Presenters, Hosts, & Djs

 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.

 Bryan Festa is a DJ and entertainment industry professional who recently launched the Chicago branch of Elegant Music Group, the nation’s fastest growing events and entertainment company. With a strong background in client relations and vendor account management, Bryan brings a sharp acumen to the art of event execution—bridging performance and professionalism at every level.

 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.