Podcasts are changing the world. They’re building communities, extending empathy, bringing laughter, and making the dishes just way more pleasant to wash. We (the people who started PodCon) are fascinated by all of this, and we love this art form.

In 2017, we gathered fans, creators, and industry in one place to celebrate podcasts. Whether it’s news, interview, scripted, comedy, advice, true crime, gaming, fiction, or nonfiction storytelling, it’s new, it’s exciting, and we love it. The first PodCon was amazing. Now, January 19th and 20th, we are doing it again.

PodCon features live podcasts, panel discussions, workshops, connections, networking opportunities, mashups, and meet and greets. It's an event designed for creators, fans, and industry, and every session is open to all attendees. 

PodCon is brought to you by co-founders Hank Green, Joseph Fink, Jeffrey Cranor, Travis McElroy, and Justin McElroy.

Podcasting is a broad medium, which is a fancy way of saying that there are a LOT of people podcasting. Some have humongous audiences, others do not. And many people with smaller audiences nonetheless have more passionate and engaged listeners. If you have suggestions for people you think we should invite or ideas for content in general, we would love to hear from you! Please fill out this form.

The more backers we get, the more podcasters we can bring out to PodCon. We'll be announcing new guests regularly throughout the campaign (and afterward) to our backers.

For less reliable updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Cascade, and Berfd.

Live Podcasts

You know, like when a podcast happens but there are a bunch of people in the room? These will also include our patented (not really) Podcast Scrambles where we take two unrelated hosts and force them to create a one-off podcast together. It's magic, and it is one of our favorite things we did last year.

Panel Discussions

We've got challenges, so we've got DISCUSSIONS! These might be cultural, technological, financial, or social, or maybe even a combination of those things. We need to talk this stuff out in the moments when we can, and hopefully do it in a way that is entertaining for both creators and fans.

Workshops

We all want to learn from the best. Whether that's writing fiction, capturing truth in audio, community building, or technical skills (no one wants to sound like they recorded on a toaster), we'll have experts at PodCon talking you through it.

Weirdness

We tend to find that, when you get a lot of talented, creative people in the same building, things just happen. We start asking our guests for ideas and suddenly there are improv gaming sessions, puppet shows, role playing games, and who knows what else.

Remember:

Even if you are unable to attend PodCon, you can get all of this stuff in your podcast feed with a secret RSS feed if you pledge at our "Remote Attendance" level. 

Do I have to have a podcast to attend?
Oh no! The majority of stuff at PodCon is for fans of podcasts (which, of course, includes everyone who makes podcasts.) All of our main-stage content is, in our opinion, enjoyable even if you've never listened to a podcast. And even the panels or workshops that we have at PodCon aimed at people who are creating podcasts, we hope, will be interesting for diehard fans who want a peak behind the curtain. 

What if the IndieGoGo doesn’t reach its goal?
There are some things we want to do that we won't be able to do, but the show will go on! As more money comes in, we're able to invite more podcasters and expand the scope of the event. Everything we've promised here so far is definitely happening.

Will I be able to get this stuff after the IndieGoGo ends?
Tickets will still be available (though they will go up in price) as well as swag bags and the remote attendance podcast feed. Everything else is campaign-only!  

Will there be live shows at PodCon?
Yep!

What about Night Vale and The Adventure Zone?
Because of the complexity of those shows, they will be hosting off-site shows that will be separately ticketed.

Can I upgrade my perk in the future if I have more money?
The way to do this would be to cancel the original perk and buy the new perk while the campaign is still going on. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to upgrade perks.

I have a podcast, can I get involved?
Obviously, there are a huge number of amazing and popular podcasts out there. We’re looking to represent a broad range of podcasts in both size and genre, but of course, we can’t feature everyone. You can fill out this form to let us know you’re interested.

Can I suggest a podcast?
Yes! Of course. Please fill out this form.

I’m thinking about coming alone, is that OK?
Definitely. We will have an optional gathering for lone attendees if you want to attempt to break the ice with some other people. 

I can't get to Seattle!!
We’ve got a “Remote Attendance” perk just for you! We will not be able to stream any of PodCon live, but “Remote Attendance” backers will get access to a password protected podcast link. All recorded content from PodCon including live podcasts, mashups, and panels will be delivered into your favorite podcast listening software. 

I (or a company I represent) would like to help more than $900 worth of help and am interested in sponsorship.
EMAIL US THAT SOUNDS REALLY GREAT info@podcon.com

How does priority seating work?
Before a panel or event begins, a priority seating area will be set aside. These seats are not assigned, and there is a chance that they will all fill. They will have a better than average view of the stage / content, and they will be fairly numerous. Ten minutes before the content is scheduled to begin, these sections will be opened to all attendees, so your seat is only saved if you show up before the content, not forever. 

Will there be a chance for meet-ups and autographs?
Yes! Not everyone will be doing this, but we will be using a lottery system to assign meet and greets for people who are interested in them.

This actually sounds really great, why haven't I backed this thing yet?
We have no idea.

Is there any other way I can help?
YES. Please please please tell everyone you know who loves podcasts that they need to check this thing out. 

I have a question that wasn't answered here.
Please check out podcon.com for more information, or email info@podcon.com your question and we will get back to you.