A major conference designed to support aspiring and established podcasters from across the north of England is set to launch in Liverpool.
Podfest North will take place at The Liner Hotel on Friday 13 November 2026 and is expected to attract hundreds of delegates ranging from first timers to seasoned podcasters.
“We’re aiming to establish a thriving network of podcasters across the north of England, North Wales and the wider region by helping creators develop the skills, contacts and commercial opportunities needed to grow successful podcasts,” says Mick Ord, who co-presents the Misadventures in Music podcast with musician Ian Prowse.
The former BBC manager has brought together a team to plan what is hoped to become an annual event.
It includes the host, award-winning entrepreneur and broadcaster Ngunan Adamu, podcaster and journalist Nigel Thompson, Helen Cross, Creative Industries Lead from Liverpool City Region’s Combined Authority, former Merseyside and Cheshire tourism chief Chris Brown and BBC Radio 4 reporter and podcaster Stephanie Powers.
Podcasting Growth
The launch comes at a time when podcasting is experiencing unprecedented growth.
More than 25 million people in the UK now listen to podcasts every month, while weekly podcast consumption has doubled over the past decade, according to industry research and Ofcom figures.
The popularity of video podcasts is also reshaping the sector as audiences increasingly expect content to be available in both audio and visual formats.
Organisers say Podfest North will focus on the practical needs of independent and emerging creators with a strong emphasis on encouraging businesses to engage with podcasting as a powerful marketing and communications tool.
“There is a growing ecosystem of podcasters, producers and content creators across the North, but many lack opportunities to access specialist expertise, develop business contacts and learn from others in the sector,” says Podfest North host Ngunan Adamu.
“We aim to fill that gap by creating a diverse, grassroots event that is accessible, practical and focused on helping creators and businesses grow and thrive”.
The conference will include speakers, workshops, panel discussions and debates covering important topics such as AI, monetisation, audience growth, video and the future of podcasting.
Experts will also discuss opportunities for advertising and investment across industry from SMEs to large businesses, local authorities and charities.
Key Speakers and Workshops
Speakers include John Gibbons founder of the hugely successful The Anfield Wrap podcast, BBC audiences expert Adam Bowie, Richard Hollingham co-creator with his wife Sue of the acclaimed podcast “Space Boffins”, BBC Merseyside editor Ben Anderson and David Reid, Professor of AI at Liverpool Hope University, who co-presents “Married to the Machine” with his partner, journalist Stephanie Power.
There’ll be a range of practical workshops from experts specialising on technical and editorial aspects of podcasting.
Partial funding for the event has come from Liverpool City Region’s Growth Platform, the business support service designed to support business leaders aiming to grow and develop.
Creative Industries Lead from the LCR Combined Authority Helen Cross says,
“This conference fills an important gap in the market, bringing together both emerging and established podcasters to learn from industry experts, discover the latest tools and explore new opportunities in this rapidly growing channel.
It will also help marketers across the City Region understand the value of podcasting and connect with the creators, studios and producers shaping the sector locally.
By bringing the community together, Podfest North will inspire collaboration, spark new ideas and help more businesses realise the potential of podcasting.”
The event is also backed by Audiotrain, AudioUK’s skills and training platform dedicated to raising the bar in podcasting and audio across the industry.
“There is an enormous amount of podcasting and audio talent across the North, and events like Podfest North are vital in creating the connections, skills and commercial opportunities that can help that talent flourish.
At AudioUK, we want to see a strong and diverse podcast and audio industry across the whole of the UK, not just in London.
Through Audiotrain, our free training platform, we’re helping people at every stage of their careers build their knowledge and confidence across podcasting and audio.
We’re delighted to support Podfest North and its focus on making practical expertise, networking and commercial opportunities more accessible to the growing creative community across the North.
We hope this will become an important fixture in the region’s podcasting calendar.”
Chris Baughen – CEO, AudioUK
Organisers believe Liverpool is the ideal location for the inaugural conference due to its growing digital media sector, strong creative industries and excellent transport connections across the North of England and North Wales. The event aims to strengthen the city region’s reputation as a hub for digital creativity and innovation.
A limited number of Early Bird tickets are priced £50.00 and available from the Podfest North website podfestnorth.co.uk
For more information on Podfest North contact: Mick Ord 07850 757845 or Nigel Thompson 07773 673688