Head-to-head comparison
Podcast Movement 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.
Largest in-person podcasting conference, returning in New York City in September 2026.
Best for: Industry conference
Longest-running annual in-person podcasting conference, held each January in Orlando.
Best for: Indie podcaster conference
At a glance
The honest trade-offs
Podcast Movement
Pros
- Largest podcast industry event in North America
- Strong networking density
- Active sponsor and exhibit floor
Watch-outs
- Conference passes are pricey
- Big-room sessions can feel surface
- NYC travel and hotel costs hurt
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 Podcast Movement if
You’re building around industry conference. The largest podcasting conference in North America for over a decade. The 2026 flagship moves to New York City — Terminal 5 in Manhattan, September 14-18 — a first-time NYC edition timed with the IAB Upfront.
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
Frequently asked
What does Podcast Movement do better than Podfest Expo?
Podcast Movement's standout is "Largest podcast industry event in North America". Podfest Expo doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Indie and beginner friendly" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Podcast Movement; if the second does, pick Podfest Expo.
What are the trade-offs?
Podcast Movement: conference passes are pricey. 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 Podcast Movement and Podfest Expo together?
Both are resources tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using Podcast Movement for one show or episode type and Podfest Expo for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.