The Arrival
January 12, 2026
We arrived in Pittsburgh the day before the summit via Southwest Airlines, and even before the conference officially began, the experience had already started doing what these shows do best. Bringing people together. Creating conversations. Sparking reflection.
There is something about traveling to a DJ conference that puts you in a certain headspace before you even land. It is not just a trip. It is not just a change of scenery. For me, it is almost like you are stepping into a space where your mind automatically opens up. You start thinking about the year ahead. You start thinking about your business. You start thinking about what you want to improve. You start thinking about what you want to leave behind. That is what these trips do for me. They reset me.
On the flight from Dallas, we met another DJ from our area, Marcus Thomas (Mixtape Marcus). It is always interesting how those moments happen naturally. You sit down, start talking, and before you know it you are deep into conversations that feel necessary. We ended up riding the Lyft together to the hotel, and that ride alone reminded me why I never take conversations with other DJs for granted.
Sometimes we think we are just passing time. We think we are just making small talk. But a lot of times, those conversations become bigger than what we expected. They become mirrors. They become reality checks. They become reminders. They become motivation. And every now and then, they become those conversations you carry with you for weeks after the event is over.
Marcus shared some really insightful thoughts. He talked about something I have heard in different ways over the years, but the way he said it stuck with me. He mentioned how some DJs want better, but they do not want to do what it takes to actually become better. They want the outcome without committing to the process. He also talked about how some DJs are genuinely excited when they see things in the industry that they have never seen before, while others seem numb to growth, numb to possibility.
That hit me because it is real. It is not even just a DJ thing. That is a life thing. Everybody wants the fruit. Everybody wants the harvest. Everybody wants the results. But not everybody wants to plant. Not everybody wants to water. Not everybody wants to get up early. Not everybody wants to stay up late. Not everybody wants to do the unglamorous part that nobody sees. Everybody loves the highlight reel. Everybody loves the applause. But the grind is what creates the applause.
And when he said some DJs are excited like kids in a candy store when they see something new, I smiled because I know exactly what he means. There is a certain kind of person who still has that wonder. Still has that hunger. Still has that spark. And then there is another kind of person who has allowed themselves to become stale. They might still be working, but they are not growing. They might still be performing, but they are not evolving. They might still be showing up, but they are not stretching themselves.
That contrast stayed with me. It made me think about how often the same stories repeat themselves in this industry. Different faces, same lessons. Same opportunities. Same crossroads. And yet, everyone chooses differently.
I have been around long enough to see it over and over. Some people hear the same advice and actually apply it. Some people hear the same advice and get inspired for a day, maybe two days, then go back to business as usual. Some people will take one nugget and build an entire new chapter of their business from it. And other people will be in the same place two years from now, still complaining about the same problems, still waiting for the same break, still hoping for the same miracle, while never doing the work that would create momentum.
So that ride with Marcus was not just conversation. It was a reminder. A reminder that I want to keep growing. A reminder that I want to stay excited. A reminder that I never want to become numb.
When we pulled up to the hotel and stepped out of the Lyft, I looked to my right and immediately recognized DJ Debbie D from East Texas calling out to Jeff, DJ Jay P, and myself. She was there with her family. Debbie is a friend and also one of our guests on 2 DJs 1 Mic, and seeing her there brought instant joy.
There are certain people who show up and their energy is instantly felt. Debbie is one of those people. She is passionate in a way that is not forced. She loves DJing in a way that is not performative. She loves the craft, the culture, the community. She is one of those DJs who, even when she is tired, still has love for it. Even when she is nervous, she still shows up. Even when she is learning, she still shares. And that is what I respect.
And what makes it even more special is the support she has from her husband and Daughter. They are fully invested in her journey and her passion, and that kind of support is powerful. That is how it should be. I always say it, behind every person doing something great, there is either support or sacrifice. Sometimes both. And when you see a family that supports someone’s dream, it hits different. It feels right. It feels healthy. It feels aligned.
One of the first things that stood out to me was the hotel setup. Check in was on the 25th floor (The Which is the top floor), which also happened to be where the Welcome Party was taking place. So when the elevator doors opened, it felt like walking straight into a DJ Family Reunion.
That is the best way I can describe it. It did not feel like walking into a random event with strangers. It felt like walking into a space where you already belong. You know that feeling when you walk into a room and immediately your shoulders relax because you do not have to pretend. You do not have to explain yourself. You do not have to water down your excitement. You do not have to be quiet about what you love. You are around people who speak your language.
I immediately saw people I knew. DJ Mike Tech. Ciara Adams. CP Heda. Joe Bunn. DJ A Roc. Jess. Stephanie. DJ Axcess. Matthew Campbell. DJ Alex. And many more.
That moment filled me with joy. There is something about seeing familiar faces in a space like that that instantly reminds you that you are exactly where you are supposed to be. It also reminds you that time is moving. Because every time you see those faces again, you realize how much you have all grown, how much has changed, and how many memories have been created in between.
The Welcome Party was already in full swing. The Female DJ Council was responsible for the entertainment, and when I tell you they brought it, they brought it all the way. The women DJs held it down from start to finish. People were dancing. Talking. Laughing. Supporting each other. Cheering for every DJ that touched the decks.
You could feel the pride. You could feel the unity. And you could feel that they were not just DJing to DJ. They were representing. They were standing for something. They were showing what it looks like when women in the industry stand together and not against each other. That energy matters. Because people do not just remember the songs. They remember the feeling.
What I loved most was the energy. There was no competition in the room. No ego. Just support. Just DJs enjoying DJs.
Somebody might read that and think I am exaggerating, but I am not. I have been in rooms where the vibe is weird. I have been in rooms where you can feel the tension. I have been in rooms where everybody is acting cool but nobody is really connecting. This was not that. This was real. This was warm. This was community.
I ran into Matthew Campbell, a good friend I have met through the industry, and we had a great conversation. I also spent time talking with Ciara Adams and Stephanie Stardust. I love those sisters. I love their love for the industry, and I love the sisterhood they have built. The unity they have created between themselves and other women in the space is something special, and it is beautiful to see.
There is something about watching people build healthy community. It gives you hope. Because the DJ world can be small and big at the same time. It can be supportive and competitive at the same time. It can be inspiring and draining at the same time. But when you see genuine sisterhood and genuine brotherhood, it reminds you that the culture can be healthy if we choose to make it that way.
Jeff and I finally had the chance to sit down with DJ A Roc, one of the creators of the summit and also our road producer. A Roc is one of the smartest and most helpful people you will ever meet. He is genuinely committed to supporting others, and he has helped so many people without expecting anything in return. That kind of person is rare, and we love him for it.
A Roc is one of those people who is always thinking. He is always analyzing. He is always building. And he is always willing to share what he knows. That is not common. A lot of people will learn something and hold it tight like it is a secret. A Roc will learn something and immediately think about who it can help.
I also ran into Bill, another creator of the summit. I love his passion and his desire to continue giving something meaningful to the DJ community. You can tell when people are building something because they believe in it, not just because they want something from it.
That is important. Because when people build something for the right reasons, it shows. It shows in the detail. It shows in the vibe. It shows in the way people feel when they walk into the room. Bill has that kind of heart for this. And Jess does too. You can feel it. Their love for the community is not marketing. It is real.
After that, Jeff and I called it a night. We spent some time talking about our goals for the summit, what we wanted to accomplish, and how we wanted to show up over the next few days.
That late night talk is always necessary. It is where you get aligned. It is where you remember why you are there. It is where you decide you are not just going to attend. You are going to be present. You are going to learn. You are going to connect. You are going to give. You are going to receive.
Day One
January 13, 2026
We started the morning with breakfast on the 25th floor with one of our close friends, CP Heda from Esstart. We met CP over two years ago, and he has become family to us. While there, we also ran into DJ Debbie D again, and before long, the table filled with great conversation.
What I love about breakfast conversations at these conferences is that they do not feel like networking. They feel like family catching up. It is not forced. It is not awkward. It is just real.
Me, Jeff, Debbie, and a few others spent time reflecting on the day before, brainstorming, sharing ideas, and just enjoying the moment. Those conversations are some of my favorite parts of these events. They remind you that this industry is built on people, not just equipment and playlists.
We talk a lot about gear. We talk a lot about marketing. We talk a lot about pricing. We talk a lot about social media. But at the end of the day, this business is relationships. And the relationships are built in moments like that.
After breakfast, we made our way down to the second floor to officially start the day.
We took seats in the main room on the third row with Debbie D, Jeff, and Marcus. The first speaker of the day was Malike Adigun, and his message resonated deeply with me.
Malike spoke about brand therapy, but more importantly, he spoke about knowing your story and living your story. That phrase might sound familiar. We hear it all the time. But the way he delivered it felt different. It felt authentic. It felt honest.
He talked about how so many of us are living someone else’s story instead of our own. Whether we admit it or not, we are all influenced by something or someone. That influence is not the problem. The problem is losing yourself within it.
As DJs, we see successful DJs and naturally begin to mimic what they do. Their branding. Their presentation. Their style. And before we realize it, we are no longer developing our own story. We are just transferring into someone else’s.
Malike challenged us to ask ourselves a simple question. Can you find yourself within the influence and be unapologetic about it?
That hit home for me. Because growth does not come from imitation alone. Growth comes from understanding who you are and allowing that to show up in everything you do.
And let me be real, it is easy to lose yourself. Social media makes it easier. You scroll and see people booked every weekend. You see people with viral clips. You see people on stages. You see people traveling. And if you are not careful, you will start chasing their blueprint instead of building your own.
But the truth is, nobody can tell your story like you can. Nobody can market your heart like you can. Nobody can carry your energy like you can. And once you lock into that, the brand becomes real. The marketing becomes easier. The confidence becomes stronger. And the business starts to align.
The next speaker was DJ Loyal, and I love his Loyalisms. He delivered a message that felt like a gut check in the best way possible. He talked about image. Presentation. How you look. How you feel. How you lead with your brand.
He asked a powerful question. How can you expect to make more, do more, and own more if you are not willing to do the work required to build your brand properly?
That work requires effort. It requires self reflection. It requires attention to detail. From your appearance to your messaging to how you show up in every room. Do the work, and everything else will follow.
And here is what I mean by that. A lot of DJs want to charge premium, but they present average. A lot of DJs want high end clients, but their branding looks like it was put together in 10 minutes. A lot of DJs want corporate gigs, but their communication sounds unprofessional. A lot of DJs want luxury weddings, but their social media looks like a mixtape page from 2009.
If you want better, you have to look better. You have to sound better. You have to move better. You have to brand better. It is not vanity. It is strategy. It is alignment.
Following DJ Loyal was Joe Bunn, someone I have a tremendous amount of respect for, not just because of what he has built, but because of how he carries himself while building it.
You come across successful people all the time in this industry. Some of them wear their success like armor. Some of them use it as a shield. Some of them use it to create distance between themselves and everyone else in the room. Joe Bunn is not that.
From the very first time I met Joe, what stood out to me was his presence. When he talks to you, he looks at you. When you speak, he listens. He does not rush the moment. He does not scan the room looking for someone more important to talk to. He gives you his attention, and that alone speaks volumes.
On stage, Joe walked us through his journey from the beginning. Not the polished version. Not the overnight success story. The real one. The decisions. The focus. The moments where he had to choose direction instead of distraction.
He talked about why focus mattered so much in his career and how staying locked into who he was, who he wanted to serve, and what he wanted to be known for changed everything. Joe did not try to be everything to everybody. He built with intention. He built with clarity.
One of the things that really stood out to me was how he emphasized understanding both sides of the equation. Who you are as a business and who you are as a human being. Too many DJs try to separate the two, but Joe made it clear that alignment is what creates sustainability.
He spoke about niche, not as a limitation, but as freedom. When you know who you are and who you are not trying to be, decisions become easier. Pricing becomes clearer. Messaging becomes sharper. Stress becomes lighter.
I found myself thinking about how many DJs burn out because they chase everything instead of committing to something. Joe’s story was a reminder that longevity is not accidental. It is intentional.
Listening to him, I could see people in the room leaning in. Not because he was flashy. Not because he was loud. But because he was real. And real always lands.
Lunch was another highlight. We sat down with DJ Teddy T, Laura, Toney, Jeff, and myself. The conversation flowed naturally from DJing to business to life. Those moments always move me because you learn so much about people when you slow down and listen. Their motivations. Their struggles. Their victories.
I love hearing the real stories. Not the fake highlight reel. The real story. The story of what it took. The story of what they learned the hard way. The story of what they wish they did sooner. Those are the conversations that make you better.
After lunch, Jeff and I made our way to the podcast area for our scheduled interview with Malike Adigun.
The It’s Just A Wedding Podcast team, who served as the in-house podcast crew for the summit, blessed us with a forty-five minute window to record. That may not sound like a big deal to some people, but when you are at a conference where everything is moving fast and schedules are tight, that kind of space is a gift. And we were grateful for it.
What made the interview special was that it allowed Malike to go beyond the stage version of his message.
On stage, he challenged us to know our story and live it. In the interview, he unpacked why that matters on a deeper level.
We talked about how easy it is to lose yourself in influence. How social media magnifies comparison. How algorithms reward imitation. How trends can quietly pull you away from your own voice if you are not grounded.
Malike spoke openly about his own evolution. About learning when to listen and when to filter. About understanding that growth is not just about adding skills, but about shedding habits, beliefs, and expectations that no longer serve you.
He talked about team, family, and the importance of building something that does not collapse when you step away for a moment. That hit home for me. Because success that requires you to constantly be present to survive is not success. It is a trap.
What I appreciated most about Malike in that conversation was his balance. Confidence without arrogance. Vision without ego. He understands that branding is not just what people see. It is what they feel when they interact with you.
That interview did not feel like content creation. It felt like a conversation that needed to happen. One of those moments where you finish recording and realize the value was not just for the audience, but for you too.
After that, exhaustion finally caught up with me. I took some time to rest and reset before heading back downstairs for the evening events. Conferences will wear you out if you let them, not because it is stressful, but because it is full. Full of information. Full of energy. Full of conversation. Full of moments. And you do not want to sleepwalk through moments like these. You want to be present for them.
The party kicked off at 6 pm, and we made sure to be there to support DJ Teddy T, who we had lunch with earlier. But what I did not realize at first was that this was not just another party. This was the closing party, and they decided to do something that instantly set it apart. They made it an R&B Night.
Now when people hear R&B Night, they might assume it means a few slow jams sprinkled into a regular party playlist. That was not this. This was a real theme. A real vibe. A real commitment. It was R&B across generations. Seventies all the way up. Classics. Deep cuts. Newer records. Grown folks records. Heartbreak records. Celebration records. Records that make you sing the words out loud without thinking about it. Records that make strangers look at each other like, yeah you know this one too.
And what that did to the room was something you cannot fake.
Because R&B does something different to people. It makes people soften. It makes people open up. It makes people dance without feeling like they have to prove anything. It brings couples closer. It brings friends together. It brings memories back. It makes the room feel like home.
There was hip hop mixed in. There was some pop mixed in. Some other flavors here and there. But the heartbeat of the night was R&B, and it was beautiful. It was like the whole room collectively decided to exhale and enjoy.
More than eight DJs performed, and the energy continued to build with each set. DJ by DJ. Song by song. Dance by dance. And what I loved about it was how the DJs played for the room instead of playing for themselves. They were not trying to outdo each other. They were adding to the night like everyone understood the assignment. Everybody was building the vibe. Everybody was protecting the vibe.
That is rare.
I did not see inflated egos. I did not feel tension in the air. Nobody looked like they were sizing somebody else up. It felt like DJs partying with DJs, and that is one of my favorite things in the world to witness. Because it reminds you that we are still fans of this. We are still in love with this. Even the people who do it professionally, even the people who are booked nonstop, even the people who have built names for themselves, they were still on that floor smiling, moving, vibing, enjoying.
And then there was a moment that took it to another level.
One of the DJs had a drummer and a sax player with him. Not just a gimmick either. They were locked in. The drummer was funky. The sax player was speaking through that horn. It added life to the room in a way that felt like a concert and a party at the same time. You could feel people react differently. You could feel heads turning. You could feel people walking closer like, hold on, what is this. And it reminded me that creativity is still alive in this space. It reminded me that we can still elevate the experience in ways that surprise people.
That night felt like one of the best parties I have attended in a long time. Not because it was the loudest or the wildest, but because it had soul.
And one of my favorite parts of the entire night was watching DJ Debbie D.
Debbie is a huge fan of Joe Bunn and Nick Spinelli. And when I say huge fan, I mean the kind of fan where you know their work, you respect their journey, and you almost do not want to bother them because you hold them in such high regard. She kept talking about wanting a picture with them, but you could see she was working herself up to it.
You could see the nerves in her face. You could see the excitement. That bubbly energy like a kid meeting somebody they admire. And the funniest part is she was trying to play it cool, but she could not. Not really.
She would say she wanted to ask, then hesitate. Then laugh. Then say she would wait. Then look again. Then get nervous again. And I was watching it like, this is exactly why these conferences matter. Because people do not just come for classes. People come for moments they will never forget.
At one point, Debbie’s daughter looked across the room and said something like, I think that is him right there. Debbie was like, no that cannot be him. And her daughter was like, based on what you just described to me, that has to be him.
I overheard that and it made me smile because it was so pure.
So I told Jeff, and we both decided, let us make this happen for her.
I went and grabbed Joe and brought him over. And the moment Joe walked up, Debbie’s whole energy changed. Her face lit up. She was flustered, nervous, smiling, laughing, trying to get herself together, but she could not. And it was beautiful because it was genuine. No fake cool. No pretending. Just excitement and gratitude.
Joe, being Joe, was kind and present. He did not make her feel weird. He did not rush it. He gave her a real moment. They took the picture. Debbie was glowing. Her husband and daughter were right there watching it happen. And you could tell that was a memory for their family, not just a photo.
Then Nick Spinelli walked in.
And it was like round two.
Debbie looked like she was about to talk herself out of it again, trying to build courage. And I said, no, not tonight. So I walked up to Nick and told him we had someone who really respected him and wanted a picture. Nick came right over and gave Debbie that same kind of moment. No ego. No distance. Just a human being showing love back to someone who appreciated him.
Debbie was blushing, smiling so hard, laughing, almost shaking, the whole thing. And it was hilarious and heartwarming at the same time.
Because it reminded me of something.
No matter how long you have been in this, no matter how many gigs you have done, no matter how many miles you have traveled, you should never lose that wonder. You should never lose that excitement. You should never lose that feeling of being inspired by someone else’s journey. That is what keeps you alive.
And then came one of the funniest moments of the night.
Jess walked up with a life size cutout of Joe Bunn. A full sized Joe. The cutout had the whole look. The Gucci warm up. The glasses. They even put Jordans on it. And they started reenacting a moment where Joe was known for being up on speakers.
They brought the cutout over to the speakers, and Joe laughed so hard he could barely breathe. People were taking pictures with the real Joe and the cutout Joe. People were joking about it all night. And for me, that cutout became symbolic.
It represented what the night felt like. Humor. Respect. Celebration. Community. No one too big to laugh. No one too important to be part of the joke. Everyone together.
That party was epic.
And that is why I keep saying Jess, A Roc, and Bill did not just host a show. They created an experience. They created a space where people felt safe, seen, and connected. They created a room where DJs could just be DJs, not brands, not competitors, not salespeople, just people who love what they do.
This was the first DJ party of the year, and it set the tone in a powerful way. Big respect to Jess, A Roc, and Bill for putting on something unforgettable. Three years in a row, they have raised the bar.
Day Two
January 14, 2026
Day two began in the main room with Nick Spinelli taking the stage. His presentation on social media algorithms was packed with valuable information. Social media is a science that continues to evolve, and Nick shared what has worked for him through trial, error, and consistency.
What I appreciated most about Nick was how genuine and approachable he was. He was comfortable being himself, and he was willing to share knowledge openly. It is refreshing to see someone succeed at a high level and remain grounded.
Next was Stephanie Stardust, founder of the Female DJ Council. She spoke about artificial intelligence and its role in our businesses. She took us down the rabbit hole and showed how she uses AI to streamline tasks and enhance productivity.
One thing she said resonated deeply with me, and this is what I received from that. We like change, but we do not like being changed. Yet everything in life is subject to change. Growth requires adaptation. The DJ industry itself is proof of that.
AI is not something to fear. It is something to understand and leverage. Used correctly, it can enhance your business and your life.
Chris Atwood followed with a powerful and emotional presentation. He shared his journey through obesity, a stroke, and recovery. Hearing someone speak openly about health challenges and survival is sobering and inspiring.
Health is wealth. Without it, nothing else matters. Chris’s story was a reminder that we must be proactive. Not tomorrow. Not next year. Now.
Loren Miller continued that conversation with his own experience. He spoke about health, self improvement, and confidence. His honesty was refreshing, and his courage to share moved the room.
As I looked around, I saw genuine admiration and respect among attendees. I also noticed something important. Smaller shows supporting one another. No competition. Just collaboration.
Joe Bunn from DJ Collective. Jason Jani from DJ Collective. Mitch Taylor from Midwest DJs Live. Jack Kristian from DJs Assemble. Leaders from different communities showing up, engaging, and supporting.
That sense of community is something we need more of.
We even had a fashion segment led by Valentina, who spoke about style, body type, and presentation. Fashion is often overlooked in our industry, and her insight was valuable.
Vendors and Extended Family
I truly appreciated how the summit honored its vendors by giving them time to present. Vibo with Jay Murch. Esstart with CP Heda. Marcellus Both Lighting USA. Simple CRM with Brian. These tools exist to support DJs, and hearing their stories added value.
Seeing extended family was another highlight. Matthew Campbell. Ciara Adams. Jay Murch. DJ Nate Acosta, DJ Madd our friends and DJs from Dallas “DFW”. Friends from across the country.
These relationships are what make these shows meaningful.
Final Thoughts
Pittsburgh DJ Summit did exactly what it needed to do. It set the tone for 2026. New speakers. Real conversations. Genuine connection.
Bill, A Roc, and Jess listened to the community and delivered what was needed. That is leadership.
Congratulations on another successful year. We at 2 DJs 1 Mic look forward to 2027.
Let us keep creating. Keep leading. Keep teaching. And most importantly, let us live and find our own stories.
Special shout out to DJ Axcess, DJ Mike Tech, DJ Erin Elyse, DJ Nate Acosta, DJ Madd, Joe Bunn, Stephanie Stardust, Ciara Adams, DJ Debbie D and family, Marcus Thomas, DJ Teddy T, DJ Jay Po, DJ iShine, Jay Murch, Matthew Campbell, CP Heda, and my brother and co host DJ Jay P.
Seeing all of you brings such joy to my soul. Seeing the love that you have for this thing that we all fell in love with called DJing is such a joy to me. Let’s keep creating. Let’s keep being. Let’s keep leading. Let’s keep teaching. And as Malik stated, let’s live and find our story.
A Closing from 2 DJs 1 Mic
As we packed up, said our goodbyes, and began the journey home, one thing felt incredibly clear. Pittsburgh DJ Summit 2026 was not just another conference. It was a reminder. A reminder of why we started. A reminder of why we stayed. And a reminder of why this community matters.
From the conversations in hallways to the late night reflections. From the speakers who challenged us to the DJs who inspired us simply by being themselves. From the music to the moments in between. This summit did what the best gatherings always do. It reminded us that DJing is not just something we do. It is something we live.
At 2 DJs 1 Mic, our mission has always been simple. To create space for real conversations. To highlight real stories. To honor the journey behind the brand. To remind DJs that they are not alone in this.
This summit reflected everything we believe in.
We saw DJs willing to learn. DJs willing to share. DJs willing to be honest about where they are and where they want to go. We saw leaders supporting leaders. Communities supporting communities. No competition. No gatekeeping. Just alignment.
Because the future of this industry is not built on ego. It is built on intention. It is built on collaboration. It is built on people who are willing to grow themselves while lifting others along the way.
Pittsburgh DJ Summit set the tone for 2026 not by being flashy, but by being real.
From all of us at 2 DJs 1 Mic, we leave Pittsburgh energized, inspired, and grateful. Grateful for the music. Grateful for the people. Grateful for the journey.
Let us keep creating.
Let us keep leading.
Let us keep teaching.
Let us keep learning.
And as Malike reminded us, let us live and find our own story.
We will see you in 2027.