PODFEST MULTIMEDIA EXPO26: Connections and Collaboration

PODFEST MULTIMEDIA EXPO26: Connections and Collaboration
By Jack Pagano
jack@thetampapost.com

Orlando, FL — The podcasting world continues to reshape global media, according to PODFEST founder Chris Krimitsos. Twelve years after launching the annual Podfest gathering, the event shows no signs of slowing down. Interest in podcasting has surged: more than 5 million podcasts are now registered worldwide—an enormous jump from 2021. Even more staggering, Apple Podcasts hosts over 117 million episodes, up from 52 million just a few years ago.

In the United States, 100 million people aged 12 and older listen to podcasts every week. That growing audience is exactly why “Podfesters” return to Orlando each year, eager to discover new strategies, build connections, and learn how to captivate listeners. This year, more than 2,100 attendees from across the country gathered at the Renaissance Hotel for four days of sessions, networking, and creative exchange.

PODFEST EXPO26 invades Orlando, Florida at Sea World’s Renaissance Hotel. More than 2,100 participated in seeking out ways to make podcasting a success. Jan 17, 2026 (photo by Jack Pagano)

PODFEST MULTIMEDIA EXPO 2026 unfolded just down the road from “Mickey” at the world-famous Disney World, and across the street from SeaWorld, where Pacific whales leap into the bright Orlando sky. It was a fitting backdrop: a crossroads of entertainment, storytelling, and business—where podcasters, theme park magic, and ocean giants all shared the stage.

Podfest Multimedia Expo26 CEO Nick Pavlidis is talking to podcasters at a gratitude ceremony during the 4-day expo. Jan 18, 2026 (photo by Jack Pagano)

That was the mission for the more than 2,100 podcasters who came to Orlando for the annual Podfest: connect, collaborate, and maybe even land a “whale” of a podcast opportunity. According to PODFEST26 Chief Executive Officer Nick Pavlidis, the goal is simple—ensure everyone leaves with an unforgettable experience. “We try to create champagne moments where small groups get together and build friendships that add value. Podcasters are making a lot of money in many ways,” he said. Advertisers have taken notice as audiences shift away from traditional media and into the podcast universe, especially in the booming world of livestreaming.
Pavlidis and his team of VIPs, executives, and seasoned podcasters traveled from across the country to craft an intensive four-day program. The schedule was designed to serve everyone—from newcomers who know nothing about podcasting to professionals earning tens of thousands of dollars each day or month.

Real Estate entrepreneur Anthony Kocovic and motivational speaker Jen Hill discuss her upcoming presentation. Jan 15, 2026 (photo by Jack Pagano)

Keeping the attention of savvy entrepreneurs was the driving goal of the four-day conference. Podcasters moved through the expo floor, exploring the exhibit hall, attending strategy sessions on how to “do it,” and testing out new technology designed to elevate both audio and video production.

If you wanted a simple audio-only podcast setup, there were booths for that. If you needed a full live production workflow—complete with streaming video that could be pushed to YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok—that was available too. The pathways for getting your message out are virtually limitless, and the way you execute that process can determine whether a startup struggles or succeeds. There are no forks in this road.

Podcaster Papi DiNuzzo is motivating podcasters in a big way with his Manifesting Summit. Jan 15, 2026 (photo by Jack Pagano)

Motivating the next wave of podcasters were Libsyn’s Brian Cottington and Cori Fry. Libsyn has long been at the forefront of the podcasting industry—the original podcast‑hosting company, born in a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, basement back in 2004. The company has always championed one core idea: just start.

Marketing specialist Cori Fry emphasizes that passion is the foundation of any successful show. “You must be passionate about your ‘voice’ and demonstrate a keen interest in promoting that voice,” she says. Fry also stresses the importance of understanding the many moving parts of podcasting—from workflow and sound business practices to choosing high quality video production tools. “The future is bright, and as the quality increases, so goes the world of video podcasting, livestreaming, and live production…” More about their work can be found at www.libsyn.com.

Libsyn’s Cori Fry watches as Brian Cottington (l) interviews a podcaster at PODFEST26. January 16, 2026 (photo by Jack Pagano)

The consensus coming out of PODFEST MULTIMEDIA EXPO26 is clear: the podcasting world isn’t just growing—it’s accelerating at a remarkable pace. From technology breakthroughs to new monetization models, creators are riding a wave of innovation that shows no signs of slowing down.

The Podfest team has already confirmed they’ll return to the same Orlando venue next year, once again taking over the Renaissance Hotel during MLK weekend in 2027. With attendance climbing and the industry expanding, expectations are high that the next Podfest will be even bigger, louder, and more influential than ever.

At the end of every Podfest, a gratitude ceremony, which allows podcasters to talk about the lessons learned from the 4-day event. January 16, 2026 (photo by Jack Pagano)

Veteran broadcast journalist Jack Pagano is a retired Army field grade officer with many decades of Information Operations “in the fight” experience and currently working remotely in the USA as COO/Strategist for one of Afghanistan’s biggest Radio/TV networks.  His next mission is getting out Afghan journalists he trained, mentored who are stuck, stranded under the sharia driven Taliban.   Jackp1957@yahoo.com