Ten years of the Podcasting Festival: from Palermo to Milan, podcasts are taking Italy by storm
Local events taking place across Italy kick off the 2026 edition of the festival. In Milan on 2 and 3 October, the Festival will feature two days dedicated to the industry and creators, covering AI, multi-channel content, video podcasts, insights, workshops, the Podcast Pitch and awards.
The 2026 Podcasting Festival is gearing up. From 21 to 30 September, a network of local events will lead the public towards the two-day event on 2 and 3 October at Cascina Triulza, in the MIND Milano Innovation District, dedicated to the changes that are transforming podcasting and digital audio through new forms of expression, artificial intelligence, video podcasts, news, branded content and business models.
Directed by Ester Memeo and organised by Podstar, in the year of its tenth anniversary, Italy’s first and longest-running event dedicated to podcasting is thus expanding its national reach. The aim remains the same as that of the first edition in 2016: to bring together creators, publishers, companies and communications professionals, offering concrete opportunities for training and networking.
The Festival kicks off with a series of events across the country
From 21 to 30 September, these events will take the Festival to various Italian cities, including Milan, Genoa, Rimini, Rome, Trieste, Piacenza, Viggiano (PZ), Rieti and Palermo, as well as a series of online events. The programme includes professional training courses focusing on the relationship between podcasts and journalism – organised in collaboration with the Journalists’ Associations of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna – public meetings, group listening sessions, sound walks, live podcasts and networking opportunities. Among the venues involved are the Museo del Novecento, Radio Popolare’s Demetrio Stratos Auditorium and the Talent Garden at the Giardini Baltimora in Genoa, where the new PodCafè format will make its debut. This programme will serve as a prelude to the Milan event and demonstrate how podcasts have now found a home in radio stations, museums, schools, newsrooms and cultural venues.
Two days, two themes
Friday 2 October will be Industry Day, primarily dedicated to brands, platforms, producers and agencies. The programme will focus on the strategic use of podcasts, branded content, multi-channel approaches, the integration of audio, SEO and artificial intelligence, advertising and new business models. The new NielsenIQ research commissioned by Audible, which examines listening trends and the profile of Italian listeners, will be presented. The use of AI in voice production and application will also be explored, examining what remains irreplaceably human when generative technologies enter creative processes. There will also be workshops and practical sessions for those wishing to improve their podcasting skills, with sessions dedicated to writing for the ear, data-driven multi-channel strategies, sound editing and vocal delivery. The day will also feature the traditional contest for emerging podcasts – with an Open Mic session organised by ASSIPOD members – and will conclude with the AperiPodcast, sponsored by Acast and accompanied by a DJ set from Ariele Frizzante.
Saturday 3 October will be Creator Day, an event open to the public and dedicated to podcasters and professionals looking to grow their projects. In the Auditorium, the programme will focus on promotion, discoverability, monetisation and distribution. The Academy Room will host a mix of live podcasts, presentations and workshops. The Podcast Pitch is also back a space where creators can present their projects directly to producers, publishers and industry professionals. The proposals will be assessed and listened to by Andrea Borgnino from RaiPlay Sound, Alessandra Scaglioni from Radio 24 and 24Ore Podcast, and Giuseppe Paternò Raddusa, author and screenwriter, with Ester Memeo acting as moderator.
Awards
Over the course of the two days, the awards for the 2026 edition will also be presented. On Friday 2 October, the Media Key Award for the best emerging podcast will be presented, and the Audioboost Award for Best Branded Podcast will make its debut, dedicated to audio and audio-video projects produced or commissioned by companies, institutions and organisations. On Saturday 3 October, the POD24 Award, promoted by 24Ore Podcast and aimed at the best independent investigative and reportage podcasts, will be presented.
An edition supported by the audio ecosystem
The 2026 Podcasting Festival is taking place under the patronage of the City of Milan. Sponsors of this edition include Acast, Audioboost, Audible, Insieme Salute, ASSIPOD.org – Italian Podcasting Association, Steady, Yamaha Pro Audio and Banca Investis. Sony is supporting the Festival as a technical sponsor.
Partners include Fondazione Triulza ETS, ITS Rizzoli, ACLI Milano, Betania Travel, Silent Emotion, Auphonic, Casio, Podcast Academy, Dizione.it, Dreams Donuts Milano and Tag Lab, which will contribute to training activities, live events, production and welcoming the public.
The network of media and content partners includes Radio 24 and 24Ore Podcast, RaiPlay Sound, Sky, Askanews, Radio Popolare, Media Key, RadioSpeaker, Urban Radio, LINKioni, Eurowaves, Radio Active 20068, Radio Fragola and Spot&Web.
Ten years after its inception, the Podcasting Festival remains Italy’s leading event dedicated to the podcast ecosystem, serving as a meeting point for creators, the industry and innovation.
