The podcasting community is filled with some of the most talented people in the world.
If growing a podcast is one of your goals, you’ll want to begin learning from the experts by attending some of the top conferences for podcasters.
1. Podthon
This virtual conference promises to feature informative and insightful presentations from podcasters all over the world.
Who should attend?
According to event organizers, this conference was created for all podcasters. The goal is to feature speakers that are not always chosen for the “bigger” conferences, but that still have a valuable message and content to share with the podcasting community.
When is the next one?
The next Podthon virtual conference will be held July 17-18, 2021. Get more details and tickets here.
2. Podcast Movement
This conference began as a simple idea, and quickly turned into a, well, movement.
Founders Dan Franks, Jared Easley, Gary Leland and Mitch Todd created a campaign on Kickstarter with the target goal of $11,000 and it was met within the first 24 hours.
Today, Podcast Movement it has grown into one of the largest podcasting conferences in the world with more than 3,000 attendees in 2019 alone.
Who should attend?
New podcasters, amateurs and professionals. This conference has something for everyone.
When is the next one?
August 3-6, 2021 in Nashville, TN. Register and get more information here.
3. ROCKNPOD
The ROCKNPOD event is one that brings together “rock fans, artists, podcasters, and vendors” to remind the world that rock is not dead. More concert and meet and greet than podcast conference, it is still a great networking opportunity for podcasters that are in the rock and roll niche.
Who should attend?
Rock fans that are also podcasters. The event promises to feature not only concerts, but also discussions with musicians and personalities in the rock music genre.
When is the next one?
August 6-8, 2021. Many events for this conference are already sold out. Get more information and details here
4. Indie Pod Con by “Super Joe Pardo”
This intimate conference is held in a small classroom setting. There is only one track, but it features several speakers, including veteran podcasters. Super Joe Pardo also hosts regular free mini virtual conferences on his Facebook group.
Who should attend?
Podcasters who want to attend a networking event or meetup, but aren’t quite ready for a large event with hundreds, let alone thousands, of attendees.
When is the next one?
September 9, 2021 in Philadelphia, PA. Get more information and tickets here.
5. Podfest Multimedia Expo
Podfest was initiated in 2013, and quickly grew into a community of audio and video enthusiasts that are passionate about sharing their message through these mediums. The most popular names in podcasting have spoken at at least one of their events ranging from small meetups to full scale multi-day conferences.
Who should attend?
Anyone who is interested in audio or visual mediums to share their message. While Podfest is mainly centered around podcasting, there are sessions geared towards video as well.
When is the next one?
The next full scale Podfest Expo conference will be held in November 2021 in Orlando, FL. While the details are currently sparse on the website, you can get more information here.
6. Evolutions
Created by the same organizers that brought you the original Podcast Movement Conference, and launched in 2020, Evolutions is best for podcasters that have already created their shows.
The organizers described the event as “three single track events, all happening simultaneously, with combined keynote talks, parties and networking events.”
The three tracks for the inaugural event include:
- Creator (for new and hobbyist podcasters)
- Professional Podcaster (for experienced and full-time hosts), and
- Industry Professional (for podcast and radio industry pros as well as ad buyers/sellers)
Who should attend?
Podcasters who have at least launched their show, and have some experience releasing episodes and engaging with their audience.
When is the next one?
March 23-26, 2022 in Los Angeles, CA. Register and get more information here.
7. She Podcasts Live
Created for female podcasters, this is like BlogHer for women who deliver content via their microphones instead of a blog. The inaugural “She Podcasts Live” conference was held in October 2019, and “is the largest in-person gathering of women podcasters, audio content creators, story tellers, and more.”
Who should attend?
Women who are interested in becoming podcasters, want to work in the podcast industry in some capacity, or want to simply get better at guest podcasting to boost their businesses.
When is the next one?
October 14-17, 2021 in Scottsdale, AZ. Register and get more information here.
8. Afros & Audio Podcast Festival
This conference and community was created for and founded “by black podcast creatives and audio professionals.” Their goal is to transform the podcast industry and give every black podcaster the opportunity to let their voice be heard. The mission is for their community to “shift the conversation beyond the issues of diversity, inclusion, limited resources, and industry barriers.”
Who should attend?
Black podcast creatives and audio professionals.
When is the next one?
November 13, online only. Details and tickets here.
9. Asian Podcast Festival
Dedicated to people who identify as Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI), the Asian Podcast Festival invites creatives, producers, hosts and editors who are at different stages of podcasting. Their inaugural event was held in May 2021 in New York, and they are planning to host future events.
Who should attend?
Podcasters and people working in the podcast industry that are AAPI. To learn more about the Asian American Podcasters Association, click here.
When is the next one?
TBD
10. Podlines PodCon
Podlines PodCon began in the wake of Covid-19. Through virtual trainings, the organizers began spreading the word that podcasting was the best means of spreading their voice and message. In 2021, the first Arabic podcast conference is to be held in Dubai.
Who should attend?
Arabic podcasters in the area and/or those who speak Arabic and are interested in the medium of podcasting.
When is the next one?
The next event is scheduled for July 7, 2021. Register and get more information here.
11. The Podcast Show
This global gathering is unique in that it brings together a diverse group of podcasters and podcast enthusiasts from all over the world. From industry professionals to independent content creators and more, the goal of the event is to celebrate all things podcasting.
Attendees will enjoy classes and workshops, feedback and advice, networking and more.
Who should attend?
Anyone interested in the wild world of podcasting – whether you want to host a show, work for a show, or simply want to rub elbows with industry leaders and other podcast fans, this conference promises to have something for you.
When is the next one?
May 25-26, 2022 in London, England. Get event details and tickets here.
