UniPodFest, a one-day podcast creator conference, will take place May 8, 2026, in Birmingham to celebrate diverse voices and grow the podcast ecosystem in the West Midlands. The event features panel speakers and guests from professional podcast industry leaders including BBC, Amazon, and Spotify Sound Up winners.
The festival aims to amplify people and podcasts from underrepresented groups across race, gender, class, and disability categories, organizers stated. UniPodFest offers an inclusive space with an informal atmosphere, welcoming both established podcasters and those considering launching a podcast for the first time.
The 2026 edition recognizes the growing importance of video in podcasting as YouTube becomes the most popular platform for podcast discovery. The schedule includes sessions on translating complex ideas into compelling podcast content, the rise of video podcasting, and sports podcasting as one of the fastest-growing genres in the UK.
The morning session, “Podcasting for Experts,” begins at 10 a.m. and invites industry professionals to discuss turning high-concept arguments into accessible content. At 11 a.m., a panel titled “The Rise of Video Podcasting: Why Audio Isn’t Enough Anymore” explores how platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and TikTok are reshaping audience building and sponsorship opportunities for creators.
A networking session with samosas sponsored by Audiotrain follows at noon, providing attendees opportunities to connect with podcasters, producers, and media experts. At 12:45 p.m., a discussion on sports podcasting examines how creators find loyal audiences and identify gaps in mainstream sports media coverage, while acknowledging representation gaps, particularly among women in the sports podcast category.
UniPodFest offers exclusive access to “The Pod Lounge,” a professional recording studio equipped with three cameras and an on-site producer. Ticket holders can book 45-minute recording sessions, available April 17 on a first-come, first-serve basis, to capture high-quality video and audio content valued at approximately £100.
Registration opens at 9:30 a.m. at the Curzon reception. A hot lunch featuring burger and chips or Caribbean chicken, with vegetarian and halal options, will be served from the Curzon Canteen on the upper ground floor beginning at 2 p.m.
UniPodFest offers a bursary scheme supported by The Audio Academy, providing free tickets to applicants. The festival is presented as a key initiative to build a UK podcasting landscape reflecting the diversity of the population.
