Much like social media, podcasts are increasingly becoming a great medium for sharing news, information, tips and best practices in the trade show and events industry. And their popularity is growing. According to Edison Research and Nielsen, there are more than 700,000 active podcasts and more than 29 million podcast episodes in existence, including content in more than 100 languages. As of 2019, 51 percent (approximately 165 million people) of the U.S. population had listened to a podcast. 

With the help of some of our podcast-loving #Expochat moderators, including Michelle Bruno of Event Tech Brief, Michael Doane from CadmiumCD, Stephanie Selesnick of International Trade Information, Bill McGlade of Personify and exhibit marketing strategist Marlys Arnold, we’ve compiled a list of the most popular trade show-focused podcasts currently available for download:

Event Brew: Want an honest opinion on the latest news in the events industry? Hosted by Will Curran, owner of Endless Events, Event Marketing Consultant Nick Borelli, Dustin Westling and Thuy Diep, this podcast isn’t afraid to cover controversial topics that stimulate intense conversations and debates. If you enjoy an “against the grain” attitude with your podcasts, this one’s for you, recommends Bruno.

“For example, the podcasters weighed in on Ivanka Trump speaking at CES,” Bruno explained. “The discussion covered whether or not she had any technology expertise to the idea that CES chose her to reduce the criticism they have recently faced over manels. Another recent discussion debated whether the fear about coronavirus is more dangerous than the virus itself.”

Event Industry News Podcast: Broadcast from the U.K., these weekly podcasts featuring a range of event professionals discussing the industry and sharing different angles on top-of-mind topics such as event technology and management. “I like to hear what colleagues from the U.K. think is interesting and topical,” Bruno says. 

#EventIcons: Want to keep on top of important event industry topics while gaining insight and actionable advice from the industry’s biggest leaders and influencers? Hosted by Will Curran, event marketing expert Alex Plaxen and Event Tech Consultant Brandt Krueger, this podcast attracts guests from all areas of the event industry and provides thorough coverage of niche topics such as technology and facial recognition and how they’re impacting events, according to Bruno. 

“During major events like IMEX, they also set up on-site and do live interviews with all the leaders in the industry,” says Doane. “It’s such a huge wealth of knowledge.”

Event Tech Podcast: If you enjoy geeking out on the newest technology for events, this podcast will be your cup of tea, says Doane, who cites it as a personal favorite. Also hosted by Will Curran and Brandt Krueger, it features event tech leaders discussing hot topics including 5G, mobile apps, event management software and smartphones as well as advice for how to implement them into your events.

The Exhibitionists: There are few podcasts that only cover exhibitions, and this one speaks the language of trade shows while also covering international topics, Bruno says. Hosted by Selesnick and Antony Reeve-Crook, this podcast is a great fit for all levels of trade show professionals, Selesnick says. 

GatherGeeks by BizBash: Hosts David Adler and Beth Kormanik discuss the latest news and trends affecting event marketers, meeting strategists, nonprofit organizers and anyone else involved in planning events and meetings. Arnold says she listens in for relevant and timely take-aways that she can share with her trade show clients. 

Making a Marketer: Designed for marketers of all stripes, this podcast dishes out plenty of great marketing advice and content that is both contemporary and instructive for event professionals, according to Bruno. “I respect hosts Megan [Powers] and Elizabeth [Glau] because I know where they’ve come from and that they speak with authority,” she says.

Social Media Marketing Podcast: Produced by Social Media Examiner and hosted by Michael Stelzner, this 45-minute podcast shares actionable strategies for leveraging all the various social media platforms, according to Arnold, an avid listener. Recent topics covered include creating an engaging content strategy, the latest platform marketing trends, creating engaging stories, the power of video and personal branding. 

The Exposure Podcast: Todd Carruth and Dana Freker Doody from The Expo Group deliver timely information and interviews about the events and exhibits industry. A favorite of Arnold and McGlade, these short monthly episodes are designed for the busy trade show organizers and never exceed more than 30 minutes. 

Trade Show Insights: Hosted by Arnold, this podcast features a mix of solo episodes addressing topics such as exhibit design, promotions and booth staffing, plus industry expert interviews. Recently, Arnold did a two-part interview with Candy Adams on drayage and installation and dismantle, and last year featured fellow Expochatters Hadley McClellan and Nicole Burkart sharing wellness ideas for events.

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