By, Maribel Quezada Smith

Last week I had the pleasure of attending Podcast Movement Evolutions in LA, the "slightly smaller" version of the summer giant conference many of you might be familiar with.

During my LA trip, my Lyft driver asked if I felt that these podcasting conferences were really worth the money, and I explained to them that the answer is complicated. On one end, a conference like this can be super beneficial for anyone looking to grow their network or their audience. On the other end, it can be mentally draining and difficult to navigate the amount of offerings and information all at once, not to mention expensive.

Still, I've been going to podcasting conferences since 2019, and I've always found them valuable. However, I've also met some people who would disagree with my experience, and based on those conversations I've come up with the following three signs that can help you determine if you’re not ready for a podcasting conference.

#1: You’re not ready for a podcasting conference if you cringe at the thought of striking up conversations with strangers.

Yes, you'll find yourself engaging in small talk and meeting new faces, some of whom might not immediately resonate with your podcasting interests. But here's the thing – amidst those awkward pauses and unexpected questions lies the potential for profound connections and personal growth. Embrace the discomfort, because sometimes, the most valuable lessons come from unexpected places.

#2: You’re not ready for a podcasting conference if you're solely focused on immediate returns on investment (ROI).

If this is you, then you might miss out on the long-term benefits of conference attendance. Sure, you may not walk away with a stack of business cards and a contract in hand, but the relationships you cultivate at these events are invaluable assets for your podcasting journey. From securing future speaking engagements to forming collaborations, the dividends of networking extend far beyond the conference floor. Keep your eyes on the bigger picture and recognize that the seeds you plant today may blossom into opportunities tomorrow.

#3: You’re not ready for a podcasting conference if you don’t have time to waste.

If you're reluctant to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the full spectrum of conference experiences, you may not be ready for the podcasting conference scene. I’ve seen it before, the attendee who spends most of their conference time working in their hotel room or the speaker lounge. Or the studious person who is solely there for the sessions and keynotes, but has no intention of socializing. While attending sessions is undoubtedly informative, the real magic happens in the in-between moments – chatting in line for coffee, mingling at networking events, or even busting a move on the dance floor. These spontaneous interactions are where meaningful connections are forged, and it's essential to seize every opportunity for engagement.

TLDR - The value of podcasting conferences extends far beyond the price of admission. While they may be daunting at first glance, these events offer a wealth of opportunities for growth, both professionally and personally. By embracing discomfort, prioritizing long-term relationships, and fully immersing yourself in the conference experience, you'll unlock a world of possibilities for your podcasting journey. So, if you're ready to take the plunge, pack your bags, sharpen your elevator pitch, and get ready to make some unforgettable connections. Who knows? Your next big break could be just a conversation away.

Maribel Quezada Smith is a bilingual video and podcast producer and the co-founder of BIPOC Podcast Creators.