HPA Announces Key Details For The 2026 HPA Tech Retreat

The Hollywood Professional Association (HPA) has announced key details for the 2026 HPA Tech Retreat, which is taking place from 15 to the 19 February at the Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort and Spa.

The five-day event will bring together industry leaders to explore the future of media and entertainment through open dialogue, creative exchange and immersive experiences.
The retreat will kick off on Sunday, 15 February, with a series of informal welcome activities designed to encourage networking. Attendees will also have exclusive access to resort amenities including golf, pickle ball, yoga, spirit tastings and an 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,” 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 (MPTF), 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.

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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