The Hollywood Professional Association has unveiled key highlights for the 2026 HPA Tech Retreat, scheduled for 15-19 February 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”, a press release revealed.
“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,” said Kari Grubin, president of HPA.
“We invite everyone to come for the full experience – from the first roundtable to the final honours. You won’t want to miss what happens when the industry comes together.”
The Retreat begins on Sunday 15 February, with a variety of informal welcome activities designed to foster connections, encourage casual networking and ease into the week.
Monday will then explore how creativity, technology and resilience can redefine what’s possible in media and entertainment.
The TR-X programme, curated by HPA Board members Mark Chiolis and Craig German, with co-producers Carin Mazaira and Lori H. Schwartz, will centre 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,” said 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.
The Tuesday 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 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,” said 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, the HPA Awards Innovation & Technology will be presented, recognising “impactful tools and technologies” across the full production lifecycle.
The expanded programme “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 19 February, with the presentation of HPA Special Honors, celebrating individuals and ideas that have made a lasting contribution to the industry.
More information and registration can be found by visiting the HPA website.
