The Hollywood Professional Association shares key highlights ahead of the 2026 HPA Tech Retreat, scheduled for Feb. 15–19, 2026 at the Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa.
The event will feature five days of programming designed to explore the evolving landscape of media and entertainment through candid dialogue, creative inspiration, and hands-on engagement.
“The HPA Tech Retreat is about more than just individual sessions. It’s the conversations that build over days, the unexpected connections, and the insights that come when you’re fully engaged from start to finish,” says Kari Grubin, President of HPA. “We invite everyone to come for the full experience — from the first roundtable to the final honors. You won’t want to miss what happens when the industry comes together.”
The retreat begins Sunday, Feb. 15, with a variety of informal welcome activities designed to foster connections, casual networking, and ease into the week. Attendees will have exclusive access to the resort’s offerings, including golf, pickleball, yoga, spirit tastings, and a relaxed evening gathering.
Monday, Feb. 16, will explore how creativity, technology, and resilience can redefine what’s possible in media and entertainment. The TR-X program, curated by HPA Board Members Mark Chiolis and Craig German, with co-producers Carin Mazaira and Lori H. Schwartz, will center on the theme “Imagine No Limits,” inviting attendees to reimagine what’s possible in an industry undergoing rapid transformation. Through a series of forward-thinking presentations and discussions, TR-X will explore how emerging tools and workflows are reshaping production and postproduction practices.
“This year’s theme is about removing barriers — creatively, technically, and personally,” says Chiolis. “We’re encouraging attendees to think beyond constraints and explore what’s next. Whether it’s rethinking workflows, embracing new tools, or simply approaching collaboration differently, the goal is to inspire practical innovation that can be applied across the industry.”
Additionally, the Monday opening keynote will be delivered by Bob Beitcher, President and CEO of the Motion Picture and Television Foundation, who will share reflections on enduring creativity and adaptability. His presentation will include short video segments featuring MPTF residents — professionals in their 50s through 70s — discussing what it means to embrace a future without boundaries. The day concludes with a networking reception in the Innovation Zone.
Tuesday, Feb. 17, will feature the retreat’s Supersession, led by founder and former HPA President Leon Silverman. With the theme “WTF is Going On in the Media Industry?” the session will take an immersive and provocative look at the forces reshaping the business of media creation. Designed to go beyond discussion, the Supersession will incorporate live demonstrations, real-world case studies, and unexpected perspectives to help attendees better understand the rapid shifts in technology, economics, and audience behavior. Tuesday also includes a keynote from VFX veteran Ed Ulbrich as well as breakfast roundtables, Innovation Zone demonstrations, and evening networking events.
“Do not miss this opportunity to really understand what is happening at this pivotal moment in our industry,” says Silverman. “This year’s Supersession is all about understanding the significant opportunities available for industry professionals, as powerful new tools and ways to create media explode as literally every company becomes a media company and every human a creator. So, WTF is going on? A lot. Join us and find out.”
Wednesday and Thursday will continue with roundtables and conference sessions covering a wide range of topics relevant to the media creation community. On Wednesday evening, Feb. 18, the HPA Awards Innovation & Technology will be presented, recognizing impactful tools and technologies across the full production lifecycle. The expanded program builds on the legacy of the HPA Engineering Excellence Award and includes new categories such as Innovation in VFX, Virtual Production & Animation, and the HPA Transformative Impact Award. The retreat will conclude on Thursday, Feb. 19, with the presentation of HPA Special Honors, celebrating individuals and ideas that have made a lasting contribution to the industry.
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