A major new podcasting conference is coming to Liverpool this November, bringing together content creators, industry experts and audio professionals from across the North of England and North Wales.
PodFest North, billed as “The North’s Podcast Conference”, will take place at The Liner Hotel in Liverpool on Friday 13 November 2026, with hundreds of delegates expected to attend.
The event aims to support both aspiring and established podcasters, offering practical advice, networking opportunities and industry insights to help creators grow their audiences and develop successful podcasts.
Organised by former BBC Radio Merseyside editor Mick Ord, who co-hosts the popular Misadventures in Music podcast alongside musician Ian Prowse, the conference is hoped to become an annual fixture in Liverpool’s creative calendar.
Mick said:
“We’re aiming to establish a thriving network of podcasters across the north of England and North Wales and the wider region by helping creators develop the skills, contacts and the commercial opportunities needed to grow successful podcasts.”
The organising team also includes Merseyside and Cheshire tourism leader Chris Brown, former BBC correspondent Nigel Thompson and BBC Radio 4 reporter and podcaster Stephanie Powers.
The launch comes as podcasting continues to experience significant growth across the UK, with more than 25 million people now listening to podcasts every month.
Industry research and Ofcom figures also show that weekly podcast consumption has doubled over the past decade, while the increasing popularity of video podcasts is changing how creators produce and share their content.
Unlike larger industry conferences, PodFest North will focus on the practical needs of independent podcasters and emerging creators looking to establish themselves in the growing digital audio sector.
The programme will feature expert speakers, interactive workshops, panel discussions and debates covering a range of important industry topics.
These will include artificial intelligence (AI), podcast monetisation, audience growth, video podcasting and the future of digital audio.
Business representatives will also explore opportunities for advertising, sponsorship and investment within the podcast industry.
Among the confirmed speakers are John Gibbons, founder of Liverpool-based podcast and media organisation The Anfield Wrap, Aradhna Tayal Leach of the Audio Academy and Bernard Achampong of Audio UK.
They will be joined by Richard Nelson and Sue Nelson, creators of an acclaimed podcast produced for the Royal Astronomical Society.
With Liverpool’s thriving creative and digital sectors, organisers hope the conference will help establish stronger connections between podcasters, businesses and audio professionals throughout the region.
PodFest North takes place at The Liner Hotel, Liverpool, on Friday 13 November 2026. Tickets cost £50 and are available now.
For tickets and further information, visit the website.
