2026 IBC Program by The Standard Magazine

WELCOME TO INTERNATIONAL BEAR CONVERGENCE 2026

Are you ready for an outrageously good time? Well that’s what this weekend is all about. Welcome to all you newcomers and welcome back to second, third, fourthtime returnees to what is quickly becoming the most highly anticipated winter Bear event of the year, IBC 2026. Palm Springs is one of the most “Gay Friendly” cities in the world and if this is your first time here, you probably won’t want to leave. Our city is excited to make you feel right at home and make it a very special weekend.

This year IBC is very excited to be once again hosting our event at Hotel ZOSO Palm Springs, a fantastic venue that is right smack dab in the middle of all the downtown action. This amazing hotel is right around the corner from the Arenas District, where you can enjoy gay-friendly shopping, dining and bars.

Your weekend is full of fun events including afternoon mixers, comedy show, pool parties, night dance parties and a live concert. With several other events thrown in for good measure.

All IBC pool parties and night events, will occur at Hotel ZOSO. Everything is within walking distance so there is no need for a car. And since there is no need to drive, you can have that extra beverage.

For all those that get here on Thursday, start your weekend off with a bang and stop by to Hunter’s Night Club for the annual Early Bear Welcome party. Have a drink, have a dance, have a bear.

During the day, kick back and enjoy famous pool parties, starting at 10am Friday, Saturday and Sunday with music provided by world renown DJs. DJ Chub Jim, DJ Retro Cub and making his IBC debut directly from Madrid Spain, DJ Radio Chi. All happening at the newly renovated & fabulous Hotel ZOSO pool deck. With multiple bars, cabanas, outdoor-lounge areas, daily BBQ and a new sun deck area overlooking the action at the pool, you’re destined to have a fantastic day.

Friday afternoon head over to BlackBook Bar on Arenas for our annual “Meat” & Greet sponsored by BlackBook Bar. See old friends and make new ones. There will be a few surprises, but you must go to find out…

Need a date for the weekend or for just a couple of hours? Don’t miss Speed Dating hosted by Joe Martone Friday starting at 7:30 at Hotel ZOSO

And for all those who have been asking, The MAZE is back on Friday and Saturday night, starting at 11pm. This time with a twist. Don’t forget your compass you don’t want to get lost walking through…Or do you? Enter if you dare!

Friday night we are taking you to ancient Rome for a toga party to end all toga parties with Gladiator. A night of decadence & debauchery with music provided by DJ Marcos Moreno. Sponsored by Russell Harris Event Group.

On Saturday during the Retro Splash Pool party, we will be crowning Mr. IBC 2026. Will it be you? Contest open to all! Hosted by Joe Martone & Brad Loekle. In addition, be prepared for some fun pool games; including the Golden Ducky Scavenger Hunt.

Saturday’s main dance event, Furball is coming back to IBC, with their famous Leather/Gear Party featuring world renown DJ Tony Moran. You don’t want to miss this one. It’s going to be one hell of a night!

On Sunday don’t miss our Hungry Bear Drag Brunch, remember Brunch is the most important meal of the day, especially while drinking bottomless Mimosas and being serenaded to by awesome queens. Reservations required.

Sunday afternoon make a pit stop at Tool Shed for the Sunday “Bear” Bust. Sponsored by Tool Shed.

Sunday night is our Comedy night with comedian Brad Loekle. Get ready for some side-splitting comedy.

And right after the show stick around for our hospitality mixer sponsored by Tito’s Vodka, Casamigos Tequila & Captain Morgans Rum (also beer and soft drinks) open bar as a thank you for being part of the fun this year.

This weekend is jammed pack with things to do so check out the complete schedule in this program guide and daily on the reader boards in the hotel lobby.

We are excited and happy that you are here. Those who are repeat attendees and those virgins who are in for a crazy good time; thank you. We look forward to meeting you all. The entire staff and volunteers will do all we can to ensure that this is a weekend you will always remember. Thank you for choosing IBC for your winter Bear Event and hope you have an incredible time.

Have an awesome weekend!

Nino Eilets, George Frank & the exceptional IBC Team

PALM SPRINGS WELCOMES YOU

PALM SPRINGS…

WELCOMES YOU WITH A GREAT BIG BEAR HUG

It’s a huge outdoor playground with consistently brilliant sunshine, great for sunning and all types of outdoor activities. Our climate is the envy of the world, with more than 330 days of sunshine each year. The town’s atmosphere is laid back resort casual with many small village charming shops and unique specialty stores, especially in the Uptown Arts and Antique District on North Palm Canyon Drive. There is something truly special about Gay Palm Springs beyond its beautiful oasis setting in the Southern California dessert.

The Gay population is estimated at more than 50 percent of the annual resident population. Today the City of Palm Springs has the highest per capita gay population in the US, if not the world. Palm Springs has an exciting lineup of ever-changing Gay and/ or Gay-oriented events including the annual Gay Pride Festival is a sanctioned Palm Springs event taking place in November–a fabulous Gay Pride parade followed by live entertainment, food and dancing which continues long into the evening and especially at the Arenas District’s many gay bars. At Halloween, Arenas District is converted into an entertaining Gay block party, with costume parties at many of the bars and highlighted by a costume contest; the International Film Festival, Cinema Diverse (the gay and lesbian film festival), the Dinah (Largest Lesbian event in the country), Steve Chase Awards and of course the International Bear Convergence, celebrating its 11th year.

We hope that while you are here for the International Bear Convergence you also take some time to explore Palm Springs and discover the ‘secret’ of this desert ‘Gay’ paradise oasis for yourself. Palm Springs, as branded by the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism, “is like no place else”!

Special thanks to gay-palm-springs.info for their contribution.

CASAMIGOS COCKTAILS

SERVED IN SUPPORT OF IBC .

CELEBRATING DIVERSITY, INCLUSION & SELF EXPRESSION

@CASAMIGOS #HOUSEOFFRIENDS #POURWITHPRIDE

ENJOY RESPONSIBLY Imported by Casamigos Spirits Company, White Plains, NY, Casamigos Tequila & Mezcal, 40% Alc./Vol.

MORE BEARS AND CHASERS

MORE LIVE STREAMING

MORE PLACES GO GLOBAL or CHAT LOCAL

MORE CUBBIES AND CHUBS

MORE CONNECTIONS

MORE FUZZY CUDDLES

COME JOIN THE FURRY FUN!

THE FACTS

THINGS TO KNOW Welcome TO IBC 2026!

HERE ARE A FEW DO’S & DON’TS TO ENSURE A GREAT TIME DURING YOUR WEEKEND

1. Please review the weekend’s schedule when you arrive. This will assure you that you don’t miss any of the events.

2. No Outside food or drinks are allowed into any of the weekend events.

3. Drugs will not be tolerated on the hotel premises. The hotel has complete discretion regarding this matter.

4. Nudity is prohibited anywhere in public areas.

5. Do not remove your weekend wristbands. Make sure that it fits you comfortably and properly during registration. Anyone losing or misplacing a wristband will have to pay full price to replace it

6. Always carry a form of ID with you at all times.

7. Please make sure to visit the vendor mall. Hours are Friday thru Sunday 10am-6pm.

8. Check out the afternoon mixers at our sponsor bars. This program has the schedule day and times of these mixers

9. When checking out the town bars and clubs please patronize our official IBC 2026 sponsors. They Include Hunters, BlackBook, Townie Bagels, Street Bar, Tool Shed. These establishments will probably be offering specials for all IBC 2026 attendees.

Please support the advertisers in our event program. They help make this event possible.

Bars that are not affiliated with or have any official IBC 2026 events include Oscars, Quadz, Chill, Dicks, Reforma, Sonoran

10. Most importantly remember to have a great time. Introduce yourself and meet lots of great guys. See old friends and make new ones.

Helping Buyers and Sellers Succeed in the Greater Palm Springs Area

20+ Years of Experience

$500 Million+ in Sales

THURSDAY

FEBRUARY 19

REGISTRATION

2:00PM - 8:00PM

HOTEL ZOSO

HUNTERS PRESENTS

“Early Bear Welcome Party” @ Hunters Nightclub 9pm - 2am

Get Your Weekend Started

Right! Have A Drink, Have A Dance, Have A Bear!

FRIDAY

FEBRUARY 20

REGISTRATION

9AM - 8PM HOTEL ZOSO FILLMORE ROOM

PLUNGE 2.0 POOL PARTY

DJ RADIO CHI

10am - 4pm Hotel ZOSO Pool, Grab A Cocktail And Head To The Pool. Relax, Unwind & And Catch Some Rays $25 (Included with weekend pass)

VENDOR MALL

HOTEL LOBBY

FRIDAY, SATURDAY &

SUNDAY

10AM - 6PM

POOLSIDE BBQ

FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY

11:30AM - 3PM

MEAT & GREET

@ Black Book 3:30pm - 7pm

Sponsored By Black Book Come By And See Old Friends & Make New Ones. Meet Porn Star Dallas Steele. Also win passes to IBC 2027.

SPEED DATING

With Your Host Joe Martone Meet Mr. Right Or Mr. Right Now. Hotel ZOSO Encore 7:30pm - 9pm

GLADIATOR

DJ MARCOS MORENO

A Toga Party to End All Toga Parties. A Night Full of Decadence & Debauchery 10pm-2am Woodstock Ballroom Hotel ZOSO. $35 After 11:30pm (Included with weekend pass) Sponsored By Russell Harris Event Group

THE MAZE WITH A TWIST

11:00AM - 2:00AM FRIDAY & SATURDAY

Late night Grab & Go Pizza 11:30pm - 1:30am Friday & Saturday Night

SATURDAY

FEBRUARY 21

REGISTRATION

9AM - NOON

RETRO SPLASH

POOL PARTY

DJ CHUB JIM

10am - 5pm Hotel ZOSO

Soak Up The Sun, Have A Beverage & Splash Around With Hot, Furry Men

$25 (Included with run weekend pass) 10am-5pm Hotel ZOSO

MR. IBC CONTEST

WILL YOU BE THE NEXT MR. IBC?

Sign up at IBC registration desk or IBC Merch table in the Vendor Mall. In addition, enjoy poolside pool games, including the Golden Ducky Scavenger Hunt.

Poolside 1pm - 3pm Poolside @ Hotel ZOSO

FURBALL LEATHER/ GEAR PARTY

DJ TONY MORAN

Woodstock Ballroom Hotel ZOSO

10pm-3am

You don’t want to miss this one. It’s going to be one hell of a night!

$30 at door $35 After 11:30pm

(Included with weekend pass)

HUNGRY BEAR DRAG BRUNCH

DJ RADIO CHI

Remember, Brunch Is The Most Important Meal Of The Day, Especially When You’re Being Serenaded To By A Fabulous Queen.

$55.00 (Not included with weekend pass) 10am-1pm. Reservations Required Show Starts At 11:30 Sharp Fillmore Room Hotel ZOSO.

REDEMPTION POOL PARTY

DJ GALAXY

10am- 4pm Hotel ZOSO After Saturday Night, you’re going to need redeem all your sins, so why not do it by the pool.

$25 (Included with weekend pass)

BEAR BEER BUST

DJ MIXIE TOOL SHED

Stop in for a cold one or two. Drink specials and Beefy, Furry Dancers 2PM at Tool Shed Bar

LAST LAUGH

8:30pm-9:30pm Sunday night is our Comedy Night and this year we are excited to announce the return of Brad Loekle to the IBC Stage. He’s one of the longest running entertainers at Atlantis Events, the world’s premiere LGBTQ+ charter cruise company, and has performed for 2 decades at LGBTQ+ events worldwide. $25 (Included with weekend pass) Fillmore Showroom Sponsored by Townie Bagel & Tito’s Vodka

TITO’S HAPPY HOUR AFTER DARK

Fillmore Room Hotel Zoso

And immediately after the show to show our appreciation for your attendance enjoy our Tito’s Vodka hospitality open bar. Tito’s Vodka, Beer, Casamigos, Captain Morgan & Soft Drinks while supplies last. Directly After the Comedy Show til ??

FRIDAY FEB 20

PLUNGE 2.0 POOL PARTY

DJ RADIO CHI (MADRID)

10AM-4PM

FRIDAY FEB 20

RUSSELL HARRIS EVENT GROUP PRESENTS

GLADIATOR A TOGA PARTY FOR THE GODS

DJ MARCOS MORENO (BARCELONA)

10PM – 2AM

SATURDAY FEB 21

RETRO SPLASH POOL PARTY

DJ CHUB JIM (LAS VEGAS)

10AM – 5PM

SATURDAY FEB 21

JOE FIORE PRESENTS FURBALL LEATHER/GEAR PARTY

DJ/ PRODUCER TONY MORAN (NEW YORK)

10PM – 3AM

SUNDAY FEB 22

REDEMPTION POOL PARTY

DJ RETRO CUB (LONG BEACH)

10AM – 4PM

SUNDAY FEB 22

DJ RADIO CHI (MADRID)

HUNGRY BEAR DRAG BRUNCH 10AM – 1PM

LAST LAUGH COMEDY SHOW 8:30PM – 9:30PM

HOSPITALITY MIXER 9:30PM-?

THE DJS

DJ RADIO CHI

The Key Ingredient.

My professional philosophy: “A good DJ has to make a difference: choose the raw material, cook it for each audience with a single objective: to make the audience savor the moment.” Many great experiences: Having worked in well-known clubs such as Privilege, Magma Club, Otto Zutz, Pachá Sitges, L’atlántida… in Barcelona and the Canary Islands… Duo Club (Bern, Switzerland), 136º (Hamburg, Germany) and many more… At massive events such as Resident DJ for Sitges Gay Pride 2010 thru 2025, Resident DJ for Sitges Bears Week 2023 thru2025, Gran Canaria Gay Pride 2010 thru 2016. I was Resident DJ at Decadance from 2010 to 2015, and Resident DJ at Sixpackzone Gran Canaria from its inception in 2012 to 2018. This experience has allowed me to develop the style and knowledge that have made me a valued and well-known DJ in the scene.

DJ MARCOS MORENO

DJ Marcos Moreno, born in 1979 and raised in Barcelona (Spain), has been surrounded by music since he was a kid. Having had his first introduction to the music when he started playing piano, at the age of 12, he found music had changed him. In 2002, he received his certificate by Pioneer as a DJ. He became the right-hand man of Jordi Martín, one of the most exclusive and well-known DJs in the Barcelona night club scene (Pacha Barcelona, Privilege, Distrito Marítimo, CDLC, and endless more). Jordi taught him everything he knew and took him under his wing like he would his own son. In 2009 the story of Equinox began, their first bear party in Barcelona. DJ Marcos Moreno has participated and assisted the Barcelona bear community which has launched him on to the international stage at venues in cities like, Madrid, Sitges, Stockholm, Atlanta, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Palm Spring and Seattle and has performed to numerous events like Gay Pride, Fashion shows, Bear Cruises, and many more.

THE DJS

DJ CHUB JIM

“Uplifting, Happy, Euphoric, Infectious Grooves”

DJ Chub Jim (Jim Gokey) began his DJ career back in the early 1980’s playing events and clubs around the Upper Midwest. Moving to California in early 2000 he got himself involved with the Bear, and Chub communities and has since DJ’d several events including all the previous Bigger Vega’s events, Planet Big- San Francisco, Big Mens/Bash Weekends-Palm Springs, Bear Heat-Palm Springs, Big Bear Adventure Weekend- Big Bear Lake, Red Dress Party-West Hollywood and International Bear Convergence (IBC). He also DJ’s locally in Palm Springs at Chill Bar & Nightclub, and other local venues. Check out His DJ sets that are available to listen or download at: www.hearthis. at/djchubjim DJ Chub Jim is looking forward to making all you move and groove during the RetroSplash Pool Party with an open DJ format of the greatest dance music on the planet.

DJ/PRODUCER TONY MORAN

Tony Moran currently is considered one of the most well-known DJs in the house/ electronic music genre, playing to massive crowds at events throughout the world. He continues to produce music and has produced some major hits played in dance clubs. The thunderous beats of New Yorker Tony Moran have resonated throughout clubs and arenas around the world and have dominated the Billboard dance charts for decades. When artists like Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Madonna, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Rihanna, Mary J Blige, Janet Jackson and Jennifer Lopez want to tear up the dance floor, they call upon the top-ranked DJ and Grammy™ nominated producer and remixer for The Moran Sound, hard hitting tribal house anthems infused with the latest cutting-edge sounds in electronica.

THE DJS

DJ RETRO CUB

DJ Retrocub (Scott Ruiz) has also been involved in running many LGBTQ+ events across Southern California where he experienced the unique queer nightlife quite often. In 2014 he accepted a position working for the worldfamous event International Bear Convergence in Palm Springs, CA. As his love for disco and house music continued to grow through running these events, he started to dream about one day putting his extensive musical talents to use in a much different way. When the world shut down in 2020 Scott was afforded the time to learn the craft and fell in love with mixing and playing wonderful house music for the LGBTQ+ community especially. DJ Retrocub has been going strong for 3 years now and has 2 residences in Long Beach (Kub Kamp) and Downtown Los Angeles (Club Chub at Precinct) And in 2024 DJ Retrocub made his international debut at Sitges Bear Week in Sitges Spain.

ENTERTAINERS

JOE MARTONE

Joe Martone is an IBC regular, hosting the Speed Dating event for seven years and the MR IBC pageant for two! He is also known for being a host for the new Bear World TV segment “Whaddya Know with Joe.” He has hosted trivia, speed dating and more all over the country and looked good while doing it.

Brad Loekle

TV audiences will know Brad from his 8 years as one of the stars of TruTV’s “World’s Dumbest”, as a semi-finalist on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing”, and from one of his dozens of appearances on VH1, MTV, E! Logo and more. He’s also one of the longest running entertainers at Atlantis Events, the world’s premiere LGBTQ+ charter cruise company, and has performed for 2 decades at LGBTQ+ events worldwide. His most recent special, “Brash Boys Club” is available on Amazon Prime.

THE QUEENS

Ethylina Canne:

Ethylina Canne has been a resident of the Coachella Valley for 11 years. She has graced the stages of the world-famous Laugh Factory, co-hosted the Equality Awards and Steve Chase Awards with funny man Leslie Jordan. She’s an avid supporter of Desert Aids Project, Alliance for Housing and Healing, and a multitude of other organizations that help communities and their members in need. Winner of “Best in Drag” 2016, honored with the DAP “Everyday Hero Award” 2018, and GED Magazines “OUTstanding Drag Diva” 2020. She was recently honored as the “Community Grand Marshall” for the 2023 palm Springs Pride Parade, and has a day named after her in Cathedral City. She’s an actress, hostess, comedian, entertainer, officiant, community advocate, philanthropist, and a Tupperware Lady. She clearly Canne and does and is thrilled to be back at IBC again this year.

Paris Sukomi Max:

Paris Quion is a Southern California based drag entertainer, businesswoman, activist and advocate for the LGBTQ community. Born and raised in San Diego California, Paris is always proud to boast about the impact the Hillcrest community has had in her upbringing and their important role in who she is today. Her parents used San Diego’s LGBT Center Services during her coming out as well as throughout her transition which inspired her to help further their outreach now as an adult. She’s known most for being a career fundraiser, volunteer and for devoting her life, skills and resources to the betterment of the queer community with a focus on our youth and our most vulnerable community members. Off stage she is a regular fixture in government spaces, corporate businesses, and school campuses training in LGBTQ rights and gender sensitivity. She also shares her journey as a trans person in hopes of a gentler world for community and putting a face to the possibilities of what can happen when our community is given the opportunity to thrive.

THE QUEENS

Kalista Stage:

Originally a Texas native, Kalista Stage now resides in West Hollywood, CA. She has been performing in drag for over 10 years, titles including West Hollywood Star Champion, Project Drag Season 5 Winner at Micky’s West Hollywood, Queen Of The Emerald Village and most recently, and Miss Western Elegance Continental. Her versatility as a performer and artist extends to every facet of drag from fashion to lip sync, etc. The self-proclaimed “fashion goddess” lights up any room she sets foot in with her beauty and unforgettable stage presence.

Aria Sky Williams:

Aria S. Williams, proudly called The Ten Dancing Toes of Palm Springs. Small in size at 5’2”, but mighty in presence, she brings unstoppable energy, sultry charisma, and a spark of comedy wherever she goes. Aria can be seen strutting her stuff weekly at the hottest show on Sunday afternoons in sunny Palm Springs. “Sunday Tea & Shade, hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race personality Ongina, takes place at Boozehounds Palm Springs. A rotating cast is there to entertain you weekly with delicious food and death drops galore. Tickets available on Eventbrite with doors opening at 2 pm and showtime at 2:30 pm.

Jasmine Masters:

Jasmine Diane Masters, best known simply as Jasmine Masters, is an American drag queen, internet celebrity, YouTuber, and stand-up comedian. He is best known for competing on the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. Robinson is responsible for several viral videos, many of which have become memes, most notably And I Oop! which was the most used gif of 2019. She can be seen performing all over Southern California and beyond. Best known for her Patti LaBelle impersonation, whom she has seen in concert over 100 times, she is the true meaning of what it looks like to be a drag SUPERSTAR. Everyone’s favorite JUSH is sure to bring the house down in any live show she seen in.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 22

HUNGRY BEAR DRAG BRUNCH

HOSTED BY THE FABULOUS

Ethylinna Canne

STARRING

KALISTA STAGE, PARIS SUKOMI MAX, JASMINE MASTERS AND ARIA SKY WILLIAMS

Remember…Brunch is the Most Important meal of the day. Especially with bottomless Mimosas and when you are being serenaded to by a few Fabulous Queens.

RESERVATIONS OPEN FEBRUARY 13 USE QR CODE TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE. HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN!

BRUNCH 10AM-1PM $55 ONE SHOW ONLY!

SHOW STARTS PROMPTLY AT 11:30AM (NOT INCLUDED WITH WEEKEND PASS) @ HOTEL ZOSO