PodFest Expo 2022 Recap My First In Person PodFest
This was my first in person PodFest since I started podcasting. I've already been to 2 Podcast Movements and a few virtual events. I already knew what to kind of expect from a podcast event. And have already collaborated on 300+ episodes on the Digital Savage Experience Podcast, co-hosted Real Talk Podcasting, have done over 150 interviews on other podcasts, and have met podcasters in person prior. So I knew I would run into people I knew at one point or another. I think it's harder and a bit different when you're brand new and don't know anyone.
Sessions I Attended
The sessions I really sat in on were for Amazon Live which is fairly new and I'm not very familiar with, and the sessions on ways to implement using NFTs with podcasts. I also tried to sit in on panels and sessions of people that I've met in the past or knew.
Feedback
Overall I felt PodFest was more family and community focused. At this point I think Podcast Movement has more of a corporate vibe. I feel like a lot of tracks and many subtopics as well you anyone could find something of interest. Some ran all day and others started in the afternoon which was a little confusing. It was hard to follow along for me personally in terms of not missing the sessions I wanted to attend. You could set a reminder to attend in the Whova app. But I would of liked to see a central place to see everything going on in any given time. It was tough for some people because the conference fell on memorial day weekend. So a lot of people only attended a day or two. I feel more opportunities existed for meet ups and other networking activities. I suppose it's what one makes of it. I bought a ticket in May as I thought I wouldn't be going prior. I felt guilty going when people in my country of birth were at war, but I decided it would maybe help meeting up and attending something in the podcasting space since the last time was last August. Overall I would recommend any new or seasoned podcaster attend.
