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Podfest 2026 Opens with 2,000 Attendees and Podcast Hall of Fame Inductions

Podfest Expo kicks off its twelfth year with expanded events, new leadership, and record Hall of Fame attendance.

, and Staff Report

January 16, 2026 . 5:00 PM

2 min read

The Podfest Expo 2026 has begun in Orlando, Florida, marking the twelfth consecutive year of the in‑person podcasting conference. The event, expected to draw around 2,000 attendees, runs January 15–18 and features a full schedule of sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities for podcasters, creators, and industry professionals.

Nick Pavilidis is serving as the organisation’s CEO for this edition of Podfest. Under his leadership, Podfest has continued to grow its footprint in the podcasting community, including an expansion of the Podtours across North America. These local meetups aim to bring Podfest experiences to cities beyond Orlando, complementing the main conference and other regional initiatives.

A highlight of Podfest’s schedule is the Podcast Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, taking place at 7:00 p.m. EST tonight. This annual ceremony recognizes contributors to the podcasting medium and is being held as part of the Podfest Expo. The 2026 class will be inducted in front of what organisers describe as a record attendance for the ceremony.

Among the 2026 inductees is industry commentator and newsletter editor James Cridland, whose work has traced developments across the audio and podcasting landscape for decades. His induction reflects his ongoing contributions to the medium.

Podfest Expo continues to position itself as one of the longest‑running and most comprehensive in‑person gatherings in the podcasting sector, with an emphasis on education, community, and collaboration.