Podcast Conference Roundup: Latest Trends & Events – PCI 435

Hey, everyone. Welcome to Podcast Insider. And boy, oh, boy. We've got a a whole gang here today to, to talk to you. And, of course, I'm Todd, the founder of the company. And I guess we'll just go around the table real quick before we get into what we're gonna chitchat about. I'm Mackenzie Bennett. I'm the marketing specialist on the Blueberry team. I'm Mike Del, the VP of customer relations here. Yeah. I'm Dave Clements, and I am a sales and support agent

for the team. Alright. I am Kathy Buton, and I am the communication specialist for Blueberry. Yes. Greetings, everyone. I am Aaron, and I am the designer at Blueberry. You're listening to Podcast Insider hosted by Mike Dell, Todd Cochran, and Mackenzie Bennett from the Blueberry team, bringing you weekly insights, advice, and insider tips and tricks to help you start, grow, and thrive through podcasting, all with the support of your team here at Blueberry Podcasting.

Welcome. Let's dive in. Well, one thing's for sure is we're, like, on a party line today, so this should be fun. You know,

podcast season is here. And I guess the question oftentimes content creators ask is, are these events really worth the investment, and can you get some value, by going to them? And, of course, in this episode, Kathy and Aaron are gonna recap, what just happened at Travelcon that they just were at. And, of course, Mike and Mackenzie are getting ready to go to podcast movement Evolutions. And then I'm going to podcast Asia here in a couple of weeks, and we have the podcast show in London.

So a lot to, a lot to go over, but I guess, you know, Kathy and, Aaron, you guys just got back from from TravelCon, and you did run into some podcasters, but there wasn't a big number of them. Right? Right. I mean, there were quite a few, but most of the people we talked to were interested in podcasting, and had been told they should be podcasters, but didn't know that much about it. So we were quite busy talking to those folks.

Yeah. When we were there, we did meet some of the podcasters, but, you know, it was TravelCon. So there were, like, a lot of content creators. So these were people who have some form of content out there, whether it be video, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or, like, they already have, like, a website. They already have, like, a following of some sort. So when we brought podcasting to them,

they were very interested. Some of them have already had the demand from their audiences for longer form content and things like that. But since we were there, they were like, great. I have all the questions. Where do I even start? Things like that. So it was very nice to sit down with people

who were excited about podcasting and were excited about getting into that field. The bid to pod feature was very popular because a lot of these people had YouTube channels. And, you know, with bid to pod, they can just convert their, YouTube videos into an audio podcast automatically. And so we had a lot of interest in that. I think it all worked out in our favor. We try to go to, at least one event every year that is not podcast specific. That is more just, you know, these people

have potential to become podcasters. And in that same sense, we highly encourage podcasters themselves to go to the conference of their niche. So these people were already going because they are travel content creators, and we are a content creation company. So, you know, we we've talked about maybe going to, like, Comic Con. Todd, you've gone to Dragon Con many times

and talked about podcasting there. So whenever, like, you're looking up podcasting conferences, make sure to look up conferences in your own topic as well and go to go to those. You know, these events that we go to, of course, the one that's upcoming, podcast movement evolutions, that's gonna be, you know, largely, it's a podcaster event. So the folks are gonna be going as podcasters. But they had originally touted this event as an industry event, and the other event is more of a general creator

event. But in the end, way it's kinda worked out is the events have kind of evolved into, you know, kind of both at the same time, creator and industry events. So you guys are getting ready to head out to Chicago for for evolutions and, you know, kinda what's your expectation for that event and what you're seeing so far?

Oh, like like normal. You know, there's plenty of creators that show up to that even though it's supposed to be an industry one. And, you know, so we'll get, you know, a lot of the industry scuttle, but, you know, we get to know what other companies are doing. And and, you know, we talk to a lot of the the people that, work at or run these companies. So that that very, useful, but, you know, it's not so much, you know, podcaster event. It's podcast industry,

again. But, Mackenzie, you you haven't been to Evolutions in a couple years. So what are you thinking it's gonna be like? Yeah. So this one is is definitely different in the sense that, like, the the creators that do show up to Evolutions are generally based wherever the show is. You know, whenever I was in Los Angeles A Couple Years ago for it, it was basically all people in California. So I assume there will be a lot

of Chicago Midwest Creators at this one. But, they, yeah, they they somewhat differentiate it, I think, less now than than before. But they specifically have, a couple different stages and, like, tracks that they that they do. So there's, like, an industry and pro track. There's brand success. There's just, like, learning about, how to profit

and grow. So those are those are definitely, you know, like, the the mindset that people are in of, like, how do I kinda make this my business, instead of just, like, I wanna start this up my hobby. So I think that's that's generally what we see more often. Yeah. And some of the keynotes and sessions are are worth going to, you know, especially the keynotes because, you know, you get kind of a high level view of what's going on in the industry. You know, whether

whether right or wrong, we hear what people are thinking, and that's that's very useful. Absolutely. You know, I think too, one of the thing about going to these events is the networking happens. You know, they've got the sessions that you can go to. You can learn, you know, a lot of stuff by going to sessions, but having those conversations in the hallway with fellow podcasters is probably, you know, the best part of any event like this.

I know a lot of people go to these events and they never go to a session. They just talk to people in the hallway. I don't know if I would do that. Or in the bar. Or the bar. Yeah. Definitely. You know, when you guys were at Travelcon, did, did you see a lot of networking going on in the hallway? Or Oh, yeah. Absolutely. Well and they had a section set aside just for that, and, they would have breakouts, and and it was nice. It was like standing tables, and people would huddle around and

talk. And then in the, on the first night, so it was Friday night, there was an after party and there was a lot of in a mariachi band. That was pretty cool. But there was a lot of networking. Yeah. This was a great event for networking, and everybody was the energy was fantastic. And, yeah, it was just very special. Yeah. And it was nice because where we where our booth was was right in front of those meetups. So we are, like, we were literally seeing people, like, come together, talk

about stuff. They even had, like because there's so many different niches just under travel, there would be, like, one for couples travel, one for solo travel, one for budget travel. And then, like, at least my the most exciting one for us was there was a a podcaster meet up, and that's where, like, we got to see, like, kind of all the podcasters that were there. And it's like, oh my god. There's a bunch there. It's crazy. That was probably, like, the most exciting one.

But even out of those meetups, like, people because we would talk to this guy named Sam, and he was from Canada and he came down to travel. And he was like, yeah. I have a show. I haven't really been putting anything on it because he just had a baby. So he's like, his last couple of months have been baby chaos. And so he, like, was, like, this is my first time coming back into it. And he's like, I've met people for the first time who I've talked to who I haven't talked to in a couple

in, like, in months. And, like, he just felt so reconnected back into the the the field and, like, seeing people that he knew. So it is just, like, I know, like, you know, we talk, like, even right now, we're digitally, like, all talking together, but there is something about that face to face value and just having that, like, face to face, like, physical connection. So I know, like Yeah. We all are distanced, but conferences really give you a chance to talk to people you've

been talking to online for years. So that's, like, a great time to go because it's like, oh, are you going? Are you going? Are you going? Great. People from all over the world in the same room finally get

to talk to each other. And like you said, Todd, like, you know, have those side conversations, have those tidbits, have those little insights, that only they know about or, like, just those very specific problems, because probably one of the other people have dealt with one of those problems and have

found that solution to it. Dave, you you and I were in Podfest, a couple of months ago, and you you really got to kinda experience that first, you know, first time for, you know, connecting with people you've been talking to on the phone or chatting with via email, you know, from your perspective having it for a first time attendee to an event, you know, what what was it for you, you know, because I think this is important for people that are have never attended an

event maybe to get your perspective.

Yeah. Yeah. Beforehand, I I was I was overwhelmed because I haven't gone to a ton of conferences in general. And then to go and be representing the company, that that was nerve wracking. But I think the biggest thing that, once things got started, once we got the booth set up, being able to interact with actual Blueberry customers that I've answered tickets for, talked to on the phone, to put a face to a name and be like, oh,

yeah. We'd you did have that goofy little issue in PowerPress a couple weeks ago and or yesterday when I was in between plane flights or something like that. Kinda goes back to Erin's point of just, like, there's that connection so that it for for me in my role, it just kind of reestablishes this is why I do what I do. This is why we as a company do what we do, because there are some really great people out there that, have a lot of really good information that they wanna share.

And it's just really nice to reinforce, that, you know, we're helping them get that content out there. So, yeah, like, we're you know, Todd and I are going to to podcast show in London, in May. And I'm excited for that because, again, it's just that reestablishing connections, meeting new people, and just seeing how my work affects what they're doing. It's Sometimes these events seem like a almost like a family reunion.

Whether you've ever met these people or not in person, you know, we deal with them all the time. Yeah. And I I saw that a lot, you know, being with with Todd at Podfest. You know, I mean, Todd's a popular guy. I don't know if everybody knows that, but he's a popular guy. So just people come in. Oh, Todd. Hey. Haven't seen you in two, three years or, you know, we just talked last week or

or something like that. And so I'm excited to be able to go to more of these and and really develop those kind of connections and have have some deeper conversations with people.

And I think too if, you know, if someone's considering going to a podcasting event or any trade show, really, the the the value of meeting folks and making relationships is at least 50% of value of going to an event. Now I think the biggest mistake, an attendee can make is is being really, really super shy. Mhmm. If if you're super, super, super shy and don't wanna talk to any folks, you're gonna kinda lose out a little bit on the value of the event. You're still gonna get a lot of, a lot of,

a value out of it. But I would say if that is your personality, you know, just make it a goal. Let me talk to 15 people each day, you know, and and you say, hi, my name, my show, what do you do, and make an effort because, the perspectives that you're gonna get you're gonna find that the challenges that you're having is gonna be the same exact challenges that other people are having and you'd be able to share notes and strategies. And,

so the networking piece is important. And, of course, you know, like Mike said earlier, sometimes the conversations happen to bars and, you know, people get a few drinks in them and they're you know, they they kind of let their guard down a little bit and and have a good discussion. So, I used to well, I still call it holding court when we would hang out in the bar and just, you know, people would

walk up and talk to you. But I think at the same time, one thing you said, Dave, here is sometimes, I've had people tell me later, I was afraid to come up and say hello. Yeah. And I I'm well, we're all kind of creators here, to an extent, and we all really put our pants on the same way. So, don't be afraid if you see someone that you've, you know, that you'd like to talk to, but you're afraid to talk to. I feel most of these events, everyone is very approachable,

and that's what we're there for. So, you know, if you if you see your your favorite podcaster or favorite you're you're you know, if you're a fan of somebody's show, you know, make sure you go up and say, hey. I'm a I'm a fan. I've been listening or I like what you do. It it really, really goes a long way, especially for and if you're a new attendee. And, like Mike said, once you go to an event a couple of times, then it is. It's kinda like a family reunion.

Yeah. And even, you know, even someone that you would consider famous, air quotes, they wouldn't come to these conferences if they didn't wanna talk to you. So don't be afraid. Right. Yeah. Yeah. Good point. I had that issue with with Dave Jackson, and I mentioned it, in our Podfest, episode where I was just like, I can't talk to Dave. He's he's like an idol in my book. And then, you know, a couple hours later, we're standing out there just, you know, shooting the breeze about just random

stuff. And I was like, oh, yeah. He is a real person. Very cool. So yeah. Don't don't be afraid to talk to people. Now sometimes you you may have to wait in line, but yeah. Right. Go ahead, Mackenzie. I just wanna reiterate or even let people know that the majority of the time these conferences nowadays will record the sessions. So if you're worried about, you know, I paid this ticket, and now I'm not learning anything, and I'm just spending my time, like, out in the hallway talking to people or

something like that. You're gonna get recordings of all of those sessions at at least the majority of these events. Mhmm. So so if you kinda just, you know, like, have your day planned out and you're like, okay. I wanna go to this at this time and go to the go to the Expo Hall at this time, blah blah blah blah. Like, don't be afraid to change your, change your plans or whoever it is that you run into,

whatever that good conversation is. Yeah. Because, like, you can get so isolated doing a podcast, because you are able to just do it from home. You can do it alone. Like, you don't have to do this with literally anyone so that when you actually are at these events, yeah, really take take advantage of of the people in your proximity and and make that community or, you know, be excited to meet the community that you already have online in person, actually. And a lot of lot of podcasters are

introverts, believe it or not. So, you know Yes. They are. Going to a conference, turn it on. You can you can do it for a week. You'll be exhausted, but Oh, yeah. You could do it. In in a good way. Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. That's how I feel every time. It's like drinking from the fire hose. At Podfest Asia that I'm getting ready to attend, the crowd last year was so, oh, they didn't wanna talk to anybody. You

know? They were they were all about staying in, and we really had to kinda because the first event for Asia, we had to kinda really, like, draw them in and ask questions. And so I'm hoping this year at Podfest Asia that people are a little more comfortable and willing to ask questions and not be shy. And, you know, we're we're there to share as much knowledge as we can, and it's really a full day. It's a big it's a one day event.

And, last year after that event, I think I was more tired from that one day event than standing in a booth for three days. But it it was, it was very exciting because it reminded me of the old days, and they're having the same issues that we've had in years past. And luckily, we've lived through all that and able to share, you know, solutions and ideas.

So this is kinda what I'm looking for, in Podfest Asia is definitely, seeing how that that crowd that is gonna definitely repeat and then grow, how it has matured for a second year. And I and at the same time, the event was a little bit different in that, boy, there was just a ton of VAs that are working with podcasters in The United States that were there or Australia. The actual podcasters themselves were not as numerous.

So it was a lot of editors and, people that are doing booking and these types of things. So it's it's, it'll be interesting how the event grows, this year from that standpoint. And, again, it's just a one day event and, but they had some some huge heavy hitters that that made it to the event. So we'll see how it goes. So you're going to Podfest Asia in a little bit. You and Dave are going to London later. Last year, you and Kathy went to London, and you you did a podcast event,

in Riyadh A Couple Years ago. So can you tell us, like, how you see or, like, if there's any differences between the events that happen in The US compared to, you know, anywhere else or just kinda like the expansion of conferences of podcast conferences worldwide? Well, you know, Riyadh was just a huge eye opener for me and it was basically the changing politics in Saudi Arabia.

There was as many women at the conferences as there were men and I think the women were more passionate about creating content than even the guys were. And I'm just I wish I could speak Arabic because I I wanted to listen to all these stories that were coming out of a country that has largely not had a lot of rights for people to create content on their own. And there was a interesting fact, and I may get this wrong, but, like, 65 or 70% of the population in Saudi Arabia is made up of people 35.

So the kingdom has had to make had to make has had to make changes in order to, how should we say it, quell the populace and allow them to have more freedoms. And, of course, women there can drive now and own businesses, and it was quite the eye opening trip for me. But here you had these people just absolutely hungry to create content and tell their story.

And then you had Asia where it was more like an emerging market and, you know, there was a little bit of knowledge, but in the end, the the business of podcasting is about the same as it is in United States where London, and maybe Kathy can weigh in, there's definitely, a lot of professionals, radio specifically doing podcasting. It's more seems more organized.

It doesn't feel as indie in London, although there was a lot of people that came through to talk to us that were thinking about doing a podcast. Mhmm. It definitely had a little bit different vibe, but I think that in the end, the rules still apply. Everyone's got the ability now to pull up a microphone and be heard and tell their story. I don't know, Cassie, from you being in London, what was your perspective on the attendees?

Well, like you said, they were all very professional and a lot of them had established shows and, yeah, they've the way they approached us was very professional and, there and yet still laid back. So London is a lot more laid back than The US is. And so they're very down to earth and, they just take things a little easier than we do. And, yeah, it was it was a it was a different, kind of audience, but it was very, very

productive and very interesting. Those the people who came were very interesting and interested in us, and so that was great. Yeah. And because a lot of people didn't know who we were. They just, you know, it's they have several podcast companies that are popular in The UK and the surrounding region. So for us being there, like, what do you guys do? Who are you? And they never really heard of us. So that was for me was kind of an eye opener to show, yeah, here in The United States, you know,

we go to event. We're well known. You know, as compared to even being in Asia where almost everyone, because of the economic situation, are using some of the free hosts out there, and then you start talking about the advantages of being on a paid host, and it really opens people's eyes. So, again, regionally, things are you know, it's a little bit different, but in the end, it's all about creators wanting to be successful.

I noticed the last few conferences I've been to, we're getting that question a little more in The US as well. You know? What do you guys do? You know? And and there's just always people coming into the industry and people leaving the industry. So, why we have to go to these things to wave the flag. I think You know, last year in London too, we had just released blueberry pie, our AI, and, the participants there were just fascinated by that.

They had you know, nobody else had done that and they were just really interested in it. And so that was a big selling point for us there. Yeah. And I'm actually gonna be speaking about, pie, about AI specifically here in Asia. And I think it'll resonate well, based upon what we've really learned about using all these tools over the past year and how it can improve,

the overall product. You know, still, what we put on the microphone or what we put record digitally is one thing, but then what we present in metadata, AI has just made such a huge difference even for my show. And, you know, I I kinda laugh because I've always said, you know, you need great rich show notes, but yet I'd write a paragraph. You know, didn't drink my own Kool Aid. And now I have, you know, rich show notes beyond

beyond measure. And, so it's gonna be fun kinda sharing those, these lessons learned that we've learned over the past years. But, you know, I I think the question I would ask each of you and are these conferences do you think it's worth it for a podcaster to go to considering the cost and time? I think you need to try it.

Choose the one most affordable and convenient for you. The one that you think, you know, you can get the most value out of but also actually pay for, and and go to that one and see how it goes. But, also, there are virtual ones. You know? They're they're definitely, less now that we're doing everything in person nowadays, but they do still happen.

And and they still have a price tag attached to them, but, really, that one is is you know, it just depends on on the conference and how well they do that virtually, but there's still something that you can get out of it. It's it's kind of that mindset thing of you're like, if I'm gonna be here, I'm gonna be here. I'm not just gonna, like, be here in attendance only and not actually actively trying to reach your own goals. Yeah. You get you get out of it what you kinda put into it too. You

know? Again, just make sure you're, you know, it's something that's within your budget. Make sure, you know, that that, you know, that's all good. And then just go there and try to learn stuff, meet people. It it definitely can be worth it. You know, now some some events are pricing themselves out of the market for the for the indie podcaster. But, you know, just make sure that if you're gonna do this, make sure you can afford it, and, and you will get out of it what you put into it.

I've been doing podcast for almost thirteen years now. And having just gone to Podfest, I I think I told Todd, and I was definitely telling my wife. I was like, man. Like, this got me excited to make podcasts again. And I wasn't there as a podcaster. I was there representing Blueberry. But I came home and I was like, I need to record something just because I was talking to people, you know, other podcasters. Their their passion

reignited my passion. So I think that that's also a benefit that, you know, I don't I don't know that you can really put a price on it, but, you know, building off of everybody else's input, you know, go to what you can afford. Go digitally if you need to. But I think in person is really where it could be at. I know it will be for me. So I I'm gonna be looking for stuff that's a little closer to me that I can afford, even if I'm not going there to represent the company.

And on that note, Dave, like, these, conferences, they're never in the same city every year. Like, they travel. They go East Coast. They go West Coast. So even if you find one that is far away, it's, like, always check later that year for another one because it might be closer and then maybe next year it might be closer. So it definitely is, like, something to go look at the different conferences and see where

they're gonna be that year. And then if there's not one near you, maybe follow them because they'll announce where they're gonna be next year. And if that's closer to you, then maybe you can go to that one. Right? You know, one thing I'll say and is if you if you attend and, have a have a bit of a preplan. Understand what if if you have a burning question that's been driving you crazy and you haven't talked to us during a one on one, which you can do if

you can get that burning question answered. But, definitely know what your goal is before you arrive. And when you attend sessions, I this is the biggest piece of advice I can give you. You're gonna be drinking from the fire hose, and there is going to be probably per session ten, fifteen, 20 takeaways. But I would say, you know, have note note paper and pen or your laptop or however you wanna take notes and try to have at least one major takeaway from a panel.

You know, focus on the one thing that really kinda struck you that made you wanna go, oh, wow. I'm gonna do that when I get home, because there will always be at least one thing that you'll get out of the panel, that you've that you wanted to attend. And, again, sometimes you're gonna get twenty, thirty, forty, and then you get home, you're like, you know, I've where do I start? So, you know, try to pick that one thing,

from the panel. Also, bring some sort of contact tool, whether it be a business card, whether it be a QR code, whether it be a way to to scan to get your contact information. I'm still a big believer in business cards. I bring those home. I, and we we you know, as a vendor, we can scan your badge and we get your contact information. But in the hallway, I'm not scanning your badge. I'm getting your card or, you know, you maybe you've got something for your show, maybe a sticker or something.

But have a way to be able to connect and be able to make sure that when you get home, you're like, I was talking to that guy, and what was his name? And if you have their card, you can go, oh, yeah. That was John, and I need to reach out to John. Because I do the same thing. I talk to 20 people in an evening, and I'm like, oh, who is that person? And if I have some sort of contact information, at least then I can reach out later. And I I I think it's,

that is probably the most important piece. And you may think, business cards are old school, but they are really effective because what you can do is you can take someone's business card, flip it over, and write a note on the back. Yeah. John's got a, you know, he's got a travel show, and he's been doing it for five years, and he has this idea. Maybe there's a networking opportunity. You can write on the back of it, and then when you get home, you've got that kind of as a reminder.

Is there any other, you know, Mike and and Mackenzie, what what others advice do you get for maximizing your your conference experience? Once the expo hall is over, and we get to whatever party there is or the bar or whatever, I just go and talk to people as a person. I I don't bring up that I work for Blueberry immediately. I don't ask them about their podcast. I'm just like, hey. What's up? I just talked to him as a person. Like, I'm in a bar at home on a Wednesday night.

Because I think at that point, like, people are kinda getting to the point where they're like, I can't talk about this anymore or including myself. But, also, it's just easier to, you know, kinda go up to anyone instead of being like, hi. Can we do speed dating about podcasting right now? Like, it's just I I you know, I we've already we've been here for twelve hours already. What's up? Like, that's what I wanna know. Spend all spend all day giving elevator pitches and, you

know, you're kinda over it. That's exactly what I mean. Anybody else have any takeaways about maximizing your conference experience? Well, I would just say that, you know, no matter what conference that you go to, it is going to expand your horizons. You're going to, you know, probably be blown away by the diversity of, you know, different kind of podcasts.

I mean, we just came from travel con and we did not know before then that there are adventure travel podcasts, sustainable travel, culinary food, points and miles, you know, podcasts. So, yeah, it's gonna expand your mind and it's gonna make room for really outstanding collaborations if, you're open to that. Yeah. I would agree with Kathy because it's like we didn't need people who were I wanna do a podcast about this, but I

don't know if anyone's gonna wanna listen. And I'm like, we've already talked to three people who that's their podcast. So it's like it's like people are already listening to that type type of content. And then, like, my my advice would be

bringing some type of folder or some type of bag because while this is a very digital age, people are gonna give you paper, and you need to be able to put that paper somewhere. And some people, they would just have to just, like, carrying around, like, a stack of paper or, like, folding up and, like, putting them in, like, a tiny tote bag. And it's, like, you you're gonna

have some kind of materials from this. And like you said, like, if you have business cards and just being able to shove all that into one reciprocal and then going home or going back to your hotel and, like, laying it out and be like, okay. What do I want? What do I need? What do I say? Just because, like Todd said, like, you're talking to a bunch of people. You're going to a bunch of different, conversations, a bunch of different sessions. There's always

gonna be a bunch of different booths. Like, it's gonna be hard for you to remember. You know, it's just so much cognitive overload that's gonna happen at first that it's like, okay. Once you're back at your hotel room, you'd be like, okay. I got this card from this person. I got this flyer from this spoof. Like, this is useful. Like,

this one's not. Like and so, like, taking so, like, making sure you have some kind of receptacle to carry all that stuff in is definitely gonna help you from, you know, keeping it and not, like, leaving it somewhere, later throughout the day. Sometimes I take a selfie with the person or their booth because I'm horrible. I'm really horrible about putting faces to names later. So for me, if I have their card and I have a selfie, I just oh,

yeah. I remember. And then it helps me with that, you know, that reconnect. So that's what I often do myself is take a selfie or or take a picture of their booth before I leave so I can remember more on but if you're one of these people who have a photographic memory and you can remember every person you talk to, you know, Bless you because that is not me. You know, and I it's it's like people I've talked to for years, sometimes I have to look at their badge. Oh, yeah. That's Tony.

It's it's horrible, but, you know, some people are better at it than others. So, don't be afraid to look at their badge if you don't remember their name or want to know their name. That's the good thing about conferences as well. Everyone's got a badge with their name on it. I'll give one last piece of advice for that is, bring liquid IV, comfortable shoes, and, maybe a granola bar. I've been to, like, 70 plus podcast conferences and, you know, a couple dozen music festivals that

will keep you alive. I promise you. Especially gonna say the exact same thing. It'll happen now. Yeah. We we we all wear tennis shoes at these events, just because your feet are gonna hurt by the end of the day. You've been standing on a very thin carpet with a concrete floor underneath you and, you know, you you sit down in your room and your feet go. So, yeah, comfortable shoes is good. So let's talk about some takeaways here.

I've always thought that going to a trade show is a great way to build your business. It can be a real game changer for you because you're gonna make connections. You may have business opportunities

that come to light. Maybe there's a network option. You just never know what's gonna come out of an event. Oftentimes, someone will come up to me and they'll start talking and I'll be like, okay. Say that again because I wanna really pay attention to what they're saying. And then all of a sudden, like, oh my god. We'd have to have a call after the show. And so you just never know what's gonna happen to grow your business. Also a tax write off. You can pay

for this with your business. That's true. If you're trying to figure out how to afford it, that is how. Yeah. That'll make your partner happy, especially if you're you're doing this as a hobby or you're just getting started and you're not making a lot of money. Yes. It is a it is a nice tax write off and a completely legal one for sure. Airfare, hotel, food, the whole nine yards. Of course, check with your tax accountant. But, again, you can virtually write everything off from door to door.

Any other takeaways? No. I'm just soaking it all up like a sponge so I'm ready when London comes around. Okay. What else do we have this year? We have Podcast Movement, the big one in Dallas in August. Mhmm. And I think we're kinda undecided for the for the rest of the year. Yeah. There might be one in Vegas at the end of the year, but we're Mhmm. We're determining. So Yeah. But is our conference that any of you that are listening go to that you think we should go?

Is there something in your genre of content? Because that's what I did when I started doing my show. I went to I well, this is the first year I didn't go in many years, but I go to the CES show as a tech maven. You go there and soak up all the tech gear for a for techie. Is there a trade show that you go to that you think we should go to to represent podcasting and share the, I guess, the gospel of podcasting? Kind of a weird way to say it, but, you know, this is essentially what we do.

No. A lot of these conferences are, you know, whatever genre, there's always gonna be some sort of content creators. So, definitely, if you go, let us know. We might go. Yeah. I would say, BinCon is coming up in September, and I don't know that we'll be able to go to that. But that's a nice business niche for business podcasters, who are looking to expand their shows or, knowledge on it. So Bin Khan for a first time attendee, drink lots of water, be prepared, that would be one that you will not

get much sleep from. It's a it's a massive conference, and they keep you very, very busy the entire time for sure. But are you attending a podcast conference this year? Which one are you most excited about? Let us know. And, of course, we we will feature your thoughts in a future episode if you let us know. It's very easy to do so. Contact information is in the show notes and in the outro. Any other thoughts from the team here? Looking forward to seeing people in Chicago. Have fun.

Yeah. And if you're coming to London, make sure you stop by the booth. We're gonna have some very, very cool giveaways. Stop by and say hello to Dave and I, and tell us where we should go to eat. Yes. Food is important. That's all I've been looking at. Are we going to a podcast conference, or are we just going to London to eat? Because that's what my search history shows. Well, I tell you, I Hey. You know

what? One more practical thing. If you're, if you're running a booth at a at a conference, probably doesn't apply to very many people, when you can get lunch, get lunch. Get lunch. Otherwise, you'll starve. Yeah. That's exactly the truth. Eat a big breakfast. Speaking speaking of food, it was so funny. We had, like, someone, like, just run over to our boob and was like, I'm sorry. Could I get one of your stickers? My son loves blueberries.

Yeah. Because I took, like, one of our holographic logos because he was like, he just love blueberries. He's gonna love this. So definitely having some fun since we're going back to the booth thing, having some fun stickers, having something, that people can easily, like, take away as, like, a almost like a souvenir, it would also be, like, you know, a great way to be memorable by that person. Yeah. The pens were a hit. The pens were a hit.

The swag is always good, so go swag hunting when you go to events for sure. Well, from Mike, Kathy, Mackenzie, Aaron, and Dave, thank you all for listening to Podcast Insider, and, we look forward to seeing you at an upcoming podcasting event or hearing where you went and what you learned. So thank you so much for, hanging out with us. Thanks, everyone. Thanks, Al. Yeah. Thanks. Thank you. Thanks for joining us. Come back next week.

And in the meantime, head to podcastinsider.com for more information. To subscribe, share, and read our show notes, check out the latest suite of services and learn how Blueberry can help you leverage your podcast, visit blueberry.com. That's Blueberry without the e's because we can't afford the e's.