Head-to-head comparison
Podfest Expo vs Transom
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.
Longest-running annual in-person podcasting conference, held each January in Orlando.
Best for: Indie podcaster conference
Long-running public-radio storytelling resource: articles, tools, workshops, and showcase.
Best for: Audio storytelling craft
At a glance
The honest trade-offs
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
Transom
Pros
- Peabody-winning resource since 2001
- Free article archive and tools
- Public radio production lens
Watch-outs
- Site design is dated
- Strong narrative-podcast slant
- Workshops are competitive to get into
Which one should you pick?
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.
Pick Transom if
You’re building around audio storytelling craft. Where serious audio storytellers learn craft. Launched in 2001 by Atlantic Public Media and recipient of the first Peabody Award given to a website (2003).
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Frequently asked
What does Podfest Expo do better than Transom?
Podfest Expo's standout is "Indie and beginner friendly". Transom doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Peabody-winning resource since 2001" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Podfest Expo; if the second does, pick Transom.
What are the trade-offs?
Podfest Expo: less industry deal-making than podcast movement. Transom: site design is dated. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.
Can I use Podfest Expo and Transom together?
Both are resources tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using Podfest Expo for one show or episode type and Transom for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.