Atlantic City, N.J. – Back on AC’s famous Boardwalk, the 2026 edition of DJX brought legendary names, new events and the latest technologies to its annual industry gathering.
Held this past Aug. 10-13 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, DJX’26 once again brought the culture together for the industry’s largest, longest-running, and most impactful gathering of DJs in the Americas. The 36th annual show – produced by DJ LIFE and Hazan Media Group – presented its time-tested combo of DJ-related technology showcases, educational seminars, and sponsored After Dark parties.
The Campus: DJX’26 delivered a packed schedule of showcases, seminars, and sponsored parties. The show saw participation from brands/sponsors like AlphaTheta, JBL, QSC, Electro-Voice, RCF USA, Carnival Entertainment, JetPack Bags, BASSBOSS, Yorkville Sound, Both Lighting, Beat Junkies Institute of Sound, Blackmagic Design, German Light Products, AIAIAI, beyerdynamic, and Stop The Panic. Additionally, DJX presented its 4th nXt Summer Camp, Masterclasses, THE EDIT, the brandboX section, which offers solutions to build businesses.
Numbers: Ninety-one existing brands showcased; 12 retailers were represented; 16-percent were first-time attendees; 43 states plus Washington, D.C., attended; and visitors from nine different countries attended (USA, Canada, Australia, Brazil, China, Hungary, Poland, U.K., and Mexico).
Education: Along with its schedule of 34 topical seminars geared toward mobile, club, streaming, studio, and beginner jocks, DJX presented a trio of special “Keynote Q&A” sessions with industry notables. On Aug. 10, mobile vet Mike Walter engaged in a lively discussion about his latest book, The Greatest Song Ever? On Aug. 11, the legendary Jellybean Benitez went down memory lane, as he detailed his diverse career in music, clubs, publishing, film, and retail with his new Jellybean’s Funhouse Record Shop. It was followed by a showing of Arthur Baker’s new documentary, Rockers Don’t Stop: The Revival of Rockers Revenge.
On Aug. 12, Sid Wilson, the apparently erstwhile DJ for the world-famous metal act Slipknot, discussed his multi-faceted career, which has included recording and touring with the platinum-selling band and as a solo act, DJ Starscream, plus recent enterprises like his DJ-gear-making company Stop The Panic.
Other sessions included: A.I.-related seminars from DJ Cova (studio and music), Scott King (mobile sales), and Alex Brown (mobile business); “The New Age of SEO for DJs” by Brian Lawrence; and “The Side-Hustle DJ” by DJ HAPA, plus sponsored seminars from AlphaTheta, Carnival Cruise Line, German Light Products, Mixware/ColorKey, SMPL, and Vibo.
After Dark: DJX again presented the Sunset Sessions with networking events from QSC (Aug. 10) and AlphaTheta (Aug. 11), featuring music, food and drinks.
For its opening party at HQ2 at Ocean Casino Resort on Aug. 10, DJX presented a double dose of classic club jams from legendary DJ/producers Arthur Baker and Jellybean Benitez.
On Aug. 11, BASSBOSS and The MixHer presented PLY: The Pre-Game Party, an early-evening event that featured an all-female DJ lineup that included DJ ReRe, Stephanie Stardust, Neeek Nyce, and ChiTown Shani.
Later, on Aug. 11 at the VÜE Rooftop Bar at The Claridge, DJX presented “Respect the DJ Party,” which included Dook, DJ Tony-T, Frank Garcia, Lou Paris, Linda Leigh and Iron Mike.
On Aug. 12 at The Balcony in the Hard Rock, DJX presented B2B parties. First up, the “Legacy of the Mix” party, co-hosted by Jake Jacobsen and Mike Alevras, presented a cavalcade of mobile-friendly talent. Sponsored by AlphaTheta, Jet Pack Bags, and RCF, the lineup included live acts Shyra Sanchez and Pretty Poison feat. Jade Starling, plus DJs Matt Dodge (Tampa Bay Rays/Buccaneers), DJ Larry D (Virginia’s Astro Event Company), DJ Stacie (FIT Radio), DJ Kid Kasper (Virginia’s B101.5 FM), Todd Moffre and Big Daddy & The Family.
Afterwards, Mell Starr & Friends threw down deep into the night. Sponsored by AlphaTheta and RCF, the event included performances from turntable master Melo-D, party rocker Matthew Law, and radio/mix-tape legend Kool DJ Red Alert – plus a surprise set by turntable pioneer DJ Cash Money.
What’s New: On Aug. 10 and 12, Stop The Panic presented its World Scratch Invitational Regional Championship, which was won by Poland’s DJ ChedeRac.
Also, Of Note: Jellybean’s Funhouse Vinyl Shop & Listening Lounge; EV Vinyl Lounge & Crate Digger Awards; DJ Niam was the BASSBOSS-sponsored UpNXtDJ Winner; Phillip Ramos (aka DJ Roosta) of Albany, N.Y., won the DJX T-Shirt Design Contest; The DJ School’s Graduation Ceremony with The DJ Coach; and Show Décor Sponsors (Both Lighting, VibeCraft, ATA Photobooths & The Screen Works).
The Prizes: On Aug. 13, Yolanda Spencer of Brooklyn, N.Y., won the Ultimate DJ Giveaway. The winning system included products from the following exhibitor/sponsors: AlphaTheta (XDJ-AZ controller, two Wave 8 loudspeakers, and HDJ-F10 headphones); ColorKey (8 fully wireless uplights); Crane (Crane Stand Plus); Headliner (Malibu Portable DJ booth); Rockville Audio (Rockville Podcast Kit); ProX (ATA Flight Case); JetPack (Slim backpack); Mo and Joe Electronics ($150 gift certificate); and Ultimate Ears (two pairs of UE 11 Pro in-ear monitors). Also, DJX offered daily giveaways from these brands, plus AIAIAI, beyerdynamic, Both Lighting, German Light Products, Vinylessence, Esstart, and Lin Soul.
The Reaction: “With DJX’26, we were thrilled to see so many new attendees mixing with those DJs who’ve made this an annual pilgrimage,” said Jim Tremayne, Editor of DJ LIFE and DJX organizer. “Through the show’s variety of unique activities, educational sessions, networking events, exhibits, and After Dark parties, we believe that there’s something for DJs from all tribes at the show. As always, we at DJX and DJ LIFE thank the brands, retailers, sponsors, performers, panelists, and attendees for their participation and support.”
Shawn Hazan, President/CEO of Hazan Media Group, said: “DJX is more than an event – it’s where our industry comes together to learn, connect, create opportunities, invest in the next generation, and move forward as one community. Our goal has been to create a singular experience that brings the entire industry together on one campus. At its core, DJX is about uniting the industry to drive progress. When DJs, creators, brands, educators, and innovators come together around a shared purpose, meaningful advancement happens. DJX is evolving beyond a trade show into a year-round opportunity that unites, elevates, and advances the entire DJ and creator ecosystem. The future of DJX is bigger than an event”
The response from exhibitors and attendees was upbeat:
“We at AlphaTheta always enjoy participating in DJX. This year it was great to see so many new faces and a lot of variety in terms of DJ style and age of DJs. We feel it is important to interact and communicate with the people who use our gear and DJX provides a perfect opportunity to do that.”
– John Powell, AlphaTheta, Torrance, Calif.
“JBL was thrilled to return to DJX Show in 2026! With so many opportunities to showcase our wide portfolio of loudspeakers, it served as a core activation for connecting with our customers and building relationships. Can’t wait until next year!”
– Michael Doucot, JBL Pro/Harman, Northridge, Calif.
“DJX feels like home, and we wouldn’t miss it for the world! It’s our time each year to see our DJ and industry friends old and new, connect with important partners in a relaxed atmosphere, and throw down some great tunes with fantastic DJs, both emerging and established. The location, the staff, and the attendees are all the best of the best. We’ll see you next year!”
– Lian Amber, BASSBOSS, Austin, Texas
“DJX ’26 is more than a trade show for Electro-Voice. It’s where we connect directly with the people who live and shape DJ culture every day. It gives us the opportunity to listen to DJs, understand their real-world needs, and let them experience our products in an authentic environment. From the EV Vinyl Lounge to our presence on the show floor, we’re not just showcasing speakers, we’re building relationships, supporting the craft, and staying closely connected to the DJ community. That’s what makes DJX such a valuable event for our brand year after year.”
– Marco Araujo, Electro-Voice, Burnsville, Minn.
“The show was good for Mixware in strengthening our brands. The overall look and feel and production of the DJX show as a whole looked really great. We are looking forward to next year.”
– Dave Arevalo, Mixware, Las Vegas
“DJX’26 was such an amazing new experience for me. It was truly a DJ-family reunion. Thank you for the opportunity to experience it. I can’t wait to be involved in some kind of capacity soon… Salute!”
– Jerome Hewlett (aka DJ Cash Money), Philadelphia
“To me, DJX is about community, education and networking. I go to DJX to be with like-minded industry people, who want to talk about gear, music, business, and people who want to learn to grow their businesses from the seminars and the networking. Because it’s filled with these kinds of serious people, it’s an amazing experience.”
– Jason Longobardo, Mackie/Top-Notch Entertainment, Eastchester, N.Y.
“For me, DJX’26 was a great mix of learning, networking, and reconnecting with my fellow DJs. Like a kid in a candy store, I always enjoy walking the exhibit floor and discovering new products and brands. This year was my first time attending some of the educational seminars and I definitely left with several strong takeaways that I could immediately apply to my own business. Overall, DJX is always an incredible opportunity to connect, learn, and stay plugged into where the industry is headed. Looking forward to ’27!
– Don Monopoli, New York Knicks DJ, NYC
“We travelled all the way from Australia to DJX for the second year in a row, and it did not disappoint. The conference is the perfect mix of really solid and inspiring educational sessions, fun events with great tunes and impressive talent, and networking opportunities. Meeting like-minded professionals from the other side of the world and making those connections is priceless. We’ve come back home feeling energized and inspired to improve our business, and we look forward to attending another conference soon.”
– Aleks Mac, One More Song, Melbourne, Australia
“DJX continues to be one of the most valuable events in the industry. It brings together working DJs, business owners, educators, and industry leaders in an environment where people can build real relationships and leave with ideas they can immediately put into action.”
– Scott King, CSK Business Solutions, Orlando
“Thank you so much again for a great show – it was a great success! And thank you to the DJX team for all the hard work you put in.”
– Jesse Dean, Jesse Dean Designs, Lancaster, Calif.
“I’ve been attending DJX for 19 years and I always get so much from the education, tech and most importantly, the networking. Meeting new people, inspiring conversations, the ideas that flow out of DJX from the restaurants and hallways is worth its weight in gold alone. Then add a trade-show floor and seminar and demo rooms, it’s a no brainer to not attend each year. On top of that, they throw some awesome parties each night. My business has grown and continues to grow as a result of attending.”
– Mark Brenneisen, AllWeDoIsEpic.com, Lake George, N.Y.
“We had a great time at the conference, and we’re already looking forward to attending again next year.”
– David Carrasco, Jellybean’s Funhouse Record Shop, Oakland Park, Fla.
“DJX’26 was another incredible experience! The energy, the community, and the educational opportunities continue to set the bar for our industry.”
– Jake Jacobsen, A2R Entertainment, Cumming, Ga.
“Though I attend a lot of DJ conventions, DJX is always my annual favorite. Thanks to the organizers of this awesome expo for helping me recharge my batteries and reminding me why DJing is such an incredible occupation!”
– Mike Walter, Elite Entertainment, Tinton Falls, N.J.
“One of the things I value most about DJX is the incredible sense of community. The educational sessions and opportunities for professional growth are always important, but the connections and friendships I have built over the years are truly priceless.”
– Chuck Zerambo, Sir Charles Distinctive Entertainment & DJ Services, Philadelphia
“The venue is excellent, with well-designed rooms set up perfectly for education and presentations – and the show floor is simply the best in the industry. Having attended and presented at similar events across the country, I can say that DJX consistently stands out in terms of the quality and variety of exhibitors, the energy, and the overall experience. It was a pleasure to be part of DJX 2026, and I look forward to being back!”
– Michael Wedaa, Augmentus Business Solutions, Anaheim, Calif.
“From the education, new gear and showroom floor to the networking, hallway conversations, opportunities and incredible parties, DJX delivered another memorable experience.”
– Jeffery Powell, Alliance Entertainment Group, Dallas
“Again DJX 2026 was an incredible show that continues to be the place to improve your business, performance and to find the newest, best gear industry manufacturers have to offer. The bonds that are made are worth their weight in gold and if you haven’t yet been…make DJX 2027 a priority.”
– Michael Alevras, Hudson Valley Event Group, Monroe, N.Y.
“For anyone serious about the DJ industry, this annual pilgrimage should be mandatory. You will come home with new ideas, better relationships, a renewed perspective, and practical ways to elevate both your business and your life.”
– Mark Imperial, DJ Entertainers Association, Chicago
“After 22 years as a DJ, one of the biggest things that stood out to me at DJX was how involved so many of the guests were in the educational side of the event. It reminded me that I’m not the only one still aggressively trying to improve after all these years. For me, DJX ’26 was a reminder that no matter how long you’ve been doing this, there’s always another level.”
– Chris Sweet, DJ Just Chris, Rochester, N.Y.
“I learned so much – each seminar was a master class in itself, offering practical, helpful tools I’ll use to build my business. Listening to these presenters gave me confidence and a roadmap. I thought, ‘Yeah, I can do this.’ But one of the best parts of DJX was the people! What a kind, supportive, happy community! I felt like I found my tribe. Everyone was welcoming and I noticed the spirit was collaborative, not competitive. Everyone wanted to help each other succeed.”
– Wendy Lusk, Joy Spark Events, Richmond, Va.
“What I enjoyed about DJX was the people. There was a real sense of community. DJs were catching up with old friends, talking shop, checking out new gear and just enjoying being together. It felt like people wanted to be there, and that’s not always the case at an industry event. There was a lot going on at DJX, but it never felt like just another trade show.”
– Clarence Barnes, South Road Media, Boston
“It was such a special experience for me. I also want to thank the entire DJX staff, family, and friends for being so welcoming and making me feel completely at home and comfortable throughout the event. Everyone’s kindness and support meant so much.”
– Shyra Sanchez, Artist, Los Angeles