Head-to-head comparison

International Women's Podcast Awards vs On Air Fest

Two of the resources tools podcasters reach for. Here's how they differ on pricing, features, audience, and the trade-offs that actually matter day-to-day.

Awards championing women's work in podcasting, behind and in front of the mic.

Best for: Women in audio awards

Brooklyn audio festival mixing live tapings, performances, and industry conversations.

Best for: Creative craft festival

At a glance

Field
International Women's Podcast Awards
On Air Fest
Best for
Women in audio awards
Creative craft festival
Price tier
Platforms
Web
Web
Audience
Solo creatorsSmall teamsAgencies
Solo creatorsSmall teamsAgencies

The honest trade-offs

International Women's Podcast Awards

Pros

  • Strong international scope
  • Recognizes off-mic roles like editing and writing
  • Scholarship program for entry fees

Watch-outs

  • Less industry visibility than the Ambies
  • Newer than other major awards
  • Toronto travel for the ceremony

On Air Fest

Pros

  • Strong creative programming and live tapings
  • Three walkable Brooklyn venues
  • Ambies awards now embedded in the weekend

Watch-outs

  • Smaller than Podcast Movement
  • Mostly NYC-centric attendees
  • Public passes sell out quickly

Which one should you pick?

Pick International Women's Podcast Awards if

You’re building around women in audio awards. The IWPA, now co-presented by Tink Media and Everybody Media, recognizes women hosts, producers, editors, and writers. The 2026 ceremony moves to Toronto — the first edition outside the UK since launching in 2021.

Pick On Air Fest if

You’re building around creative craft festival. Called the "Coachella of Podcasts" by Fast Company. Leans creative and editorial rather than ad-tech and sales.

Also worth comparing

Or see all International Women's Podcast Awards alternatives.

Frequently asked

What does International Women's Podcast Awards do better than On Air Fest?

International Women's Podcast Awards's standout is "Strong international scope". On Air Fest doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Strong creative programming and live tapings" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick International Women's Podcast Awards; if the second does, pick On Air Fest.

What are the trade-offs?

International Women's Podcast Awards: less industry visibility than the ambies. On Air Fest: smaller than podcast movement. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.

Can I use International Women's Podcast Awards and On Air Fest together?

Both are resources tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using International Women's Podcast Awards for one show or episode type and On Air Fest for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.