Podcast Movement 2024 tips and guide

Transistor Team

6 min

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.

Based on my past experience, it's better to arrive early then try to stay longer after the conference. If you want to add a vacation to the trip, add it before the conference instead of adding it after.

Benedikt Deicke (via Slow & Steady)

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

Many folks leave on the last day of the conference (August 22), making it a slower day overall.

How to get the most out of the conference

The biggest benefit at most conferences will be meeting and networking with other attendees outside the main talks.

This might mean grabbing a coffee with another attendee, joining a table for breakfast, or hanging out in the lobby outside the conference room. From what I've heard other attendees say, 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 awesome stories to tell.

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 reception in your room during the evenings. Buy some drinks, and give out personal invitations (be sure to invite a wide variety of people!)

Joining others for a meal or coffee can be a great opportunity to meet new people. (See below for good options around the hotel).

Be vulnerable. If you’re struggling with something, share it with others! It’s likely other people have been where you are now. Be open and honest; no need to fake it.

The talks

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 #pm23 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?

You'll never find a better opportunity to network with others in the industry. Take full advantage of it.

Joe Stone

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, t-shirts, and button-up shirts. You'll also see some folks who are in shorts!

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

(If you want to start a podcast, we'd love to help you!)