2020 is here, and with it, a new decade is ushered in which is seen by many as the Golden Age of Podcasts! The podcast industry shows no signs of slowing down, with the number of new shows joining the ranks growing steadily each month. And so while we’re definitely not alone in our endeavors, let’s face it, podcasting can get a little lonely. You may be virtually connected to your listeners and other podcasters via the marvel that is the Internet. But a little face-to-face human interaction should never be undervalued. And that’s why podcast events are so great!
Not only do you get to learn from some of the best in the business, but you get to meet fellow podcasters, leaders in the industry, and potentially, even some of your listeners, in the flesh. Podcasting events create a really special space for you to meet all those you admire, and they also get to meet you! You mingle, you network, you learn, and you have a whole lot of fun in the process!
And just as podcasts are popular the world over, so there are podcasting events taking place all over the globe each year. But just which ones should you attend? Well, we’ve scoured our sources and have put together a chronological breakdown of all the podcast events we think you should attend this year.
So have your calendar handy and your passport ready ‒ 2020 is going to be one crazy ride!
Brooklyn Podcast Festival
January 22-26, 2020 – Brooklyn, New York
January has a whole host of exciting podcast events to attend! From the 22nd to the 26th of January, 2020, the third Brooklyn Podcast Festival will take place across three venues in Brooklyn, New York. This festival is focused on celebrating a diverse collection of innovative, engaging, and down-right entertaining podcasts and bringing these shows to live audiences.
With more than 15 different shows lined up, there will definitely be something to suit everyone’s tastes, not to mention the chance to mingle with other podcast fans, just like yourself. It’s also just really fun to be a part of a live podcast audience, and the beauty of this festival is that it gives you this opportunity in spades!
Outlier Podcast Festival
January 24-25, 2020 – Salt Lake City, Utah
Set to take place on the 24th to the 25th of January, 2020, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the Outlier Podcast Festival aims to inspire influencers and provide ample opportunity for networking. As the name suggests, this festival is aimed at outlier podcasters and is focused on providing indie shows the space to connect with a vast variety of knowledgeable greats in the podcasting industry.
There will be a whole host of fantastic keynote speakers, informative panel discussions as well as valuable, interactive break-away sessions for you to attend. You’re guaranteed to come away with a greater knowledge of the industry, you’ll have formed new friendships and connections, and you’ll be inspired to keep creating that great content for your show.
PodUK
February 1, 2020 – Birmingham, England
In February, we hop across the pond to Birmingham, England for the 2020 edition of PodUK. PodUK is branded as the ComicCon for podcasters (how fun?) and is a celebration of all things podcasting. They have live recordings of episodes, workshops, panels, and Q&A sessions with some of the UK’s favorite podcasts.
It’s a one-day event, but what really sets PodUK apart from other events or conferences – and why it should definitely be a candidate on your list – is that rather than being business-focused, PodUK is all about the fans and the fandoms, putting them front and center and creating a fun, geek-centric space to celebrate all we love about the podcasting industry. You’re still going to learn a whole lot, but you’re going to have tons of fun doing it!
Podcast Movement Evolutions
February 12-15, 2020 – Los Angeles, California
Podcast Movement is arguably one of the most well-known events within the podcasting industry. Starting way back in 2014, each year this conference brings together the biggest names in the business and delivers four days networking, learning and a whole lot of fun. Due to its rampant past success, this year, Podcast Movement has not one but two major events planned! The first one being Podcast Movement Evolutions, taking place in Los Angeles, California this February.
Evolutions will focus on an in-depth look at the latest podcasting trends, tech, and developments in the ever-changing landscape of the industry. The event has been divided into three distinct tracks, Creator, Professional Podcaster, and Industry Professional, and so rather than having to weigh up the pros and cons of where to go for each session, you choose the track that best suits you and then you simply follow that course. There will be valuable networking opportunities, great keynote speakers, as well as a number of social events and fun-filled parties!
Podcast Editors Conference
March 6, 2020 – Orlando, Florida
This one-day conference is a must for all those involved in the post-production side of podcasting. The Podcast Editors Conference is aimed at anyone already in the editing industry, as well as those looking to jump in and turn podcast editing into a career. The conference promises valuable insight into improving the quality of your audio production, as well as giving tips and tricks on how to improve the profitability of your business.
Jam-packed into the day are sessions focusing on how to handle your podcast editing and any related services, as well as how to practically run a profitable company, or if you should consider expanding your company into an agency. The conference boasts a great number of speakers, all established names within the industry, making this THE conference for audio editors.
Podfest
March 6-8, 2020 – Orlando, Florida
While you’re already in Orlando for the Podcast Editors Conference, you should also get in on all that will be happening at Podfest. The Podfest Expo is a hub for passionate podcasters who love the audio and video mediums, and who are driven to use these platforms to share their message and let their voices be heard. It should, therefore, come as no surprise that the slogan for this event is “Let your voice be heard.” And that is just what the organizers of Podfest aim to do.
Their goal is to bring together as many within the podcast industry as possible, and enable and empower them to share knowledge, and learn and grow from each other. This all stems from the three pillars upon which Podfest is built: World-Class Education, Inspiration & Ideas, and Community & Networking. The result is an inspiring space, and you should definitely consider adding your voice to the mix!
We Are Podcast
April 30 – May 1, 2020 – Brisbane, Australia
In April, make your away across to sunny Australia for the We Are Podcast conference. But it’s not just a conference! By all accounts, it’s a summit, it’s a celebration, and it’s a party! It’s a great place to meet brilliant experts in the field, network with fellow podcasters, and fill up your inspiration and motivation tanks in order to continue on your podcasting journey with renewed gusto!
While it may be a relatively small conference in terms of numbers, the smaller numbers create greater intimacy, and you’re able to glean so much more from all you interact with. You’re guaranteed to learn something from each and every speaker, making the long flight across the globe more than worth it!
Podcast Movement
August 5-8, 2020 – Dallas, Texas
The second Podcast Movement event of the year takes place in Dallas, Texas, in August. It’s the 7th event of it’s kind and it promises to be huge! If you attend this event, you’ll be in the company of over 3,000 podcasters – talk about networking opportunities! They are also set to host over 200 educational sessions so the learning potential is massive, and with a trade show of over 100 exhibitors, you’re going to come away inspired and invigorated to continue to reach your podcasting goals.
Podcast Movement 2020 will also feature seven specific focus tracks, each with breakout sessions and panel discussions, so there is something for everyone within the industry. If that’s not enough, there will even be some glitz and glamor with numerous parties taking place over the four days. With all this and more, it’s easy to see why it is the biggest event of its kind and a favorite on the calendar of many in the podcasting industry.
DC Podfest
November 6-8, 2020 – Washington, D.C.
For your last podcast event of 2020, allow us to suggest the 6th annual DC Podfest, taking place in Washington, D.C. It’s a three-day event that is filled to overflowing with hands-on workshops, engaging speakers, exciting live shows and some great social events.
It focuses on creating a space for passionate podcasters and others within the industry to share their knowledge and expertise, to learn and grow from some of the top names in the business, and to provide ample opportunities for networking and the building of lasting relationships.
Closing Thoughts
Podcasting is often a solo endeavor and can get a little lonely at times. You may feel isolated or out of touch with all that is actually taking place around the globe in terms of the industry, which can be a little disheartening or discouraging. You can get so focused on your show and all the challenges you’re facing in your world, that you lose sight of the bigger picture, and you may start to feel all alone. That’s why we get really excited about podcasting events, as there is nothing quite like face-to-face interactions with like-minded people!
These events are a fantastic way to make and strengthen connections, garner inspiration, and just be a part of all that is taking place in the podcasting industry the world over. Talking to others who face the same challenges gives us the courage to keep fighting, and the opportunity to encourage others in their journey. With the industry expanding at a phenomenal rate, we can expect even more events such as these on our list to take place in the future, and we couldn’t be happier! So what are you waiting for? Pack your go-back, grab your passport, and get ready to have your podcast rocked by all you learn at any of the great events this year has in store!
There are just so many great events to attend in 2020, we couldn’t possibly include them all in one list! Look out for Part II of this blog post, coming out later on in the year!
What events are you planning on attending this year? Let us know in the comments below.
