Pandemic University and Canadaland have partnered on this two-part virtual event that gives audio journalists and producers, at all career levels, practical pitch training before selected applicants have an opportunity to pitch their projects and wow industry leaders

Like speed dating for audio journalists and producers, Podcast PitchFest puts you in a virtual room with more than a dozen podcasting industry leaders and gatekeepers — including representatives from This American Life, CBC, Wondery, Radiotopia, Frequency Podcast Network and more.

Selected applicants will be provided with a handbook containing specific interests, mandates, and submission guidelines from the participating shows and networks. Participants will also receive pitching training on Friday, November 1 (6pm – 7:30pm EST)* from Mia Lobel, veteran audio producer and the former VP of Content and Production at Pushkin Industries, who will teach you how to turn your idea or story into an effective, attention-grabbing podcast pitch that will make commissioning networks and shows take notice. Through industry analysis, personal anecdotes and case studies, Mia will provide concrete tips and tricks to help you turn your idea or story into an effective, attention-grabbing podcast pitch that will make commissioning editors take notice.

*Tickets for this workshop are available by donation to all members of the public, with proceeds going to support Audio Flux, a home for independent audio, new voices, and innovative ideas in podcasting. Click here to RSVP without applying for PitchFest.

Then, on Thursday, November 14 (12pm – 5pm EST), it’s pitch time! Selected applicants will rotate through breakout rooms with executive producers and network reps, each giving you 25 minutes to wow them with stories or to simply learn more about what they’re specifically looking for from future pitches. Participants will also take part in a guided “greenroom” conversation in between pitching sessions with industry experts.