Melbourne’s Federation Square will play host to OzPod on October 17. Now in its third year, OzPod is a celebration of audio storytelling; bringing together hosts, producers, industry analysts and indie podcasters to share anecdotes and inspiration.
OzPod is presented by ABC Listen. Kellie Riordan, manager of ABC Audio Studios, says the conference is about exposing participants to trends in audio, from smart speaker usage to the latest research on listening habits.
“We also focus on the craft of creating compelling audio for an on-demand audience," Riordan says. "[We] choose a range of amazing podcast producers from around the world and Australia to share their tips and tricks – so that all podcasters, from the bedroom ones to the professionals, can learn from each other.”
Veronica Simmonds, podcast creator for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, will deliver the keynote speech at OzPod 2018.
There is a diverse range of sessions on offer, from audio mixing techniques to growing an audience, the state of the podcast industry, and the creative side of podcast production.
“We’ve had lots of feedback the previous two years that people love learning from those at the top of their game,” Riordan says. “I’m particularly excited to welcome Veronica Simmonds, the creator of many of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s best podcasts. The CBC creates some of the world’s best pods from Sleepover and The Shadows to Personal Best and Alone: A Love Story.”
Simmonds will close the conference with a keynote presentation on audio production techniques, as well as joining technical sessions throughout the day. Julia Lowrie Henderson, producer of the compelling series Bikram, will take the morning keynote session, offering advice on longform storytelling.
The conference has expanded in 2018, with three separate afternoon “tracks” to follow. Highlights include a panel on creating compelling audio for children, featuring the talented teams behind my personal favourites, Kinderling Kids Radio and Short and Curly. Tommy Dassalo and Karl Chandler of cult favourite The Little Dum Dum Club will join a panel on comedy podcasts. There are sessions for the indie podcast producer, guidance on promoting your podcast to a wider audience, and a session on branded podcasts for companies looking to enter the market.
It seems listeners still can't get enough of true crime, and OzPod includes the hosts of two breakout hits this year. Allan Clarke of the ABC’s Blood on the Tracks and Hedley Thomas, host of Teacher’s Pet – the first Australian podcast to top the US iTunes charts – will join a panel on longform investigative storytelling.
“OzPod is about creating a strong Australian audio industry together,” Riordan says.
If you can't attend, the sessions will be streamed via ABC’s mobile apps. Of course, each will be released as a podcast afterwards.
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