The year 2020 has been the equivalent of stepping on lego…barefoot. And when we wrote our first “Podcast Events You Should Attend in 2020 – Part I” post back in January, we had no idea of all the twists and turns the year would take six months down the line. And while this time has been quite productive from a podcast creation point of view, the same cannot be said for the podcasting events and conferences that were scheduled to take place in the latter part of this year. Many events have postponed their live, in-person events to a date in the not-too-distant future, but a number of others have been canceled altogether as safe travel simply does not look like it will be on the cards any time soon. This is a real loss for podcasters as these events are a vital part of creating connections in the industry. Podcast events are highlights in the calendar as they allow face-to-face interaction with fellow podcasters as well as fans, they make it possible to network and establish relationships with others in the podcasting world, you get to learn from some of the best in the business, and they’re also just a whole load of fun! So it really is a great disappointment that many of these events will, understandably, no longer be taking place this year. On the other hand, some organizers have found effective ways to hold their planned events via the modern wonder of the Internet. There are still a fair amount of online podcasting events that you can line up for the rest of the year, and with the access to virtual passes, you can now “attend” events taking place all around the world – some that perhaps you wouldn’t have been able to go to had they taken place “in the flesh.” While they are no substitute for the hustle and bustle of a physical conference, they still give you access to those much-needed connections, besides all that valuable content they provide.
So, without further adieu, let’s take a look at the podcasting events still taking place this year – whether online or in-person – as well some we will have to look forward to attending next year.
1. The Virtual New Media Summit
June 30 – July 1, 2020, Virtual Event
Steve Olsher, the Founder and Editor in Chief of Podcast Magazine is once again hosting The New Media Summit, but this year, it’s with a twist! Especially for all that’s going on in the world, this year, it’s The Virtual New Media Summit, and it starts today! (June 30th, 2020) If you’re looking to learn just how to leverage the power of podcasts, then this is definitely the event to buy a ticket for! Everyone that registers will receive two full days of live training via Zoom, where Steve will share his proven strategies for generating massive visibility, highly targeted leads, and meaningful revenue through podcasting. On top of all that expert insight, you’ll also gain access to his proprietary Podcast Domination Ranking System, via a training video and spreadsheet, as well as the 2020 Ultimate Directory of Podcasters where you can get the contact info, including email addresses, for 270 of the world’s leading podcasts. And that’s not all! Included in the general admission ticket, which costs $88, you’ll also get Steve’s proven to convert, fill-in-the-blanks “Get Booked” email templates. There is also an all-access pass (only 88 slots available) which will give you the opportunity to pitch to podcasters, receive feedback on your pitch, and be entered into the Virtual New Media Summit Pitch-Off Contest where you’ll have a chance to pitch to podcasters live via Zoom and where you could win cash and other prizes. Time is ticking on the registration window, so check it out before it closes!
2. Independent Podcast Conference
July 11, 2020, Virtual Event
July 11th, 2020, is the date for the next Independent Podcast Conference. A few such conferences have already been held throughout the lockdown period, with the replay of the most recent conference from June 27th, titled “Monetize Your Podcast”, available for viewing on their website until July 5th, 2020. The conference scheduled for July 11th is all about Automation for Podcasting and promises to bring some interesting insights into the automation process. Best of all, this conference is totally free! The Independent Podcast Conference is a place for indie podcasters, hosted by indie podcasters, and is a really welcoming space to form connections, gain inspiration, and learn so much from people who have faced the same challenges you may be facing with your indie podcast. It’s a great place to garner support, learn a whole lot, and have a whole lot of fun doing it!
3. Podcast Festival: Voices of the World
July 15, 2020, Virtual Event
Did you know that podcasting spans over 100 languages worldwide? That’s pretty incredible! And the Podcast Festival wants to celebrate this diversity through the Podcast Festival: Voices of the World. By attending this conference, you will hear from global podcasters and experts from the four corners of the world, talking about podcasting in their countries, the different cultural tendencies, and business models. This event is for all podcast enthusiasts, whether newbies or seasoned podcasters. Early bird tickets will cost you $15 and Festival Tickets will set you back $25 and will gain you access to all the events that are lined up. For the Voices of the World festival, there are six standout speakers lined up from China, India, Colombia, the United States, as well as a guest speaker from the U.K. The first three speakers have been announced as George the Poet, a rapper, spoken-word artist, and poet, Ning Yan, producer and co-host of the podcast A Thousand Whys, as well as Amit Varm, a writer and producer from Mumbai. You can find the rest of the line up here, and it all promises to be a wonderfully diverse, cultural celebration and is one Podcast Festival not to be missed!
4. Podthon: A Virtual Summit for Podcasters
July 18-19, 2020, Virtual Event
Between July 18-19, 2020, the second annual Podthon will be the virtual place to be. The event is set to showcase 20 speakers at all levels of the independent podcasting industry. Podthon is the brainchild of the Asian American Podcasters Association and Women of Color Podcasters, and their mission is to connect podcasters from all around the world during this two-day conference. One goal they aim to achieve with these events is to encourage more people of color to become speakers and to cultivate a platform where their voices can be heard across the stages of the world. This summit promises to be an inclusive place where podcasters can learn from and connect with thought leaders in the podcasting community. A Podthon ’20 ticket will cost you $75 and gains you access to 18-20 exclusive presentations as well as creating the opportunities to connect with each speaker during the Live Q & A sessions. If you’re looking for even more content, for $54.99 you can purchase access to all of last year’s sessions, and you’ll also receive bonus episodes and bonus worksheets. This summit is sure to leave you filled to overflowing with new knowledge, new ideas, and renewed motivation to keep doing what you love!
5. Podcast Movement
Date Changed to October 19 – 22, 2020 – Dallas, Texas and Virtual Event
The second Podcast Movement event of the year was set to take place in August, but due to the safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the date has been changed to the 19th until the 22nd of October, in Dallas. If all goes according to plan, this will be the 7th event of it’s kind and it promises to be huge! Attending this event will put you in the company of over 3,000 podcasters and they are also set to host over 200 educational sessions and a trade show of over 100 exhibitors. The organizers are taking everything into consideration as they plan towards October, giving those who have already bought tickets the option to transfer their tickets to the later dates, postpone their ticket to next year’s event, or convert their ticket to an online pass which will give access to an expanded lineup of live-streamed sessions, virtual-only events and activities, a virtual expo hall, and more. However you attend, you’re going to come away inspired and invigorated to continue to reach your podcasting goals. Ticket prices range from $275 for the Standard Pass, up to $495 for the Pro Pass, but no matter which one you go for, you’ll come away with bucket loads of new and exciting information, opportunities, and inspiration. Another great feature of this event is the different focus tracks, designed to cater to all those involved in the podcasting industry. Each track will have breakout sessions and panel discussions, ensuring that you get the insight and expertise you need. With all this and more, it’s easy to see why Podcast Movement is the biggest event of its kind and a firm favorite on the calendar of many in the podcasting industry. However this event takes place, there is no doubt that it will be full of valuable content!
6. DC Podfest
November 6-8, 2020 – Washington, D.C.
The last event on the schedule for 2020, should the circumstances allow for it, is set to be 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. DC Podfest 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. The All-Access tickets cost $279 and will gain you entry into all the breakout sessions, as well as some of the fun, social events that are all part of the appeal of DC Podfest. With its focus on the business, creativity, and influence of podcasting, it really is an incredible event, no matter your experience or skill level. It’s a great place to meet like-minded people from all over the world, and establish lasting connections with people who love the industry just as much as you do.
7. She Podcasts Live
Postponed to 2021 – Scottsdale, Arizona
Originally planned for October 2020, the team behind the She Podcasts Live event recently made the decision to postpone this year’s event until 2021, as Arizona’s COVID-19 cases have spiked considerably of late. She Podcasts Live is the largest in-person gathering of women podcasters, audio content creators, storytellers, and more, so it is definitely one podcasting event to look out for next year! They offer women audio creators a chance to learn and experience community in an environment created just for them, and through their Facebook group, they’ve created a vibrant, thriving community and are making waves in the industry. These conferences as well as the online group are a safe space for women to ask questions and learn and grow from each other and is a really empowering environment for women audio creators. If waiting until 2021 is just too long a wait, keep an eye out on their site and Facebook page, as there have been hints at some smaller live events that may be popping up sometime soon!
Closing Thoughts
Podcasting 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, but, as with so many other things this year, the coronavirus outbreak has definitely affected the planned events that were in place. So while we may have to wait some time before all in-person group meetings and large gatherings can safely take place, there are still some fantastic podcast events lined up which can help us stay connected to others in the industry and allow us to keep learning and growing from the greats in the field. Whether in person or through cyberspace, podcasting events are highlights in the calendars of anyone and everyone in the industry, so mark yours with the dates of the events we’ve covered in this list and you’ll get to reap all the benefits these events give to all who attend.
