When it comes to podcasting conferences, few names carry as much weight as Podfest. Since its humble beginnings in Tampa, Florida, Podfest Expo has grown into an international community gathering thousands of creators each year. In this Podcast Insider Special Edition, Blubrry CEO Todd Cochrane sat down with Podfest founder Chris Krimitsos to talk about Podfest’s path, the ethos behind the event, and why independent creators are at the heart of it all.
A Conference Built for Creators
Chris shared that the origins of Podfest were simple: a small group of friends who realized podcasters needed a place to connect. “We just thought, hey, this would be really good to help people starting out podcasting,” he recalled. That grassroots beginning turned into something much larger. Now entering its 12th season, Podfest has become a global destination for podcasters from the U.S., Europe, Asia, and beyond.
What sets Podfest apart, Chris emphasized, is its unwavering focus on the independent creator. “The fundamental thing about Podfest is we never lost sight of the ball, which is the independent creators looking to get started, looking to collaborate, looking to connect.”
Todd agreed: “Your event, in my opinion, really stands alone. You fully understand that the creators who are maybe the person that just started recording, maybe they’re a year into it, they’re the ones that need help.”
Pivotal Moments of Growth
Over the years, Podfest has experienced defining moments that shaped its identity. One of the most powerful was the introduction of the Gratitude Ceremony during the second year. Chris recalled, “At the end of that conference, no one wanted to leave… So I put up a microphone and said, if there’s anything you want to share that you’re grateful for, come up and share it. To my surprise, everybody got up.” That tradition continues to this day, cementing Podfest as more than just a conference — it’s a collective family.
Moving to Orlando was another milestone. Not only did the shift make the event more accessible, but it also elevated its reputation. “Taking it to a place like Orlando made the show much bigger because of the multiplying effect of what you can do in that city,” Chris explained. From there, Podfest expanded globally with conferences in Asia and Colombia, further reinforcing its mission of community and inclusivity.
Stories That Matter
While many in the industry discuss monetization, Chris emphasized that the majority of podcasters are driven by something deeper: a genuine connection to their audience. “The No. 1 thing is, I want to grow my show. I want to reach more people.”
Todd shared a personal story about creating The Sherrycast with his mother after his father’s passing, underscoring how podcasts can be a source of healing and connection. “Our goal really was just to help one widow,” he said. Stories like this highlight the medium’s power to make an impact far beyond downloads and sponsorships.
Podfest has nurtured countless success stories — from Lee Silverstein’s We Have Cancer podcast, which inspired listeners during their own recovery, to Alex Sanfilippo, who launched Podmatch after being inspired at the event. As Chris put it, “The impact this guy was having on people’s lives was incredible.”
More Than Just a Conference
So what makes Podfest different from bigger, more corporate shows? Chris credits the culture of community. “The new person walks into a community that we’ve built for them over 12 years now. And the value that they get from those relationships is huge because the relationships are deep.”
Whether it’s the education sessions, hallway conversations, or the friendly faces in the expo hall, Podfest is designed to make creators feel welcome. “Our tagline is, and always has been, ‘where your voice matters,’” Chris said. “Really, it’s where you matter.”
For podcasters at any stage, Podfest remains a place to learn, connect, and be reminded why they started sharing their stories in the first place.