The Podcast Show 2026 Returns to London: Biggest Global Podcast Festival Announces Expanded Programme

Podcasting has never been more influential, more creative, or more commercially powerful. And in May 2026, London will once again become the beating heart of the global audio community when The Podcast Show returns to Islington for what organisers promise will be the most expansive, ambitious and internationally connected edition in the event’s history.

Taking place on 21–22 May 2026, the festival marks its fifth anniversary, an impressive milestone for an industry showcase that has rapidly grown from a niche gathering into the premier global business event for podcasters, platforms, advertisers, networks, creators and audio tech innovators.

Over the years, the London-based festival has become a powerful engine for networking, education, product launches, dealmaking and creative collaboration. And with podcast consumption continuing to surge worldwide—spanning entertainment, news, sports, learning and storytelling—2026 is shaping up to be the festival’s biggest leap forward yet.

“Crowds at The Podcast Show 2026 festival in London with stages, exhibitors and creators networking

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A Five-Year Success Story: 25,000+ Attendees and Expanding Global Reach

When The Podcast Show first launched, it attracted attention for being the first major business-focused podcast festival of its kind in Europe. Fast-forward five years, and its footprint has expanded dramatically.

By the time the 2026 event opens its doors, organisers estimate that the festival will have welcomed more than 25,000 visitors across its editions. These attendees have travelled from over 60 countries, establishing London as a key hub in the international audio calendar.

A Breakdown of the Festival’s Growth Trajectory

The surge in attendance is no coincidence. According to industry forecasts, global podcast listenership is expected to exceed 900 million monthly listeners by 2026, and the appetite for professional guidance, monetisation strategies and technological innovation is stronger than ever.

What’s New in 2026? A Festival Designed for a Growing Audio Economy

For its fifth edition, The Podcast Show 2026 will introduce new stages, new formats, new industries, and a broader ecosystem of partnerships. Organisers describe it as the most comprehensive programme yet, built for every participant in the audio supply chain, including:

More Stages, More Sessions, More Networking: A Completely Expanded Programme

The 2026 festival will feature a more diverse content programme aimed at serving the full podcasting ecosystem.

⭐ New and Expanded Features Include:

1. More Stages Than Ever Before

The event will introduce brand new stages alongside expanded existing platforms, offering creators and professionals wider access to expert insights.

2. A Bigger Line-Up of Panels, Talks and Q&As

Expect hundreds of sessions, including industry deep dives, storytelling workshops, business masterclasses, live podcast recordings, Q&As with top creators, and seminars on audience growth, monetisation, and future technologies.

3. Enhanced Networking Opportunities

With podcasting becoming increasingly collaborative, the festival is adding more:

4. An Expanded Exhibition Floor

The exhibition hall will showcase the latest tools, platforms and technologies shaping modern audio production.

Exhibitors Confirmed for 2026: A Mix of Industry Powerhouses and Emerging Innovators

The exhibition floor will host a dynamic array of returning and new companies. As of December 2025, the confirmed exhibitors include:

These exhibitors represent a cross-section of the tools and technologies driving podcast innovation—from audio production hardware to AI-powered editing and advanced programmatic advertising tools.

A Stellar Line-Up of 2026 Partners: Global Brands Fuel the Festival

The Podcast Show 2026 has already confirmed a powerful network of partners including major audio publishers, media brands, tech leaders and content platforms. Early partners include:

More partners will be announced in early 2026, signalling the scale of international support behind the event.

Podimo Takes Centre Stage: Headlining the New International Stage and Networking Gallery

For the first time, Podimo, the global audio entertainment company, will join as the headline sponsor of a major new feature:

The International Stage & Networking Gallery

This innovative space will:

Podimo will also co-curate a significant portion of the stage’s content, solidifying its role as a major force shaping the future of the global podcast economy.

Introducing the Creator First Stage: A Deep Dive into the Creator Economy

Another headline addition for 2026 is the Creator First Stage, developed in partnership with Arcade, the creator management agency known for representing digital giants such as The Sidemen.

Why This Stage Matters

The creator economy is now valued at over $250 billion and boasts more than 200 million creators worldwide. Podcasting is fast becoming a vital piece of this ecosystem, offering creators new revenue streams, wider audiences and stronger brand opportunities.

What the Creator First Stage Will Cover

Across two days, the programme will explore:

This stage aims to empower creators—big and small—to navigate the modern digital landscape with confidence.

Meet the 2026 International Advisory Board: Experienced Leaders Shaping the Festival

The Podcast Show has revealed the first confirmed members of its 2026 International Advisory Board, featuring respected names across media, production, publishing and technology.

2026 Advisory Board Members Include:

This board will play a crucial role in shaping the strategic vision, international outreach and programme development for the 2026 festival.

TPS Connects: Strengthening the Bridge Between Brands and Podcasting

One of the festival’s most significant innovations for 2026 is the launch of TPS Connects, a dedicated initiative focused on accelerating collaboration between brands, advertisers, media buyers and podcast networks.

Why TPS Connects Matters

The global podcast advertising industry is projected to exceed $3 billion by 2026. As brands search for more personalised, immersive and trustworthy channels for reaching consumers, podcasting has become one of the most influential mediums available.

What TPS Connects Will Offer

Across both festival days, TPS Connects will deliver:

Organisers expect more than 5,500 brand and agency visitors to engage with TPS Connects, making it one of the most important sections of the 2026 event.

Introducing The Creator Mix: A New Large-Scale Networking Event for 750+ Creators

Another major highlight of the 2026 edition is The Creator Mix, a new large-scale event designed specifically for creators across audio, video, social media and multi-platform storytelling.

What to Expect at The Creator Mix

The Creator Mix aims to bring together established and emerging creators in a vibrant environment that blends entertainment with business networking—a first for The Podcast Show.

Why The Podcast Show 2026 Matters: A Turning Point for the Future of Audio

The podcasting industry is undergoing rapid evolution, driven by:

The Podcast Show 2026 arrives at the perfect moment to explore these transformations, uniting global industry leaders under one roof to discuss where podcasting goes next.

Conclusion: London Is Ready to Welcome the World of Podcasting Once Again

With new stages, an expanded exhibition, fresh features, groundbreaking industry partnerships and an ambitious programme designed for a rapidly evolving industry, The Podcast Show 2026 is set to be the biggest event in the global podcasting calendar.

Whether you’re a creator, producer, advertiser, agency professional, platform executive or tech innovator, the 2026 festival promises unmatched opportunities to learn, connect and grow.

As the worldwide podcasting ecosystem enters a new phase of maturity and innovation, The Podcast Show—returning for its fifth edition—stands as a testament to how far the industry has come, and how much potential still lies ahead.

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