Mark your calendars, because we’ve got your guide to the top podcast events in the next year! The podcast community is incredibly strong and supportive, and we love events that bring together both audiences to share knowledge, experience storytelling in-person, and build communities.
Here are our top favorite podcasts events for the year:
- Podcast Movement (Philadelphia)
July 24-26, 2018Over 2,000 podcasters attended this conference last year. There are nearly 100 different sessions designed to help aspiring podcasters get started, to refine current podcasters’ skills, and to share knowledge from experts in the industry. If you’re looking to truly add value from a podcast network, this is the place to be.There’s also an Expo Hall where the top software and hardware vendors in the podcast industry are ready to share their technological advances with attendees.
- Podfest Multimedia Expo (Orlando)
February 8-10, 2018Podfest has expanded over the years to cover a broader range of media: Youtube, livestreams, blogging, filmmaking, online communities, and more. Clearly, they’re seeing the trend that content creators are moving towards multimedia efforts for storytelling. Whether you’re just starting out as a beginner, or you’ve been podcasting for years and are looking to hone your skills and network with other like-minded content creators, Podfest is a great community.It’s also set right next to Disney World in Orlando, so you can combine it with a fun family vacation!
- NYC Podfest (New York)
April 6-8, 2018Every year, the NYC Podfest features some of the biggest names and talents in podcasting, entertainment, media, and pop culture in front of a live audience. It’s an opportunity to hear from a few of your favorites on stage in an intimate setting.Previous guests have included Hold On with Eugene Mirman, and the Lore Podcast!
- Mid-Atlantic Podcast Conference (Philadelphia)
September 7-8, 2018The Mid-Atlantic Podcast Conference, otherwise known as MAPCON, originally started out as a Facebook group connecting podcasters across the mid-Atlantic states.The conference is designed specifically for podcasters, to guide them through the step-by-step process of creating and growing a successful podcast. Every year, speakers and panelists who are experts in podcasting and online marketing teach attendees how to build an audience, create a community, and monetize their content.
- Now Hear This! Podcast Festival (New York)
SeptemberThis festival features 25 live podcast performances by major podcasts, including Comedy Bang! Bang!, How Did This Get Made?, and Levar Burton Reads. With added meet-and-greet opportunities and immersive fan experiences, this is one of the best events for a podcast fan to attend.While this festival already happened in September 2017, we can’t wait to see what 2018 has to offer.
- Werk It Women’s Podcast Festival (Los Angeles)
OctoberBranded as the only all-woman podcasting festival on the planet, this festival features speakers, mentoring sessions, workshops, live podcast tapings, and networking opportunities for women in the industry.It’s produced by WNYC Studios, which also happens to be the creator of podcast favorites like Radiolab, Freakonomics Radio, and 2 Dope Queens.
- LA Podcast Festival (Los Angeles)
OctoberLos Angeles is home to so many forms of entertainment, and has also been riding the wave of new media like podcasting. The LA Podcast Festival schedule is filled to the brim with comedy shows, podcaster interviews, and panels for podcasters to learn about topics like “Gear Talk” and “Guest Etiquette.”
What podcast events are you going to this year? We’d love to hear from you in the comments about events you’re excited about attending.