Bill Jakub, a local entertainer who goes by DJ Vibes, noticed that Pittsburgh, a city with a rich music history, offered few opportunities for DJs in the area who perform at events such as weddings, private parties, and club gigs to gather and grow. So he turned to Jessica McKelvey with an idea.
“He said, ‘Hey, I want to put a conference on in Pittsburgh,’” McKelvey, aka DJ Jess, tells Pittsburgh City Paper. “‘There’s nothing going on here, and there’s a lot of Pittsburgh businesses and DJs, but we don’t see them traveling to the conferences that are happening.’”
McKelvey, an active member of the DJ conference circuit since 2017, joined Jakub as a silent partner to host the inaugural Pittsburgh DJ Summit in 2024, the success of which motivated them to repeat it. Organized with Ronnie and Aaron Thomas alongside McKelvey and Jakub, the next summit will take place Tue, Jan. 14-Wed., Jan. 15 at the newly renovated Sheraton Pittsburgh in Station Square.
“We knew we wanted to keep it small because whenever you have a smaller learning environment, you’re able to go even deeper,” she explains. Capped at 100 attendees, the event emphasizes quality over quantity, creating an environment where DJs can forge deeper connections and engage in high-level discussions about their craft.
“I’ve only attended a handful of conferences over the years that limit their attendance and I find when a conference does limit their attendance, attendees and speakers are often much more open and vulnerable in their sharing of ideas which can be advantageous,” says Dave Lander, aka Digital Dave, a 2025 summit workshop educator covering the importance of music programming.
His session aims to refocus DJs on the art of curating music, a skill that can sometimes take a backseat to business and marketing efforts. “Music is the essence of what we do as DJs,” says Lander.
The summit’s structure also offers a unique blend of seminars, workshops, and interactive panels. The mornings feature general sessions with 20-minute presentations and extended keynotes by prominent industry figures. In the evenings, workshops transition attendees from passive learning to hands-on activities. “You’re not just sitting and listening to the education,” says McKelvey. “You’re putting it in motion, which makes it more likely you’ll maintain momentum toward your goals.”
Workshops and presentations will tackle emerging technologies and trends shaping the industry. Mike Salone, aka DJ AXCESS, plans to highlight the potential of AI and tools like STEMS, which allow DJs to separate vocals and instrumentals in real-time. “As AI makes simple mixing and blending easier, DJs who mix creatively will be the ones to stand out,” he says.
One of the summit’s standout features is its panels, including the much-anticipated wedding pro panel. Moderated by McKelvey, the panel brings together wedding planners, photographers, videographers, and officiants to explore how DJs can collaborate more effectively with other vendors. “It’s about pulling back the curtain to see how we can better support each other,” says McKelvey.
Another highlight is the DJ-based panel, which promises interactive surprises designed to inspire creativity and foster collaboration.
“When I attended last year, I discovered several apps during the workshops that make event planning faster and easier,” says Santo Scarillo, aka DJ Scar, who will be the on-stage DJ throughout the conference. “Events like these play a crucial role in building friendships, expanding your business, and gaining valuable insights from other DJs in the industry.”
For those who may feel nervous about attending, McKelvey acknowledges, “It’s a scary world out there, especially in the entertainment business.” She encourages first-timers to take the plunge, assuring them of a supportive community filled with compassionate educators and seasoned professionals.
New summit elements this year include a venue shift to the Sheraton Pittsburgh in Station Square, where the nearby Hard Rock Cafe will, on Tue., Jan. 14, host a DJ Takeover party featuring multiple DJs, flash tattoo stations, and surprise activities. A collaboration with Women Who Rock adds a pop-up shop and fundraising effort to the event, blending community engagement with the summit’s celebratory spirit.
“I’ve participated in a lot of conferences, however, I think it’s really incredible for my hometown to be hosting one, says Lander. “I’m definitely looking forward to showcasing our city, which I’m incredibly proud of, to DJs from across the country.”
The Pittsburgh DJ Summit is more than just an industry event — it’s a celebration of music, innovation, and community. McKelvey and her team are driven by a desire to share the wealth of knowledge and connections they’ve gained from years of attending similar events.
“That’s the whole mission: to share that with others in hopes that it helps them too,” she says.
Pittsburgh DJ Summit 2025. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue., Jan. 14-Wed., Jan 15. Sheraton Pittsburgh. 300 West Station Square Dr., Station Square. $30-299. thedjsummit.com
Pittsburgh DJ Summit Takeover. 7:30 p.m. Tue., Jan. 14. Hard Rock Cafe. 230 W Station Square Dr., Station Square. Free. thedjsummit.com
This article appears in Jan 8-14, 2025.
