Written by Lucy Skoulding
Whether you’re starting your first podcast, wondering how to take your podcast to the next stage, or thinking about marketing your audio creation, we promise, there’s a conference out there for you.
The hardest part would be choosing which conferences to attend each year. Luckily, we’ve done the leg work for you and rounded up the best global podcast conferences so you can start planning for 2019. Have one we missed? Drop it in the comments below.
Social Media Marketing World March 20th — 22nd, San Diego, USA
Tickets: socialmediaexaminer.com/smmworld/allaccess/
One of the questions we get most regularly is how to grow your show’s audience, and social media is definitely one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal to do so. If you’re a current podcaster who’s keen to make connections with companies that will help you distribute your content, then you should go to Social Media Marketing World. With a phenomenal number of expert speakers and an agenda full of workshops, live panels, sessions, and networking, there will always be something interesting to do.
Podcast Movement, August 13th — 16th 2019, Orlando, Florida, USA
Tickets: podcastmovement.com/registration/
Podcast Movement is one of the tentpole events in the podcasting world. With three days of podcast-related content on offer, this event is a must-attend for all podcast creators. The agenda promises there will be learning by day and partying by night. Over 300 speakers will participate in a total of 100 sessions across three days, and attendees will also be able to network in Exhibition Hall, where providers of podcast software, hardware, and technology will display their products. (Yep, that’s us! Say hi!)
Mid-Atlantic Podcast Conference, 6th–7th September 2019, Swedesboro, New Jersey, USA
Tickets: mapcon.ticketleap.com/2019/
Also known as MAPCON, this podcasting event was born in 2014 from a desire to bring podcasters together to share inspiration. Now it provides an immersive experience to delegates, taking them on a full journey through making a podcast, from how to increase your audience base to how to monetize your result.
On Air Fest, February 28th — March 3rd, Brooklyn, NY, USA
Tickets: eventbrite.com/e/on-air-fest-2019-tickets-47086745724
The only event of it’s kind, On Air Fest brings together audio makers, artists and storytellers, the podcast industry and listeners to be inspired by the art of sound. On Air Fest is 3 full days of intimate conversations, performances, art installations, listening parties and live podcasts.
Podfest multimedia expo, 7th — 9th March, Orlando, Florida, USA
Tickets: podfestexpo.com/attend
Podfest aims to bring together creators in the audio and video space to share ideas and foster a growing community. The event includes educational sessions, from how to start a podcast to how to grow your audience, as well as workshops encouraging inspiration and the creation of new ideas as a podcaster. Podfest sells itself on its ability to bring likeminded people together so networking is a huge part of the conference.
Werk It Women’s Podcast Festival
Tickets: werkitfestival.com/
Werk It has not yet confirmed a date or location for 2019, but it is one to keep your eyes peeled for. It’s an all-women podcast festival promising a range of inspiring sessions to get involved in, including panel discussions, workshops, mentoring, and conversations about working in digital media and audio as a woman.
PodSummit, Canada
Tickets: podsummit.com/
PodSummit have not yet pinned down a date for their 2019 event either, but last year their event was in early May. This is marketed as a conference for everyone. Whether you are an experienced podcast maker or producer, have your first podcast to hand, or haven’t even thought of a podcast idea yet, it will welcome you through its doors to learn about how to create amazing content and grow a listener base.
PodX, May 31st —June 2nd 2019, Nashville, USA
Tickets: https://www.podx.com/
PodX brings together your favorite networks, podcasters, and podcasts, from true crime and politics to pop culture and storytelling, all in one incredible weekend. Explore the world of podcasts, experience panel discussions and live shows, learn from experts, and expand your knowledge of the evolving art of podcasting, all at PodX.
Audiocraft Podcast Festival, June 1st — 2nd 2019, Sydney, AUS
Tickets: http://www.audiocraft.com.au/podcast-festival/
Audiocraft is an organization which creates its own podcasts, as well as putting on the annual festival and other live events. Audiocraft promises to introduce you to some of the best podcast professionals out there, from producers, editors, and researchers to sound designers, audio imagers, and trainers. Plus, it’s a fantastic business to have on your radar, for example offering its ‘Ladies Who Listen’ mentoring scheme for women and gender non-conforming people working in the audio industry.
Third Coast Conference & Festival, Oct 31st —Nov 2nd, Chicago, USA
Tickets: chicagopodcastfestival.org/get-involved/
Held annually in Chicago, the Third Coast Conference gathers producers from all over the world to talk shop and share wisdoms about the art and craft of documentary radio production.
Each fall, Third Coast curates The Fest: a spectacular two-week lineup of podcasts live on-stage, in venues across Chicago. The Fest takes place before, during & after The Third Coast Conference, which transforms Chicago into “the center of the podcasting universe.” Harnessing the energies & talents of audiomakers from across the world, The Fest pushes the boundaries of what a live podcast can be.
Chicago Podcast Festival, Chicago, USA
Tickets: chicagopodcastfestival.org/get-involved/
Chicago Podcast Festival takes place right at the end of the year, so 2018’s hasn’t even happened yet. The event gives both podcast fans and creators the chance to meet, chat, and explore ideas. You can even submit an application and perform at the event as a podcaster.
We Are Podcast, November 7th — 9th 2019, Australia
Tickets: mustamplify.com/apply2019/
We Are Podcast is a great one for small business owners who want to create podcasts. The event focuses on the commercial intent and return on investment for the creator. You will learn about building sustainable podcasts and audio marketing, to ensure your new creation soars or your existing podcasts can grow their audience base.
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