Head-to-head comparison
International Women's Podcast Awards vs Podfest Expo
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
Longest-running annual in-person podcasting conference, held each January in Orlando.
Best for: Indie podcaster conference
At a glance
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
Podfest Expo
Pros
- Indie and beginner friendly
- Lower pass cost than competitors
- 12 years of continuous programming
Watch-outs
- Less industry deal-making than Podcast Movement
- Orlando travel not ideal for everyone
- Brand sponsorship leans podcasting-vendor
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 Podfest Expo if
You’re building around indie podcaster conference. Friendlier and more accessible than Podcast Movement, with a strong indie creator base and lower price point. The 2026 edition ran January 15-18 at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld — its 12th annual event and the longest-running annual in-person podcasting conference in the world.
Also worth comparing
Or see all International Women's Podcast Awards alternatives.
Frequently asked
What does International Women's Podcast Awards do better than Podfest Expo?
International Women's Podcast Awards's standout is "Strong international scope". Podfest Expo doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Indie and beginner friendly" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick International Women's Podcast Awards; if the second does, pick Podfest Expo.
What are the trade-offs?
International Women's Podcast Awards: less industry visibility than the ambies. Podfest Expo: less industry deal-making 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 Podfest Expo 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 Podfest Expo for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.