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February 15-19, 2026 The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa • Rancho Mirage, CA

About the HPA Tech Retreat:

The HPA Tech Retreat is unique among entertainment industry events, where world-class leaders in engineering, technology, creativity, and business step away from their daily routines to explore and experience the most compelling topics in content creation, management, and dissemination. This exclusive gathering fosters authentic discussions among experts, offering insights and debates that you won’t find anywhere else.

At the HPA Tech Retreat, ideas are rigorously examined and debated not only in onstage presentations but throughout every moment of the event—from spirited golf tournaments and intimate roundtable breakfasts to evening dinners and nightcaps.

As a non-profit trade association, The HPA Tech Retreat is dedicated to advancing the interests of the professional entertainment industry. From studio executives to creatives, technologists to engineers, HPA Tech Retreat provides answers, education, and resources to help shape the future of our field.

Tech Retreat Features

Conference Sessions

HPA Tech Retreat features main-stage programming from Monday to Thursday. The sessions are curated by HPA volunteers based on the most compelling issues, technologies, and trends in the industry.

TR-X

TR-X is a half-day deep dive into a new topic each year. From sports broadcasting to extreme production, the topic may change each year, but the insights are always mind-blowing. Curated by Mark Chiolis.

Supersession

Why so super? This session has been on the cutting edge of technology and workflows in today’s ever-changing landscape. Simply put, this day is not to be missed – in the past, we’ve put together short films live from across the globe, installed two state-of-the-art 3D theaters in the ballroom to showcase the workflows of “Avatar: The Way of Water,” and last year a deep dive into AI and advanced animation filmmaking techniques. This year’s theme to be revealed…

Peer-Presented Sessions

The launchpad and very foundation of the HPA Tech Retreat. Panels and presentations about the most important and intriguing ideas today, given by the people who know the most about them–you! These Wednesday sessions are curated by Mark Schubin.

Innovation Zone

The on-stage programming is only the beginning. From Monday to Wednesday, attendees can explore the latest advancements at the Innovation Zone, an interactive environment where you can kick the tires on the latest, greatest, and coolest technologies. The Innovation Zone is also the place for various cocktail receptions for a fun networking boost alongside numerous other brunches, lunches, and parties throughout the week.

The Innovation Zone is where individuals and companies showcase their newest and most innovative technologies with the participants of the HPA Tech Retreat.

Breakfast Roundtables

Start your day with a blend of delicious food and insightful discussion at our Breakfast Roundtables, happening from Tuesday to Thursday. Pull up a chair as thought leaders present on various topics and debate new ideas. It’s bon appétit with a big side of insight.

Next Level Networking

Experience five days of dynamic and engaging programming at the HPA Tech Retreat, where each day is balanced with expert-led on-stage presentations and numerous opportunities for networking and fun. From in-depth discussions to relaxed social activities, HPA Tech Retreat is designed to be both enlightening and enjoyable.

Golf Tournament and Sunday Activities:
For those who want to enjoy a little time in the desert before the sessions kick-off, Sunday is for you. Attendees can join a range of activities including our 3rd Golf Tournament, yoga, pickleball or just some pool time in the sun.

Relax And Recharge:
Throughout the week attendees will have access to our relaxation lounge, where you can recharge after some hardcore learning and networking. Or, enjoy one of the many resort offerings such as yoga, pickleball, or the day spa. Corporate Members get to unwind in an enhanced VIP member lounge with premium amenities.

Sponsorship Opportunities
Past Participating Companies

2025 HPA Tech Retreat Participating Companies

The Who’s Who of the Industry:
Participants at the HPA Tech Retreat span a diverse range of backgrounds, from Oscar winners and studio technology chiefs to NASA scientists and executives from leading tech hubs. Whether you’re just starting in the industry or you’re an established legend, everyone is welcome. This is a space where every voice and perspective matters. Attendees come together to engage deeply with forward-looking trends and technologies in the content creation ecosystem, tackling current issues from fresh and varied viewpoints.

  1. 3 Ball Entertainment
  2. 6P Color, Inc
  3. 8K Association
  4. Absen
  5. Adobe
  6. AJA Video Systems
  7. ALT Systems, Inc.
  8. Amazon AWS
  9. Amazon MGM Studios
  10. Amazon Studios
  11. AMD
  12. Annex Pro Inc
  13. AOTO
  14. Archive & Preservation Consulting
  15. ARRI
  16. Artificial Individual Intelligence
  17. Asher XR
  18. Aurora Borealis Consulting
  19. Austin PBS
  20. Autodesk
  21. Avid Technology
  22. AWS UK
  23. Backblaze
  24. Backlight
  25. Barco
  26. BIND Studio
  27. Bitpress
  28. Blackmagic Design
  29. Bloomberg
  30. Bria AI
  31. Bubble Agency
  32. Cambridge Research
  33. Canon USA
  34. castLabs
  35. Chaos
  36. CHESA
  37. Chesapeake Systems
  38. Christie Digital Systems
  39. CineCert Inc.
  40. Cinesys
  41. Cinnafilm
  42. Cobalt Digital Inc.
  43. Colorfront
  44. Compton & Company
  45. ConvergentDS
  46. Corser
  47. CUNY TV
  48. Curious Refuge
  49. Dalet
  50. Dalet Digital Media Systems
  51. Data Expedition, Inc.
  52. Deepdub
  53. Dell Technologies
  54. Deloitte Consulting
  55. Deluxe
  56. Deluxe Media
  57. Department of Defense
  58. Digital Bedrock
  59. Disguise
  60. Disguise Systems Inc
  61. Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
  62. DPP
  63. EditHero
  64. EIZO Inc.
  65. Electric Sheep
  66. Eluvio
  67. Entertainment Technologists Inc
  68. Entertainment Technology Center – USC Cinematic Arts
  69. European Broadcasting Union
  70. Evercast
  71. Evertz Microsystems
  72. EVL/UIC
  73. FBRC
  74. Fielding Graduate University
  75. FilmLight
  76. Final Draft
  77. Flanders Scientific, Inc.
  78. Flawless
  79. Fonn Group
  80. Foundry
  81. Fox Entertainment Group, Inc.
  82. Fraunhofer DMT USA
  83. Fraunhofer IIS
  84. Garden Studios
  85. GB Labs
  86. General Intelligence
  87. Geoffrey Tully Inc
  88. Google
  89. Google Cloud
  90. Grass Valley
  91. Gunpowder
  92. HardingFPA
  93. HBO
  94. HP
  95. I2A2 Technologies, Studios & Labs
  96. IABM
  97. Imax Corporation
  98. Immix
  99. Integrated Media Technologies, Inc.
  100. Interra Systems, Inc.
  101. Iodyne Pro Data
  102. ISO
  103. Kettle
  104. Kibo121
  105. KNAV Navajo Television Channel
  106. Leica Geosystems
  107. LG Electronics
  108. Lightcraft Technology Inc.
  109. Light Iron
  110. LucidLink
  111. Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
  112. MAX Post
  113. MediaBridge Capital Advisors
  114. Memnon Archive Services
  115. Microsoft Production Studios
  116. Miris
  117. Mobile TV Group
  118. Motion Picture Solutions
  119. MovieLabs
  120. MPA
  121. MSB
  122. MySavepoint
  123. NAGRAVISION
  124. NantStudios
  125. Nat Geo Content – Disney Entertainment
  126. NBC Sports NEXT
  127. NBCUniversal
  128. Nebraska Public Media
  129. Netflix
  130. Nextera Video
  131. NVIDIA
  132. Office of Reid Hoffman
  133. Open Drives
  134. Outtahand Displays
  135. Paramount Global
  136. Paramount Pictures
  137. PB Technologies Group LLC
  138. Perfect Memory
  139. Perforce
  140. Perifery
  141. Picture Shop
  142. Pip Studios
  143. Podlabs Technologies Pvt Ltd
  144. postPerspective
  145. Prima Lumina
  146. Prime Focus Technologies Inc.
  147. ProdPro
  148. Projective
  149. Protege Media
  150. Puget Systems
  151. Quickture
  152. RED
  153. Remoto
  154. Residence Pictures
  155. Resilio
  156. RheinMain University
  157. Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc
  158. Ross Video
  159. SandTech
  160. Sand Technologies
  161. Savepoint
  162. Scriptation
  163. Seidel Media Technology
  164. SDVI
  165. Seagate Technology LLC
  166. Shy Kids
  167. SideFX
  168. Signiant
  169. SipRadius
  170. Skywalker Sound
  171. SMPTE
  172. Sohonet
  173. Sony Electronics
  174. Sony Music
  175. Sony Pictures
  176. Sony Pictures Entertainment
  177. Spectra Logic
  178. SRI International
  179. Storj
  180. StoryTech
  181. StoryXcel
  182. Strada
  183. Strategic Perspective Consulting
  184. Studio Momo
  185. Studio Network Solutions
  186. SVG
  187. Tech Align Group
  188. Telestream
  189. The Rebel Fleet
  190. The Studio-B&H
  191. Trackit.io
  192. Trusted Partner Network (TPN)
  193. Tsecond
  194. Tunnel Inc
  195. Tunnel Post
  196. TV Technology
  197. Twelve Labs
  198. UHD Alliance
  199. Universal Filmed Entertainment
  200. Universal Pictures
  201. Universal Studio Group
  202. Utah Scientific
  203. Variety
  204. Variety VIP+
  205. Venera Technologies Inc.
  206. Veritone
  207. VidOvation Corporation
  208. V-Nova Services Ltd
  209. V-Nova Studios
  210. Walt Disney Studios
  211. Warner Bros. Discovery
  212. WEKA
  213. WildAcre Company
  214. WorkIT Solutions
  215. Xytech Systems LLC
  216. Yamdu
  217. ZEISS Group
  218. Zixi
Want to Sponsor Tech Retreat 2026?

Innovation Zone

The Innovation Zone is a curated experience at the heart of the HPA Tech Retreat®—a dynamic environment where emerging technologies and breakthrough ideas are showcased to industry leaders. Participation is application-based and highly selective; technologies are chosen by a committee of experts for their potential to spark conversation and drive the future of media and entertainment. Spots cannot be purchased—only earned.

Innovation Zone requirements:

Your demonstration must reflect technology that is innovative, game changing and important to entertainment markets including production, post production, broadcast, distribution, OTTs or related areas. It must provide the attendees with solution(s) that are unique and, if possible, demonstrate integrated workflows for distinctive services. Experimental products and new concepts or products are of particular interest. Start ups or creative solutions are most welcome.

General Information:

The Innovation Zone is a meeting and networking area which will be open during conference hours as well as dedicated times. Refer to the program online (when available) for actual times.

You are not required to be present at your booth for the entire run of conference. It is recommended to be present during conference breaks and evening events when the Innovation Zone is open. Additionally, you are free to make appointments during any open hours.

Space Information:

Booth space is meant to encourage learning, interaction and exploration, therefore sales materials and structures that impede the view or accessibility to the spaces around you are not permitted. One pull-up type banner (maximum 3’x7′) and a small cove for monitors, racks, and stands, will most likely be permitted.

Innovation Space can not:

  • Extend beyond the space footprint
  • Include custom backdrop
  • Produce loud sounds
  • Contain advertisements

If you have any questions, please contact us at innovation.zone@hpaonline.com.

Confirmation of your space in the Innovation Zone is a commitment to have your demonstration set up from Monday through Wednesday according to the times listed in the Program.

  • All applications will be reviewed and vetted based on meeting the intent and focus of the Innovation Zone.
  • Applications will be accepted until space is filled.

*Additional power, internet, furniture, AV, power strips and other equipment not included in your package can be ordered through the hotel. Contact us for details.

Apply Now
Pricing/Registration

Submit Your Ideas for the 2026 HPA Tech Retreat

The HPA Tech Retreat is where the most forward-thinking minds in media and entertainment come together to explore what’s next. We’re inviting YOU to help lead the conversation.

Submissions for Proposals and Breakfast Roundtables open on August 1st. Breakfast Roundtables are on a first-come, first-served basis until full.

Conference Sessions

Submit a proposal to speak on the HPA Tech Retreat’s main stage. We’re looking for marketing-free presentations that dive deep into trends, challenges, and innovations across the media tech ecosystem.

  • Topics: Anything from workflow breakthroughs to bleeding-edge tech
  • Format: 30 min sessions preferred (shorter ok, longer by request)
  • To Submit: Email your brief idea to proposals@hpaonline.com
  • Perks: Accepted speakers receive complimentary HPA Tech Retreat access on the day of their presentation or discounted all-access registration

 

Breakfast Roundtables

Informal. Interactive. Enlightening.

Host a roundtable discussion over breakfast on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday of the Retreat. Roundtables, unlike presentations, may include marketing.

  • First-come, first-served—no vetting process
  • One table per company per day
  • To Submit: Email your topic and to proposals@hpaonline.com
  • Note: You must be a registered attendee (no discounts for Breakfast Roundtable moderators)

Why Submit?

  • Share your expertise with a room full of industry leaders
  • Spark critical dialogue that shapes the year ahead
  • Build visibility in a trusted, collaborative environment

Submit A Proposal

Inclusive Member-Only Package
Inclusive member-only package includes all-access registration plus a deluxe room with a golf course/pool view and HPA welcome amenity. Limited inventory. If sold out, please contact us to be placed on a waitlist.

All-Access and One Day attendees are responsible for making their own hotel reservations. Payment in full is due at time of registration.

The Innovation Zone is a curated experience at the heart of the HPA Tech Retreat®—a dynamic environment where emerging technologies and breakthrough ideas are showcased to industry leaders. Participation is application-based and highly selective; technologies are chosen by a committee of experts for their potential to spark conversation and drive the future of media and entertainment. Spots cannot be purchased—only earned. Applications open August 1st.

Registration Terms

Please read our Event Policy before registering. You may pay by credit card in U.S. dollars only. If there are circumstances which prevent you from completing a registration, please contact our office. See registration form for complete payment information.

HPA is committed to your health, safety, and comfort while attending the HPA Tech Retreat. Please read our Event Policy before registering, and do not hesitate to contact us at hpa@hpaonline.com with any questions or concerns.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY

Cancellations made by January 22, 2026 will be refunded, less a 10% cancellation fee.

NO REFUNDS FOR CANCELLATIONS AFTER January 22, 2026. However, you may transfer a registration to another individual. No fee will be charged for transferred registrations provided the new registrant is of the same registration type (Member or Non-Member). If the new registrant is of a different registration type, the difference in price will apply.

In the event that a government restriction prevents attendance, we will provide a refund minus the cancellation fees mentioned above.

For questions or additional information contact: HPA at events@hpaonline.com or 818-273-1482.

Discover

An Exclusive Venue

The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa is dedicated entirely to the 2026 HPA Tech Retreat. Beginning February 15th, this desert oasis located moments from Palm Springs will be an exclusive and lively nexus for the tech and creative communities. That’s right, the entire venue will be in full HPA Tech Retreat mode, from the Sunday golf tournament to the final day of sessions, fostering an environment ripe for networking and innovation. Rugged mountains and panoramic views set an extraordinary backdrop for an unforgettable experience.

Event Hotel

The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa
71333 Dinah Shore Drive
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
http://www.marriott.com
Main Telephone: 1-877-253-0041

Room Rate

HPA has secured a discounted room rate for registered attendees of $340 per night (includes a $38 per night resort fee) plus applicable taxes.

*Please note room reservations can only be made with a valid HPA Tech Retreat registration.

Directions & Transportation

The Westin Rancho Mirage is located 7 miles from Palm Springs International Airport, 130 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), 77 miles from Ontario Airport, 130 miles from Burbank Airport and 116 miles east of Los Angeles if driving. For driving directions, please click here.

For more local area information, please click here.

FAQ

1. What makes the HPA Tech Retreat unique?

The HPA Tech Retreat is different. It’s a real retreat.  We ask world-class leaders in engineering, technology, creativity, and business to turn away from their day-to-day routines and gather to explore and experience the most compelling topics around the creation, management, and dissemination of content. This kind of focused, authentic discussion between experts happens nowhere else. 

Ideas are explored and debated – not just during onstage presentations, but throughout the event, from the golf tournament to Breakfast Roundtables and dinners, all the way through to nightcaps.  

Plus, the HPA Tech Retreat is taking over the hotel – so everyone you meet will be part of the conference, making networking easy.  

And we are having a fun day on Sunday – golf, yoga and pickleball – so come early! 

2. How do I submit a conference proposal?

The request for conference and Breakfast Roundtable proposals opens August 1. It will remain open until the program is completed, or the Breakfast Roundtables are filled.

3. Who is Mark Schubin?

Multiple Emmy-award winning SMPTE Life Fellow Mark Schubin is the world’s greatest expert on the intersecting histories of media technology and opera. He helped create the hotel in-room movie business, the first live nationwide stereo simulcast network, the first live multi-language cinema subtitles, and what was probably the first HDR-to-SDR converter (though no one knew what HDR was at the time). He has worked on moving-image projects on all seven continents (including Antarctica), including news in Kazakhstan, cable TV in Hong Kong, and the television transmission system of Barbados. He also worked on the standardization of the VU meter. His bedroom was an official test site of the ATSC, his paper on aspect ratios was cited by the FCC, and his blog at SchubinCafe.com is archived by the Library of Congress.

4. What are Breakfast Roundtables?

The Breakfast Roundtables are topical discussions during the breakfast hour – one topic per table.  

They are one of the most popular aspects of the retreat. Each table has a number which corresponds to a posted list of topics and moderators. 

Proposals must be submitted directly by their proposed table moderators. Once the maximum number of tables is reached, no more will be accepted. Note: No more than one Roundtable per organization per day; more only if tables aren’t all claimed on the day. 

Moderators may choose any topic and run the Roundtables as they see fit. They may present information, gather information from those at the table, or simply moderate discussions among other attendees.  

All Breakfast Roundtable moderators must be registered for the HPA Tech Retreat and there is no registration discount conveyed by moderating a Breakfast Roundtable.

5. Health & Safety

HPA is committed to your health, safety, and comfort while attending the HPA Tech Retreat. Please read our Event Policy before registering, and do not hesitate to contact us at hpa@hpaonline.com with any questions or concerns.

In the event of any health concerns during the event, health and safety personnel will be available onsite. Please check-in with the Registration counter for assistance.

6. What are the refund policies if I registered and cannot attend?

Cancellations made by January 22, 2026 will be refunded, less a 10% cancellation fee.  

NO REFUNDS FOR CANCELLATIONS AFTER January 22, 2026. However, you may transfer a registration to another individual. No fee will be charged for transferred registrations provided the new registrant is of the same registration type (Member or Non-Member). If the new registrant is of a different registration type, the difference in price will apply. 

In the event that a government restriction prevents attendance, we will provide a refund minus the cancellation fees mentioned above. 

For questions or additional information contact HPA at events@hpaonline.com or (818) 273-1482. 

7. This is my first time at the HPA Tech Retreat, what should I plan for?

Click here for handy tips and tricks for first time conference attendees.

8. How to Participate

The HPA Tech Retreat is what it is because of its incredible participants — from presenters and attendees to sponsors and Innovation Zone participants. There are many ways to get involved, and we’d love to have you do so!

  • Attend: You can’t participate if you’re not in attendance! HPA Member registration opens on August 15. Non-member registration opens on October 15.
  • Sponsorship: Showcase your support and gain visibility with the people in our industry that matter. There is a wide range of sponsorship opportunities, and we’d love your support!
  • Present: Share your expertise by submitting a proposal for a Wednesday/Thursday presentation.
  • Innovation Zone: Apply to showcase your company’s latest innovations.
  • Breakfast Roundtables: Contribute to informal discussions each morning on topics of your choice.
  • HPA Membership: Join the community and enhance your engagement. Membership includes discounted rates, exclusive registration windows, access to our member lounge, and so much more.
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