Podcast Movement 2024 tips

Podcast Movement is the largest conference and tradeshow for the podcast industry. It brings together podcast creators, platforms, and industry folks in one place. This year's event is in Washington D.C., from August 19-22, 2024.

Here are my recommendations and tips for getting the most out of this conference for podcasters.

Who's going to Podcast Movement?

With 2,500-3,000 attendees, Podcast Movement is likely the largest conference for the podcast industry.

Podcast Movement is unique because it brings together all sorts of podcasters (hobbyists, professionals) with other folks from the podcast industry (podcast hosting companies, microphone manufacturers, and large platforms like Apple and Spotify).

Officially, the conference website says:

The goal of Podcast Movement has been to bring together and educate active and aspiring podcasters, and industry professionals, to grow the podcast community and industry as a whole.

Podcast Movement does run other events, including Evolutions, which is more for industry people.

What day and time should I fly in?

Many folks will fly a day before the conference to hang out and tour around. I always regret it when I arrive at the conference the day it starts.

For Podcast Movement (August 19-22, 2024), I'm flying a day early on Sunday (August 18) and returning home on August 23.

Many folks leave on the last day of the conference (August 22), making it a slower day overall. I like staying on the last day for two reasons:

1. To support the remaining speakers and facilitators who are presenting that day.

2. It's a lot more chill on the last day, making it easier to hang out with people, and book meetings.

How to get the most out of the conference

Outside of the talks, the biggest benefit of going to Podcast Movement is meeting and networking with other attendees.

This might mean grabbing a coffee with another attendee, joining a table for breakfast, or hanging out in the lobby. This informal hangout time can be the best part of Podcast Movement!

Here are a few things to remember:

Make a plan for who you would like to meet and what topics you want to discuss. If you have specific folks you’d like to ask questions of, write a list of their names and what topic you’d like to discuss.

But… also be open to meeting “sleeper attendees.” At any event, there are always people everyone wants to talk to, and then there are folks who aren’t as well-known. Outside of the bloggers, podcasters, and “internet famous” people you’ve heard of, there will be many amazing folks at Podcast Movement with insights to share.

Rehearse your answer to: “What's your podcast about?” People at Podcast Movement are curious! They’ll want to know about your podcast or other projects you’re working on. Don’t be self-conscious. Just tell them about your podcast, your business, and your projects.

One idea is to host a community meetup during the event.

Joining others for a meal or coffee can be a great opportunity to meet new people.

Be vulnerable. Struggling with an aspect of your podcast? Share it with others! It’s likely other people have been where you are now. Be open and honest; no need to fake it.

Parties at Podcast Movement

One of the highlights of Podcast Movement is the nightly official parties and networking events. These gatherings offer a perfect blend of fun and networking opportunities.

Here's what's in store for 2024:

PM24 Kickoff Party w/ Veritone One

• Time: August 19, 2024, 7pm

• Location: Potomac Ballroom Foyer

• Highlights:

  • Free drink ticket for the first 350 attendees

  • Connect with Veritone One, the largest data-driven podcast advertising agency

• A great way to start the conference and meet fellow attendees

iHeart Party - Our Biggest Party of the Year

• Time: August 20, 2024, 7pm

• Location: Topgolf National Harbor

• Highlights:

  • Cold beverages and tasty snacks

  • Fun golf games for all skill levels

  • Transportation provided by iHeart (pick-up and drop-off at the Bus Loop by Woodrow Wilson)

• The largest party of the conference, promising a night of entertainment and networking

Disctopia 80s Party

• Time: August 21, 2024, 6pm

• Location: Replay Rooftop Lounge

• Highlights:

  • 80s-themed pop-up bar experience

  • Stunning river views

  • Instagram-worthy environments with neon lights

  • Retro arcade games

• A nostalgic and fun way to wrap up the conference's social events

• RSVP here

These events not only provide a chance to unwind after busy conference days but also create invaluable opportunities to connect with fellow podcasters and industry professionals in a more relaxed setting. Remember to pace yourself and stay hydrated – you'll want to be fresh for the next day's sessions!

Talks at Podcast Movement

Podcast Movement talks are packed with tactics. Want to get the most out of them?

Leave your laptop in your room. It’s way too easy to get distracted during a talk by Slack, your email, and other work that needs to be done. Bring a pen and paper, or write notes on your iPhone.

You don’t need to take photos of each slide. Most speakers make their slides available afterward, and the talks are recorded.

Enjoying a talk? Let the speaker know! Quote a notable line on Twitter (use the #pm24 hashtag), or tell them afterward.

Giving a talk?

Here are some tips for speaking at the conference:

• Practice. Practicing your talk (out loud) trumps everything else when it comes to being prepared.

• Practice your talk in front of an audience. Give your talk to your family and friends or at a meetup.

• Watch past talks. You can find them here on YouTube. Observe what works and what doesn’t. Remember, you don’t have much time, so you need to be succinct and focus on a few key points.

Frequently asked questions

How good is Podcast Movement?

How should I handle a hotel, a taxi, and the airport?

If you want to be close to the action, you can book a room at Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, MD. Otherwise, there are several hotels nearby.

The closest airport to Gaylord National is Reagan National Airport (DCA). A taxi journey for two people from Reagan National Airport to Gaylord National typically takes around 30 minutes and starts at approximately $30, excluding tip, for each direction.

What are the best coffee, restaurants, and bars close to Podcast Movement in Washington DC?

Coffee:

• Coming soon

Breakfast:

• Coming soon

Bars, beer, cocktails:

• Coming soon

What's the dress code at Podcast Movement?

You'll see a lot of folks in jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and button-up shirts.

Other advice

• Check your passport well before you leave. Is it up to date? Does it need to be renewed?

• Don't spend too much time in your hotel room. You’ll need some rest, but if you hide in your room the whole time, you’ll miss out. Podcast Movement is about building relationships. If you go to any hotel restaurant, you can usually find other attendees.

• Add the conference app to your phone. The conference app is the main communication channel. It’s where a lot of the planning for social get-togethers happens.

• Don’t drink too much alcohol. There’s nothing wrong with having a few drinks with other attendees. But being hungover is the worst! Take it slow.

I hope this is helpful!

Cheers,
Justin Jackson
Co-founder of Transistor.fm