Whether it’s On Set, or In The Studio With Michael, this year’s special guests had incredible moments creating with the World’s Greatest Entertainer.
our special guest for 2025
To celebrate our 10th year anniversary, we have selected some special guests who worked with Michael Jackson and they will tell you all their stories and experience working with the King of Pop!
Sharing Their Michael Jackson Stories At Kingvention 2025.
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Alif Sankey
Alif Sankey is a Choreographer, Dancer, Director and Creative Producer from Los Angeles California.
Having worked in all forms of entertainment for over 40 years, Sankey appeared as a dancer in Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” in 1987, which she credits for giving her the drive and inspiration to become successful in her field. She returned to work with Michael in 2009 as the Live Associate Producer for Michael Jackson’s This Is It concerts that were to take place at the O2 Arena in London.
Outside of her work with Jackson, Sankey has featured in a host of films and music videos and is trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Modern.
In 2019, Sankey received her MFA degree in Filmmaking from Leeds Beckett University.
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Dave Way
Dave Way is a 4x Grammy award winning engineer/producer with dozens of gold and platinum records, No. 1 and Top 20 hits, film scores and Atmos mixes, accumulating over 19 Billion streams for some of music's biggest artists including: Michael Jackson, Fiona Apple, Pink!, Christina Aguilera, Sheryl Crow, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, Macy Gray, Iron And Wine, Kesha, Ben Folds, Fall Out Boy, 21 Pilots, Dean Martin, Spice Girls, Weird Al, Marshmello and Bastille, Prince, Whitney Houston and many, many more.
He is based in LA and works primarily out of his private studio called Waystation.
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TO BE ANNOUNCED
Meet & Greet
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Alif Sankey
Dancer, known for her role in Smooth Criminal
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Dave Way
Mixer/Producer/Engineer
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TO BE ANNOUNCED
OPENING CELEBRATIONS
OPENING CELEBRATIONS
OPENING KINGVENTION
BRENTWOOD IMPERIAL YOUTH BAND
BRENTWOOD IMPERIAL YOUTH BAND
The Brentwood Imperial Youth Band is one of the UK's most successful traditional youth marching bands.
A multi-functional capability allows the Band to perform as either a marching or a concert band. They wear distinct Victorian era traditional British Army style uniforms, and are in demand across Europe and further afield, often playing alongside professional counter-parts.
The high standard of musicianship and performance excellence is truly remarkable and rates the band as one of the finest in the world. In June 2022 the Band were awarded the prestigious Queens Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), the highest national award for voluntary groups, The MBE of voluntary groups.
Kingvention is thrilled to announce a special collaboration with the incredibly talented Brentwood Imperial Youth Band! This dynamic marching band will set the tone for this year’s event with a spectacular opening performance, guaranteed to give every fan chills.
As we celebrate 10 years of Kingvention and mark 30 years of Michael Jackson’s HIStory, their powerful sound and precision will make this milestone event even more unforgettable.
Get ready for an electrifying start to the festivities—this is one performance you won’t want to miss!
Special Discussion Sessions
Kingvention is offering a brand new section to the Michael Jackson Convention: Special Discussion Sessions on the King of Pop! Those sessions are free to attend for all Kingvention Ticket holders and will take place during one of the break.
Meet the keynotes
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MJAS x The Big MJ Debate
Will Artificial Intelligence Cheapen or Elevate the Legacy of Michael Jackson?
More than ever in our current world, we are driven towards the cheap, quick and easy solution of AI. Many artists have seen their creative work used (without their consent) as "data" so that everyone can partake in a trend known as 'AI-Art'. The music of Michael Jackson has already caught the eye of many in this respect, and his short films are sure to follow suit. In this exclusive Big MJDebate and Michael Jackson's Dream Lives On mash-up, we discuss the benefits and pitfalls of AI and the consequences of its use for Michael Jackson's legacy.
Audience can participate. -
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MJAS
The Academic Void: Preserving the Legacy of Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson is, without a doubt, one of the most influential figures in music and popular culture, yet his contributions are often overlooked in academic discourse. This talk explores the reasons behind this academic void and argues for the preservation of his legacy through formal research and fan engagement.
Audience can participate.
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Beano & Znop
The AI Discussion
The AI Discussion is a panel that discusses the creation of some of the very first AI Michael Jackson tracks from 2023, along with the process of how tracks are created, along with an open discussion on the issues & topics associated with the usage of AI with Michael Jackson's image.
Audience can participate.
Let’s talk Michael Jackson!
Listen to Michael Jackson Specialists talking about different topics on the King of Pop!
HIStory 30
the pearl experience
HIStory 30 | The Pearl Experience is an exhibition celebrating Michael Jackson’s album HIStory: Past, Present and Future - Book I. The most personal and political album that the King of Pop ever released is turning 30 this year, and as fans, we simply cannot let it go uncelebrated.
from the collection of Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson paid tribute to her brother at the MTV VMA’s Awards in 2009. She performed “Scream” on stage and all the dancers were wearing black and white outfits inspired by some of the most iconic looks of her brother. From Thriller jacket to the military look, each of those designs will be on display for fans to enjoy.
Kingvention’s after-party
Burn this disco out
ANDY 'SLIM' BLACK
DJ Andy Slim Black has been spinning magic at Kingvention for years, bringing the ultimate Michael Jackson vibes to our legendary after-parties. A London DJ with a deep passion for the King of Pop, Andy seamlessly mixes MJ classics, deep cuts, and remixes that keep the dance floor alive. Now, as we celebrate 10 years of Kingvention, we’re thrilled to have him back to mark this milestone in true MJ style!
