DigiFest Temecula 2025

Friday, April 25th | 6:30pm – 10:30pm

6:30 pm Studio Doors Open |  Networking, Photos, Music, and Cocktail Hour

7:30 pm SHOWTIME Welcome Presentation in the Black Box Theater

7:45 pm KEYNOTES PRESENTATION | More Than Drusilla: Juliet Landau on the Art of Storytelling in Film & TV w/ Juliet Landau - Actress, Director, & Filmmaker

From playing the iconic Drusilla on Buffy the Vampire Slayer to directing award-winning films, Juliet Landau has carved out a remarkable career in Hollywood. At DigiFestⓇ  Temecula, she takes the stage to share her extraordinary journey, offering an insider’s look at acting, directing, producing, and navigating the entertainment industry.Juliet has worked with Hollywood legends like Tim Burton, Gary Oldman, and Whoopi Goldberg, starred in Bosch, Claws, and Ed Wood, and made waves with her visionary film A Place Among the Dead. Now, she’s captivating audiences once again with her Buffy rewatch podcast, Slayin’ It, and starring in VAM PD, an epic audiobook series.

Don’t miss this inspiring, behind-the-scenes conversation with a true Hollywood multi-hyphenate. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a pop culture fan, Juliet’s insights will ignite your passion for storytelling!

9:00 pm ENTERTAINMENT | Music Performance by Flem, an all-female band

Saturday Day, April 26th | 10:00 am – 4:30 pm

10:00 am Doors Open | Explore Creative & Interactive Exhibits

10:30 am PANEL | Unlocking Joy: How Laughter Can Transform Your Life and Career w/ Timothy Duffy & Justine Reiss

Find out how to unlock the secrets of using laughter as a tool for success and personal fulfillment. Join Tim Duffy, Co-founder of Laughterworx, along with Key FUNcilitator Justine Reiss, as they explore the transformative power of laughter and vocal empowerment in reducing stress and enhancing joy. This concept was birthed by the hilarious comedian Craig Shoemaker, and this presentation will delve into the neuroscience behind laughter and how it can revolutionize both personal wellness and content creation. Discover innovative strategies for integrating humor into your daily routines and professional endeavors with their unique "Laughitations" approach, designed to elevate wellness programs and boost overall productivity. Whether you're looking to enhance your performance in the workplace or seeking creative inspiration, learn how Laughterworx can empower you to be your best self in every aspect of life.

12:00 pm PANEL | Hip-Hop’s Digital Evolution: From 90s Icons to Today’s Influencers w/ Martin Pearson & Deverill Weeks

The influence of the 90s on the 21st-century cultural landscape is everywhere—from music to movies and toys to fashion.  It was the last analog decade before the internet changed the world forever—and what was edgy back then is now firmly embedded in the mainstream. Photographer Deverill Weekes and writer Martin Pearson were there to document some of these trends, most notably the emergence of hip hop as a global powerhouse. For DigiFestⓇ  they discuss their new book HIP HOP RISING: PROFILES OF THE 90s, as a jumping-off point for exploring the outsized legacy of this transformative era.

1:00 pm LUNCH - Lunch is provided for V.I.P. and is available for purchase for others.

1:30 pm PRESENTATION | Inside the Digital Revolution: Exploring Podcasting, Media, and New Opportunities w/ Michael Silvers, Vice President of LA Tribune, Podcaster

Join us for an inspiring and informative mini-session featuring Michael Silvers, Vice President of The Los Angeles Tribune. A dynamic leader in the world of podcasting, online news, and emerging media platforms, Michael will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the Tribune’s cutting-edge strategies in digital content delivery.

In this compelling talk, he will explore the evolving landscape of technology and artificial intelligence and how these tools are transforming the way we communicate, create, and connect. More than just a conversation about tech, Michael’s message empowers individuals of all ages to harness the power of media to achieve excellence, freedom, and success—both personally and professionally.

Whether you're an aspiring creator, media enthusiast, or digital entrepreneur, this is your chance to gain insights from a top industry expert. Don’t miss it!

1:45 pm PRESENTATION | Laughing Through the Years:  Emmy Award-Winning Comedy Writer Jay Kogen on Comedy, Creativity, and Today’s Industry w/ Jay Kogan, Comedy Writer, Director & Producer

Get ready for an inside look at the world of comedy writing with Jay Kogen at DigiFestⓇ Temecula! With a career spanning over 30 years, Jay has shaped some of the most iconic TV shows and movies of the past few decades, including The Simpsons, Frasier, Everybody Loves Raymond, Shrek, Madagascar, and Kubo & the Two Strings. He’s won 4 Emmy Awards, a WGA Award, and even created the cult classic The Wrong Guy. In this exclusive talk, Jay will share his journey in comedy writing and directing, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of the business today. Plus, he’ll take your questions and share insights on his current projects, including his award-winning podcast Don’t Be Alone with Jay Kogen. Don’t miss your chance to learn from a true comedy legend!

3:00 pm KEYNOTE PRESENTATION | Say Yes, Then Figure It Out: Subspecies Actor Denice Duff on Business & Branding w/ Denice Duff, Actress, Entrepreneur, Director, Photographer

Get ready to learn the art of balancing multiple brands without losing focus with Denice Duff at DigiFestⓇ  Temecula! From actor to entrepreneur, Denice has built an incredible career, starring in everything from national commercials to TV shows like CSI Miami and The Young and the Restless. She’s also the star of the Subspecies vampire series, which just released its 5th sequel 25 years later. But Denice’s journey doesn’t stop at acting. She took her years of experience and turned them into a thriving skincare brand, which ranked #428 on the Inc.500’s fastest-growing companies. In this inspiring talk, Denice will share her journey of saying "yes" and figuring it out later, how she balances her acting, filmmaking, and skincare business, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Don’t miss out on this powerhouse session!

4:30 pm VIP EXCLUSIVE SESSION | Fire Up Your Drive and Thrive with the Unstoppable Actor w/ Johnny Venokur, Actor, Comedian & Entertainment Life Coach

In the modern world of distractions, people tend to put their dreams and their potential on the back burner. Actor and comedian Johnny Venokur, who you might know from television’s The Offer and  Scott Baio is 45 and Single, pulls back the curtain on what it takes to light up your motivation and keep it lit to achieve your goals and reach your full potential. With Venokur's classic New York style of sardonic wit and comedic take on life, be ready to laugh while getting motivated to reach your next level.

*For VIP Ticket Holders ONLY

5:30 pm Studio Doors Close

Saturday Night, April 26th | 6:30 pm – 10pm

6:30 pm Doors Open |  Enjoy Creative & Interactive Exhibits, Vote for People's Choice, Concessions and Beverages available for purchase

6:45  SCREENING | Film, Video & Animation, Digi Award Contenders. An Intermission will be held.

Sunday Day, April 27st | 10am – 3:00pm

10:00 am Doors Open | Arrive on the Blue Carpet for Pictures and Networking. Beverages for purchase. Appetizers will be served.

10:30 am PRESENTATION | Secrets of Elite Performers from Grammy Winners to Corporate Superstars w/ Steven Memel, Actor, Producer

Join us at Digifest Temecula for an exciting talk with performance coach Steven Memel. Discover how top artists and business leaders reach elite performance levels and how you can, too!

Steven, known for his work with stars like Adam Levine (Maroon 5), Academy Award nominee Drew Barrymore, actor Justin Long, Tony Award winner Lauren Bacall, as well as CEOs, entrepreneurs, professionals, and consultants, will share practical tips to boost your Skill, Confidence, Charisma, and Presence. Whether you’re aiming to shine on stage, in the studio, in meetings, or just in daily life, his insights will empower you to succeed.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from a coach who has transformed both creative and corporate talents. Get inspired and unlock your potential!

11:45 am PRESENTATION | Crushing the Digital Game: The HighLevel Formula for Industry Success w/ Allie Bloyd, Marketing Consultant, Coach, High Level Expert

Join Allie Bloyd, renowned Marketing Consultant, Coach, and HighLevel Expert, as she reveals the game-changing strategies behind HighLevel—the all-in-one marketing automation platform transforming businesses worldwide. Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, or marketing professional, this session will show you how to streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and drive revenue like never before.

Allie’s expert insights will help you maximize automation, generate quality leads, and scale efficiently—all while saving time and boosting ROI. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a leading authority in digital marketing and discover how HighLevel can revolutionize your business

1:00 pm People's Choice Voting Closes

1:00 pm PRESENTATION | Lights, Camera, Publicity! Steve Rohr on Mastering PR in Entertainment w/ Steve Rohr, Professor, Publicist, Author, Educator

Ever wondered how Hollywood’s biggest names build their brand and stay in the spotlight? Steve Rohr, renowned publicist, author, and educator, is here to pull back the curtain on the power of publicity! With over a decade behind the scenes at the Academy Awards® and as the founder of Lexicon Public Relations, Steve has helped actors, musicians, and filmmakers navigate the entertainment industry’s complex media landscape. Learn the value of a great publicist, how to reinvent yourself in entertainment, and why communication is the key to success. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, artist, or entrepreneur, this is your chance to unlock the secrets of Hollywood PR!

2:00 pm VIP EXCLUSIVE SESSION | VIP Panel: Meet the JDS Creative Academy Mentors – PR, Events & Media Mastery (VIP Exclusive Session) w/ Allie Bloyd, David Fagan, Dannella Burnett, Kari Michaelsen ft. Diane Strand as Moderator

Get exclusive access to the powerhouse mentors behind JDS Creative Academy’s incredible growth at this VIP panel at DigiFestⓇ Temecula. Join David Fagan, best-selling author and CEO of Top Talent, as he shares high-impact PR strategies that build authority and visibility. Learn from Dannella Burnett, event producer and speaker strategist, as she reveals how live events and public speaking can elevate your brand. Kari Michaelsen, Executive Producer and Host of ABC’s In the Spotlight, will provide expert insights on captivating audiences, securing top-tier media guests, and making a lasting impact. Finally, marketing expert Allie Bloyd will break down game-changing HighLevel strategies for scaling your business in the digital age. This is your chance to gain invaluable knowledge from top industry leaders and discover how PR, media, and events can transform your career. VIP access ensures an intimate, interactive experience—don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best!

*For VIP Ticket Holders ONLY

3:00 pm Doors Close

4:00 pm Enjoy Creative & Interactive Exhibits, Network, Appetizers, Beverages available for purchase

4:45 pm ENTERTAINMENT | Jexzi, Bilingual Singer/Songwriter

5:45 pm KEYNOTE PRESENTATION | Dream Big, Animate Bigger:  Book of Life’s Director Jorge R. Gutiérrez’s Triumphs, Challenges, and Hollywood Success w/ Jorge R. Guitierrez, Writer, Director, Artist

Get ready for an unforgettable keynote speaker event at DigiFestⓇ Temecula with Emmy Award-winning animator, painter, voice actor, writer, and director Jorge R. Gutierrez! Join Jorge as he takes you on a hilarious and heartfelt journey from his childhood in Mexico City to becoming a trailblazer in the animation industry. With experience at powerhouse studios like Disney, Nickelodeon, and Netflix, Jorge has a wealth of stories, successes, and lessons learned—both from his triumphs and his challenges. In this exclusive talk, he also shares how his adult autism diagnosis has shaped his creative instincts and fueled his unique artistic vision. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the most innovative minds in animation!

6:45 pm Digi Awards Presentation

8:30 pm SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!