Black Diamond at DJX '26 · Hard Rock AC
Today
Today's schedule
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Atlantic City
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Tomorrow ·
DB DJ Buono
MS Mike Shannon
JM James Malonson
The Itinerary
Color key: Must-attend seminar Optional / flex / show floor Meals Open / free time Activities & fun Logistics white = other official DJX events.
MON · AUG 10
DJX Day 1 — Education opens
Show›9:30a
Breakfast · Sunny's (Boardwalk walk)Late-ish start (first session's 11a), so this is the morning we walk it — Sunny's at Ocean Casino, a short Boardwalk stroll north. Menu ›
11:00a
Booked Before You Hang UpClose premium clients on the first call · Seminole Room I.
12:00p
New Age of SEO for DJsGet found by clients as search & discovery shift · Seminole Room III.
1:00p
Resilience StrategiesFlex. Thriving under pressure · Seminole Room I. Catch the start, then slide to Beyond the Booth at 1:30.
1:30p
Beyond the Booth › AV/Event ProductionExpanding into audio, video, lighting & production — our lane · Seminole Room III.
2:30p
Mike Walter: The Best Songs EverProgramming & the floor-fillers · Seminole Room I.
3:30p
Lunch · quick on-site biteGrab something fast at Hard Rock before the 5p session.
4–5p
Open gapNo show floor today — boardwalk / rest before the 5p session.
5:00p
AlphaTheta / Pioneer DJ gearSponsored — newest gear & tools · Seminole Room I.
6:15p
Back to the room · shower & changeFreshen up — we're rolling out by 7.
7:00p
Head to the Golden NuggetOver to the Marina District (~15 min) — park, grab a drink before the table.
7:45p
Dinner · Vic & Anthony's SteakhouseBooked — steakhouse at the Golden Nugget Casino (Marina District). Menu ›
9:00p
DJX '26 Opening PartyOfficial DJX '26 event — Jellybean Benitez & Arthur Baker, HQ2 Nightclub, Ocean Casino Resort, 9p–2am. All DJX Pass Holders, 21+.
11p–?
Demon HoursThe part of the night the itinerary politely declined to plan. Casino floor, questionable buy-ins, a 2am boardwalk slice. Ends whenever it ends.
TUE · AUG 11
DJX Day 2 — Floor is open
Show›9:00a
Breakfast on-siteRelaxed start at Hard Rock — first session's 11a.
11:30a–6p
DJX Show FloorHit it in the gaps — newest gear, lighting, AV. Bring the Black Diamond wishlist.
11:00a
LLC Strategies for DJsOperate your LLC smartly · Seminole Room I.
11:30a
Country-Music Dance Party & SeminarFlex. Seminole Room III.
1:00p
Collaboration Over CompetitionDJ Business Tips 102 — partnerships over rivalry · Seminole Room III. Same slot as Teamwork — split the crew or pick one.
1:00p
Teamwork: DJs Spin Pro Sporting EventsLanding & running live-sports gigs · Ft. Pierce Salon D.
2:30p
Jellybean Benitez · Keynote Q&AOptional. Ft. Pierce Salon D — may skip & grab lunch here.
2:30p
Lunch · quick on-site biteOur built-in break — skip the keynote above (or grab it beforehand) and eat on-property.
3:00p
Mentoring the Next Wave · The Beat JunkiesBuilding the next generation · Seminole Room III.
4:00p
Modern DJ-Marketing PlaybookA social-media brand that pulls leads & bookings · Seminole Room I.
6:00–8:00p
DJ Scratching Master ClassBooked — hands-on class in the DJX main space (Hard Rock convention space).
8:15p
Dinner · Sugar FactoryBooked — right on-property after class, no travel needed.
~9:30p
Rooftop party · VÜE (The Claridge)"DJs Doing DJ SHIT on the Rooftop" — 23rd floor, The Claridge (right by Hard Rock), 8p–2am. Overlaps the start of dinner — roll in after Sugar Factory, ~9:30p. AC's only rooftop bar, DJX friends, drinks & beats.
Later
After DarkOr peel off to the Marina District — see Do & Eat.
11p–?
Demon HoursPost-scratch-class adrenaline has to go somewhere. It goes here. End time: to be negotiated with sunrise.
WED · AUG 12
DJX Day 3 — Deep dives
Show›9:00a
Breakfast on-siteCoffee and a game plan — the busiest seminar day.
11:30a–6p
DJX Show FloorSqueeze in floor time between sessions.
10:00a
German / Wireless LightingFlex. Sponsored — wireless lighting for events · Ft. Pierce Salon D.
11:00a
DJ Inquiry PlaybookAI-powered lead replies, done right · Seminole Room I.
12:00p
Stop Selling to the Wrong PersonTarget the right clients & grow · Ft. Pierce Salon D.
12:30p
Say It Different · Modern MC SkillsFor today's weddings · Seminole Room I. Overlaps the noon session — arrive a touch late.
1:00p
10 Lessons: The Business They Never Taught YouSeminole Room III.
2:00p
Website Roast · absolute mustBooked — DJ websites up on the big screen for a live critique, DJX main space.
2:00p
Tools, Systems & ProceduresOptional. Run a DJ business while you sleep · Seminole Room I. Same slot as the Website Roast — catch this only if the roast wraps early, or split up.
3:00p
Sid Wilson · Keynote Q&AOptional. Slipknot's #0 · Ft. Pierce Salon D — may skip & do lunch.
3:00p
Lunch · quick on-site biteOur built-in break — skip the keynote above and eat on-property before Bet On Yourself at 3:30.
3:30p
Bet On YourselfWhy you're capable of more · Seminole Room I.
5:00p
The Psychology of the GuestReading & moving the room · Seminole Room I.
6:15p
Back to the room · shower & changeFreshen up before the last big night.
7:30p
Dinner · Il MulinoBooked — on-property, right after the last full seminar day.
Evening
Big night outAfter Dark — check the Wed/Thu lineup, or hit the Marina District.
11p–?
Demon HoursLast full night, no real alarm tomorrow. Send it — ends when the last man standing calls it.
THU · AUG 13
DJX close, then fly home
Departure›8:15a
Breakfast on-siteQuick bite before the final session.
~11:00a
Check out · store bagsCheckout ~11a; leave luggage with the bell desk.
12:00–1:30p
Last seminar · The Big RigDelivering great sound at larger events (Ft. Pierce D) — the one Thursday must. Floor closes 3p, but our must wraps at 1:30.
~1:45p
Lunch · Mike & James' callQuick bite in AC before we roll, or hold off and eat in Philly along the way — their pick.
~2:00p
Leave AC early › PhillySeminars done at 1:30, so we can head out early. Optional Philly stop before the airport — Reading Terminal Market, a proper cheesesteak run (Pat's/Geno's or John's Roast Pork), or Spruce Street Harbor Park.
~4:30p
Return the car · PHLDrop the National at the airport (reservation runs to 6p; earlier is fine), then through security.
~5:45p
Chase Sapphire Lounge (PHL) · dinnerDinner before boarding — all three in on the Sapphire Reserve for Business. See Lounges.
8:55p
PHL › BOS · JetBlue 0560All three (14D/14F/14E) · lands BOS 10:26p · conf JWKUBT.
All seminar rooms (Seminole Ballroom, Fort Pierce Salons) are on the Hard Rock's 2nd floor, same as Convention Registration.
Do & Eat
Hard Rock is Boardwalk-side; Borgata is across the peninsula in the Marina District (~10 min drive). Philly's the Thursday drive-through. (Search reveals all three areas at once.)
Do
Steps from the show floor
- Steel Pier & the Wheel ›Observation wheel + rides, right next to Hard Rock.
- The BoardwalkWorld-famous stroll, arcades, ocean views.
- Absecon Lighthouse ›NJ's tallest — climb it for the skyline.
- Tanger Outlets · The WalkOpen-air outlet shopping downtown.
- The beachFree — and free summer beach concerts pop up.
- Cannabis dispensaries (21+)NJ-licensed, a few blocks off the Boardwalk — closest are Everest Dispensary and Sweet Leaf Dispensary.
Eat
On-site + classic AC nearby
- Council OakHard Rock's steak & seafood flagship.
- White House SubsThe legendary AC sub — location inside Hard Rock.
- Dock's Oyster HouseAC seafood institution since 1897 (~5 min).
- Angelo's Fairmount TavernOld-school red-gravy Italian.
- Tony's Baltimore GrillLate-night pizza & a dive bar that never closes.
On-property dining at Hard Rock
Everything under one roof
Hard Rock CafeSun–Thu 8a–midnight · (609) 441-0007
Council Oak Steaks & Seafood
Il Mulino (Italian) · booked 8/12, 7:30p · prix fixe $61
Kuro Japanese Craft Kitchen · happy hour
YouYu Noodle BarMon 12p–10p · Tue–Thu 4p–10p · (609) 449-1000
Sugar Factory · booked 8/11, 8:15pMon–Thu 11a–11p
White House SubsSun–Thu 9a–11p
The TerraceFri–Sat only — not open during our stay
Sitar (Indian)
Federal Donuts & ChickenOpen 24/7
Fresh Harvest BuffetMon–Thu 3p–9p
Starbucks
The Lobby Bar
Whammy Bar
Center Bar (at Hard Rock Cafe)
Beach Bar (seasonal)
Fast-casual concepts · grab-and-go
Hit The Road · coffeeSun–Thu 8a–8p
Alexia's Patisserie · ice cream & pastriesDaily · 24 hrs
Pizata · pizzaMon–Thu 11a–12a
Burgers and Hops · burgersMon–Thu 7a–4a
Asian Fusion · noodlesSun–Thu 11a–11p
Mediterranean KitchenSun–Thu 11a–8p
The Green Bar · smoothies & açaíMon–Thu 8a–7p
Room service · In-Room Dining
Sun–Thu 7a–2a — press "In-Room Dining" on the room phone, or order online.
Body Rock Fitness Center
South Tower, 3rd Level · 609-449-5380
Stationary BikeStairmasterTreadmillEllipticalKettle BellsYoga MatsCable StationStationary MachineFree WeightsYoga On Demand
Mon–Thu 6a–6p — hours subject to change. Mike's likely stop most mornings.
Pool
South Tower, 4th Level
Open 10:00a–8:00p every day. Sundeck open for the season — adults-only, 18+.
The Lobby Bar
Mon–Thu 12p–midnight
Live music Mon–Thu 7–11p. Happy hour Mon–Thu 4–6p: $5 draft · $6 domestic bottles · $7 import bottles · $10 well cocktails.
Hard Rock Beach
Beachfront lounge · seasonal
Bar: daily 11a–6p · Rentals: daily 10a–5p. Card only, no cash — no outside food or drink.
Lounge chair $20 · beach chair $16 · umbrella $25 · day bed $100/$150 (half/full) · canopy bed $150/$200 (half/full).
Center Bar
At Hard Rock Cafe · open 24/7/365
Happy hour Mon–Thu 6–8p: $5 draft · $6 domestic bottles · $7 import bottles · $10 well cocktails. Also Mon–Thu: $5 domestic draft or $10 well cocktail with any food purchase.
Do
Marina District
- Borgata ›Casino, spa, Premier nightclub, Music Box shows.
- The Pool After Dark · Harrah'sIconic indoor pool party next door.
- Golden Nugget marinaWaterfront views & more tables.
- Gardner's BasinWaterfront + dolphin/boat tours nearby.
Eat
Some of AC's best tables
- Vic & Anthony's · Golden NuggetBooked Mon 8/10, 7:45p — tonight's steakhouse. Menu ›
- Bobby Flay SteakSteakhouse heavy-hitter.
- Angeline by Michael SymonRustic Italian, crowd favorite.
- IzakayaModern Japanese small plates.
- Old HomesteadNYC steakhouse import.
- American Cut · OceanIf you drift toward Ocean Casino.
Do
Thursday drive-through
- Liberty Bell & Independence HallThe historic core — quick if you're passing through.
- Spruce Street Harbor ParkSummer-only waterfront hammocks, bars & food — August gold.
- Art Museum "Rocky Steps"Run the steps, snap the statue.
- Visit Philly ›What's on during our exact dates.
Eat
Do it right
- Reading Terminal MarketEverything under one roof — perfect layover lunch.
- John's Roast PorkArguably the city's best cheesesteak.
- Pat's & Geno'sThe famous 9th & Passyunk rivalry — the tourist classic.
- Tony Luke'sNear the highway/stadiums — easy on the way through.
- Angelo's · South PhillyCult-favorite steaks & hoagies.
- ZahavJames Beard–winning Israeli — book ahead.
Budget
Company covers · shared crew estimates
COMPANY PAYS: FLIGHTS · TRAVEL · HOTEL · DJX PASSES & ADD-ONS (SCRATCHING MASTER CLASS) · GROUND TRANSPORT · PRIMARY MEALS. BOAT CLUB = SEPARATE MEMBERSHIP.
On each of us · personal spend (out of pocket)
The trip is all-expenses-paid except alcohol — that's on each of us. Here's a sane personal number for drinks & partying, snacks/coffee beyond the covered meals, and discretionary extras. Pick your energy level:
Chill
$350
A few rounds a night, boardwalk snacks, a little merch. Low-key crew nights.
Recommended
Comfortable
$550
Partying most nights, extra bites & coffee, some shopping. The realistic "we're here to have fun" number.
Full Send
$900+
Bottle-service energy, big club nights, no math. Marina + After Dark, all in.
PERSONAL BASELINE ~ $550 EACH (EXCL. GAMBLING). AC BAR/CLUB PRICING RUNS HIGH — COCKTAILS ~$16–20. SET A GAMBLING NUMBER AND STICK TO IT.
Airport Lounge · Thursday
All three of us carry the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business (on Black Diamond), so we get full Chase Sapphire Lounge access — unlimited visits, guests included. No guest fees, no getting-in drama.
PHL
Philadelphia
Return · Thu 8/13 · 8:55p · Terminal D/E · all three
Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Clubthe plan
Quick Reference
Shared notes
DJX '26 seminar notes (Google Doc) — all three add throughout the show
Hotel
Hard Rock AC · South Tower (2 queens + sofa bed)
Conf
Conf
L7V4KQV0ZQ · (609) 449-6860 · checkout Thu ~11aReturn · Thu 8/13
PHL›BOS · JetBlue 0560 · 8:55p › 10:26p
Conf
Conf
JWKUBT · DJ 14D · Mike 14F · James 14ERental car
National · drop at PHL Thu 8/13 by 6:00p
Conf
Conf
2124370915RESRV · Exec Elite 208821826 · 833-338-3322DJX passes
All-Access ×3 · paid in full · DJ conf
Scan the QR in each person's DJX email at registration
129809Scan the QR in each person's DJX email at registration
Show hours
Seminars: Mon–Tue 9a–6p · Wed 9:30a–6p · Thu 9:30a–3p
Show floor: Tue & Wed 11:30a–6p · Thu 11:30a–3p (none Mon)
Show floor: Tue & Wed 11:30a–6p · Thu 11:30a–3p (none Mon)
DJX links
On-property
Room service · Floor map — seminar rooms are on the 2nd floor