendars and to-do lists to stay on track. Health & Wellness: Your physical and mental health is critical! Staying active helps with focus and energy—so make wellness a priority. Commit to healthier habits and incorporate quick stress-busters like meditation. At the end, you’ll have your goals written down, a plan in place, and actionable steps to move forward. Keep pushing, stay focused, and don’t let anything hold you back. Your finish line is closer than you think!

Bryan Festa will host a panel of Chicago area catering professionals sharing why certain vendors are on their preferred vendor lists and why...

In this bold, energizing session, 2025 MEX Hall of Fame inductee David Hanscom delivers six punchy and practical steps to turn one-time clients into lifelong raving fans. With over two decades of success in the entertainment and event world, David knows that client loyalty isn’t an accident—it’s a strategy. You'll learn how to dominate the first 48 hours, build trust like a pro, and make yourself so indispensable that clients wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else. This session is built for ambitious professionals who are ready to level up their retention game, boost profitability, and make their brand unforgettable. If you’re tired of chasing new clients and ready to start collecting superfans, this is the session for you.

Learn how to diversify your offerings to the same client base that your primary business serves.