Podcasting has only been around for a few years, but it seems to only be growing in popularity. But what makes podcasting such a popular medium is that it cultivates an experience. For podcast fans, the enjoyment of the medium comes in being able to listen to your favorite shows alone. Even in a crowded subway car during a rush-hour commute or waiting in line for a coffee, podcasting remains an intriguing medium because it can help listeners feel alone even when they aren’t.
But for that experience to continue, it’s important that listeners also get some in-person time with their podcasting community. So as a listener, you can’t afford to miss out on podcasting conferences.
Here’s what you need to know about navigating and attending podcasting conferences as a listener, and a few of the best to keep on your radar:
What Are Podcast Conferences?
Simply put, podcast conferences are conferences dedicated to podcasts. They can include workshops, panels, fireside chats, and networking opportunities. The biggest appeal to them is that they create important opportunities to create IRL bonds with other community members of your favorite podcasts. Taking the magic of the experience that makes us love podcasting so much and translating that to a conference setting can be the next step for listeners.
Who Can Attend Them?
Podcast conferences are for anyone interested in podcasting and the art of it. Whether that means attending a panel on a roundtable on hosts discussing what comes after reaching certain milestones, or a live performance of your favorite show, podcast conferences are some of the best places to get deeper connection than you can get from consuming episodes on your own.
How Can You Find Them?
Larger podcasters will often share the studios that they work with, which can be connected to hosted podcast conferences. These are good places to start, but following other companies that focus on podcasting is important as first contacts for conferences to keep on your radar. But of course, these aren’t the only places you can keep tabs on — social media, Google, even your favorite podcasting groups are fine resources as well.
So What Are The Best Podcasting Conferences To Attend If You’re A Listener?
So exactly what are some of the best podcasting conferences to attend as a listener? Here are a few to keep on your radar:
On Air Fest, hosted in NYC’s Wythe Hotel from February 28-March 3, 2019, is a great option for New York-local podcast listeners. For the weekend, attendees will be able to witness and participate in “intimate conversations, performances, installations and live podcasts.” You can purchase tickets here.
GimletFest, a Brooklyn-based conference, brings together listeners and their favorite Gimlet Media-backed shows. The 2019 show has yet to be announced, but you can check out last year’s show and its highlights here.
WerkIt Festival is also New York City-based conference hosted across the boroughs, dedicated specifically for female podcasters. Community-specific conferences are great for building community and holding space for zeroed in questions. The 2019 festival has yet to be announced, but check out the best of last year’s show here.
What podcast conferences are on your radar?