Join us as we merge Podcast Movement Evolutions with Sounds Profitable’s SXSW presence to create podcasting’s home base at one of the world’s most influential creative festivals.
This event is free to register for and open to all. Venue capacity is limited to 400 people at any given time, and standby lines may be in effect during peak hours. SXSW badge holders will receive priority entry. Registration for Podcast Movement Evolutions does not guarantee admission at all times throughout the weekend due to these capacity limitations.
March 13-15, 2026 | Austin, TX @ SXSW
WHAT IS EVOLUTIONS & HOW IS THIS YEAR'S EVENT DIFFERENT?
Evolutions is Podcast Movement’s spring conference where podcast creators and podcast professionals come together to strengthen their networks, elevate their craft, and stay ahead of industry trends.
Evolutions 2026 is taking a bold new direction. This year, we’re part of the official SXSW lineup in Austin. Join us at SXSW and make The Podcast Movement activation your home base amidst all the exciting buzz and opportunities for connection that SXSW offers.
The activation is free to register for and open to everyone. To ensure the safety of all attendees, the venue operates under capacity limits and may reach capacity during peak hours. As an official SXSW partnership event, SXSW badge holders are required to be prioritized for entry when capacity limits are in effect. Non-SXSW badge holders may experience longer wait times during peak hours to gain entry.
Here’s what makes this year stand out:
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Part of SXSW — connecting the podcasting world with the wider creative community
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Free admission with pre-registration as building capacity allows - Priority access is given to SXSW pass holders
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A new event format beyond the hotel/conference setting
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Limited paid speaking opportunities are available through open submissions. We’re selecting twelve 10-minute sessions, prioritizing solo speakers rather than full panels.
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Expanded networking and live experiences built to inspire connection and growth
This year is about testing what’s possible — if the sessions connect, the networking delivers, and the performances resonate, we’ll expand in ways that better serve everyone.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS | March 13-15, 2026
Explore our current SXSW session schedule and see what’s happening throughout the week.
More sessions and events will be added soon!
Free event. Venue capacity limits apply. SXSW badge holders receive priority entry. Registration does not guarantee admittance to the event at times when the space is at max capacity.
Keynote
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Location: Main Stage in Sky Box on 6th
Protecting What Matters: A New Vision for Podcasting's Future
10:00 AM - 10:10 AM
Location: Main Stage in Sky Box on 6th
The Growth Loop: How Brands use Podcasting to Drive Awareness, Trust, and Demand
10:10 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Main Stage in Sky Box on 6th
Podcasting is now a full-funnel growth channel. This panel explores how brands can use audio to build awareness, strengthen trust, and drive measurable performance. From crafting great creative to amplifying it through paid placements and branded content, we’ll show how advertisers and creators can collaborate to grow smarter in an increasingly fragmented media world.
Key learnings:
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How brands can plan podcast ad campaigns that build both brand and performance.
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The role of creators and networks in delivering authentic, high-impact ad experiences.
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How branded podcasts and promotional strategies extend reach and reinforce message recall.
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What measurement frameworks marketers should use to connect creative storytelling to real business outcomes.
Why Audiences Choose Human Connection
11:30 AM - 11:40 AM
Location: Main Stage in Sky Box on 6th
Is public media’s tip-toeing into programmatic a tipping point for advertising?
11:40 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Main Stage in Sky Box on 6th
In the midst of what many consider to be a near existential crisis, public media is pushing itself into new territory to help secure its future. One of those paths is the embracing of programmatic ads – historically discordant with the nature of public radio – to help fill the revenue gap left by funding cuts.
Some publishers (e.g., the legendary jazz station WBGO) have jumped into programmatic to great results – creating meaningful, incremental revenue to help sustain their excellent podcasts and radio shows. And contrary to common wisdom, listeners have been essentially supportive, understanding that things have to change a bit to keep their favorite content flowing.
Given that there’s always been a bit more caution around the nature of programmatic ads, does public media’s growing acceptance signal an inflection point on public perception of podcast ads overall?
Axios reporter Kerry Flynn moderates this panel of leaders from multiple ends of the ecosystem – KUT (Austin) GM Debbie Hiott, Acast CCBO Lizzy Pollott, and SoundStack CMO Scott Klass – to reveal what podcast advertising sounds like going forward to keep publishers flourishing and ad dollars flowing.
Not All Audiences Are Equal: The $1B Turning Point
2:30 PM - 2:40 PM
Location: Main Stage in Sky Box on 6th
You Are The Asset
2:40 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: Main Stage in Sky Box on 6th
Your mind, body, and stability are your most valuable resources and yet they’re often the most neglected. This panel reframes wellness as asset management, exploring how mental health, financial wellness, and physical care directly affect longevity, creativity, and earning power. Panelists will discuss how to protect, grow, and sustain your most important asset: yourself—across every room you walk into, personally and professionally.
The Staying Power of Audio-First Narrative Storytelling
4:00 PM - 4:10 PM
Location: Main Stage in Sky Box on 6th
FEATURING SELECT SESSIONS
Presented by:
SPEAKERS
Interested in speaking at Evolutions 2026?
Submissions to speak at Evolutions 2026 are now closed. If you applied to speak with us this year, please check your email for an update on your submission.
We will be announcing all speakers in the weeks leading up to the event.
LAST YEAR'S HIGHLIGHTS
MORE INFO & FAQ
Who is organizing this event?
Evolutions is organized by Podcast Movement and Sounds Profitable.
How can I attend?
Admission is free with pre-registration, as venue capacity allows. To ensure the safety of all attendees, the venue operates under capacity limits and may reach capacity during peak hours. As part of our official SXSW partnership, SXSW badge holders receive priority entry. Non-SXSW badge holders may experience longer wait times during peak hours to gain entry. Registration does not guarantee admittance to the event when the building is at max capacity.
What can I expect?
We’re running official panels, receptions, happy hours, and evening nightly live performances over the 3 days of our event. Presentations are submitted by and voted on by the Podcast Movement community.
How can I participate in the event as a sponsor?
Email Kristy Scott: kristy@podcastmovement.com to learn more about available opportunities.
I’m a member of the Press, how can I attend?
To request a Press attendee badge, please reach out to hello@podcastmovement.com
What if I have other questions?
Contact us at hello@podcastmovement.com