Why Midwest DJs Live is One of the Best Values in the Industry
Hey! I’m Mike, also known as DJ Axcess, and I recently attended Midwest DJs Live and I have to say, this event is an absolute steal for DJs who are serious about leveling up. Between the game-changing tech tools, the business wisdom, and the deeply inspiring speakers, I walked away with a notebook full of ideas and a renewed sense of purpose. If you’re on the fence about investing in your DJ career, let me show you why this event is worth it.
This isn’t just about gear or mixing tips. Midwest DJs Live hits on everything: performance, personal branding, MCing, business systems, social media, and mindset. 2DJs1Mic and the Drew & Fuse Show podcasts hosted shows. It’s a conference that truly understands the whole DJ — not just the music side.
Some highlights from my notebook:
Performance & Technical Hacks
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DJ Scooter dropped knowledge on production tools like Splice, Izotope Ozone 11, and Kick by Nicky Romero for sidechaining.
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If you’re looking for powerful AI tools for vocal separation and mastering, Lalal.ai, Platinum Notes, and Fuser were hot topics.
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Want a great backup mixer? Add Numark DJ2GO2 Touch to your emergency toolkit.
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MiniMeters adds Serato visualizations, and Shazam Charts and Kworb.net are now part of my music research stack.
MCing & Voice Coaching
Mike Walter reminded us of something critical:
“Your voice is the most effective way for you to stand out.”
Whether it’s how you handle grand entrances or how you engage with the crowd, your mic presence is you, amplified. Some MC gems that stuck with me:
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Avoid generic phrases. No “rise if you are able” or “first time, second time.”
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Work with the music hit your talking points on the beat.
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Create peaks and powerful endings audiences remember how you finish.
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Study lead singers and comedians. There’s so much to learn from other performance arts.
Branding & Social Media
Nate Acosta dropped a truth bomb:
“When you’re not posting, you’re hiding from your ideal client.”
It’s not about being everywhere, it’s about being present where your audience is already looking. Tools like Opus Clip and Fathom Note Taker are now part of my content system for creating clips from podcasts and meetings. I’m also refining my photo folders separating content into couples, venues, and vendor collaborators to streamline my sharing workflow.
Mindset & Business Strategy
This was the year of books and frameworks. I’ve already added these to my reading list:
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Psych by Paul Bloom
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The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber
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Who Not How by Dan Sullivan
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10x Is Easier Than 2x
Sam Kwak and Rob Ferre both delivered powerful sessions. Rob’s Charisma Code especially hit home, breaking it down into:
Confidence. Connection. Congruency.
And then asking the real questions:
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What energy do you bring when you’re at your best?
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What feelings does your audience experience?
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What should you amplify?
For me? I’m going to amplify my public speaking. DJs who can speak with intention and presence instantly increase their value, and create a stronger emotional connection with the crowd.
Great Tools
This conference isn’t just about big ideas, it’s full of small, tactical takeaways that can dramatically improve your business:
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Dictate event summaries in the car ride home (don’t wait until later).
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Add a Faraday bag to your gear to reduce interference.
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Check out Duratex Coating if you want to level up your gear cases.
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Follow artist setlists on Setlist.fm for inspiration before a festival gig.
Final Thoughts: What Makes This Conference a Steal
At its core, Midwest DJs Live is more than an event, it’s a reset button. You walk in one version of yourself and walk out with clarity, confidence, and a clear next step. From new tech and mixing tools to personal growth and networking with some of the best minds in the industry, the return on investment is incredible.
Whether you’re a veteran DJ or you’re just starting to build your brand, this is one conference that belongs on your calendar every single year.
I already have my ticket for next year.
