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.
Roman Prokopchuk
Podcast Host - Agency Founder - Ukrainian Immigrant - Believer
Roman is a 1st generation immigrant from Lviv, Ukraine. He arrived in the US with 6 other family members to a 2 bedroom apartment. Roman interned with the Secret Service and held a top secret government clearance. He was forced to become a self taught digital marketer as a result of the 2008 recession, and fell in love with it. Roman has 17 years of experience leading digital teams in senior leadership roles on over 700 campaigns across many industries. He founded Nova Zora Digital in 2012. Roman is the host of the Digital Savage Experience Podcast and previously a Co-Host of Real Talk Podcasting a Top 50 Podcast on Apple Podcasts for Entertainment News. He is a adoptive and foster parent, and has fostered 29 kids in the span of 4 years.
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