Submissions are closed for Digifest® 2026
Event Schedule
Three Days. Endless Inspiration.
Get ready for three unforgettable days at DigiFest® packed with keynote speakers, panels, screenings, performances, networking, competitions, and creative magic around every corner. Browse the full schedule, plan your must-see moments, and prepare for the delightful chaos of trying to be in six places at once.
Friday, April 24, 2026
10:30 AM
Doors Open
11:00 AM
Entertainment on the Spectrum w/ Aarti & Subodh Garg from Love on the Spectrum Meet television stars from Love on the Spectrum while they discuss the realities of reality TV for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Aarti will also be performing live, treating the audience to an original song she wrote for her brother Subodh.
Moderator: Co-Founder of JDS Studio Scott Strand
12:00 PM
Entertainment Behind the Scenes w/ Marlene Sharp, Judith Uttal & Robert Kutner A panel of advocates for neurodiversity in the entertainment industry with unique perspectives lend their expertise to guide aspiring artists. Join Marlene Sharp, talent manager, producer, writer, and founder of Pink Poodle Productions; Rob Kutner, writer and producer for The Daily Show, Conan, and Teen Titans GO; and Judith Uttal, the founder of Autism in Entertainment and a lifelong advocate for creating a more inclusive and innovative industry.
Moderator: Founder of DigiFest, Diane Strand
1:00 PM
Lunch Break with Catering by Red Ginger
2:00 PM
Independent Filmmaking Panel w/ Pryde Pierce, Kerron Andrews & Joseph Russo Riverside County filmmakers who’ve made it to Hollywood’s main stage share their creative processes and insights into independent filmmaking. These local creatives will discuss their diverse journeys getting to and within the entertainment industry.
Moderator: Co-Founder of JDS Studio Scott Strand
3:15 PM
Digital Business w/ Bill Walsh, CEO of PowerTeam International Business strategist and founder of Powerteam International shares practical insights on how creatives can grow their brands and leverage digital innovation in today’s competitive marketplace.
5:00 PM
Happy Hour / Blue Carpet Open / Photo & Media
6:30 PM
Opening Ceremonies
6:45 PM
Keynote Presentation w/ Collin Egglesfield Actor, author, and entrepreneur known for his roles in the films Backtrace and Something Borrowed, TV series All My Children and Melrose Place, as well as being one of People magazine’s Sexiest Men Alive, shares an insider’s look at the entertainment industry.
8:15 PM
Speaking Session & Performance w/ Curtis Young, Son of Dr. Dre Recording artist Curtis Young comes to the DigiFest stage! Join us for a one-of-a-kind performance as he blends his hip-hop legacy as the firstborn heir of Dr. Dre with his own unique, original sound while sharing his journey as a performer and entrepreneur.
10:00 PM
Doors Close
Saturday, April 25, 2026
10:30 AM
Doors Open
11:00 AM
Voice Over Panel w/ Laura Summer & Wendee Lee Explore the craft of voice performance with a one-of-a-kind panel you don’t want to miss! Laura Summer, best known for voicing characters like Janine Melnitz in The Real Ghostbusters and Patamon in the English dub of the Digimon series and films, is joined by the legendary Wendee Lee, who has over 600 accredited roles, including Cowboy Bebop’s Faye Valentine, Kei in Akira, Bulma in Dragonball, and Sailor Moon’s Queen Serenity.
12:00 PM
Artistry & Animation w/ Timothy Rauch Emmy, Peabody, and NAACP Image Award-winning creator, director, and animator shares a behind-the-scenes look at the craft of animation and the power of visual storytelling.
1:00 PM
Lunch Break with Catering by Jilberto's Taco Shop
2:00 PM
Entrepreneurship and Success in the Digital Space w/ Kari Michaelson, Roger Wakefield, Moe Rock, Carmen Skipworth & Judy Walsh Learn the art of not going it alone and how sharing yourself as well as caring for yourself can empower you in your creative processes. Judith Walsh, Founder & CEO of Own Your Health, is joined by seasoned entrepreneur Roger Wakefield, Carmen Skipworth, AI and IT strategist, international author, and speaker with extensive experience and actress and motivational speaker Kari Michaelson of the hit NBC series Gimme a Break and In the Spotlight on ABC, to share insights on leadership and the power of taking ownership of your well-being.
3:00 PM
Celebrity Speaker Samuel Larsen from Glee Actor and musician best known for winning The Glee Project, and subsequently starring on the Glee series proper, shares his unique insider’s perspective on building a creative career in television, music, and beyond.
4:00 PM
Studio Closes
5:00 PM
Film Screenings: Experience the creativity, passion, and storytelling of emerging filmmakers during the film screening session at DigiFest® Temecula. This special screening features a curated selection of short films, music videos, animation, and original digital media chosen from this year’s submissions. Because there is only so much time before everyone’s popcorn budget and attention span stage a dramatic exit, not all submitted or accepted work will be shown during the screening. Creators whose work is selected for the big screen will receive a special invitation prior to the festival.
10:00 PM
Doors Close
SUNDAY, April 26, 2026
10:30 AM
Doors Open
11:00 AM
Photography: From Documentary to Narrative w/ John Williams & Bryan Giardinelli Industry veterans with credits ranging from Emmy-award-winning projects, a million-dollar contract from ABC’s Shark Tank, and Director of Photography for Bernie Sanders’ 2020 Presidential campaign discuss expanding skillsets and toolkits in an ever-changing field.
Moderator: Co-Founder of JDS Studio Scott Strand
12:00 PM
Funding w/ Catherine Curry-Williams
Join award-winning philanthropist, author, and founder of Shane's Inspiration, Catherine Curry-Williams for a discussion about empowering individuals to make meaningful impact, regardless of financial means.
12:45 PM
Lunch Break with Catering by Which Wich?
1:00 PM
Visibility & Promotion w/ Dannella Burnett, David Fagan, Yitzi Weiner & Diane Strand
Learn from industry leaders who specialize in getting stories seen and heard. Danella Burnett, award-winning television host and media personality, is joined by David Fagan, global PR strategist and media expert, as well as Yitzi Weiner, publisher of Authority Magazine. Together, they’ll share proven methods to build visibility, secure media coverage, and position yourself for long-term success in today’s fast-changing digital landscape.
2:00 PM
Podcasting w/ Justine Reiss & Christine Blosdale
Join podcast creators and storytellers Justine Reiss & Christine Blosdale as they explore how podcasting can be used as a force for change. Drawing from their experience in content creation, they will share how to build authentic conversations while engaging audiences and using your platform to inspire a positive impact on the world around you.
3:00 PM
Behind the Camera w/ Mario Ortiz, Davin Lindwall and E. Hughes Martinez
Learn about the world on the other side of the lens. Join multi-Emmy award-winning cinematographer Mario Ortiz, producer/photographer Davin Lindwall, and former Vice President of Development at Eclectic Pictures E. Hughes Martinez as they chat about production, cinematography, camera work, and more!
4:30 PM
Happy Hour / Blue Carpet Open / Photo & Media
5:45 PM
Live Performance Justin Guarini Singer, actor, and Broadway performer Justin Guarini takes the stage for a special performance.
6:30 PM
Celebrity Speaker Justin Guarini & Kim Walsh Phillips Entrepreneur and marketing strategist Kim Walsh Phillips teams up with entertainer Justin Guarini for an inspiring conversation on building a powerful personal brand.
7:30 PM
Awards Ceremony Sponsored by the County of Riverside
10:00 PM
Doors Close
