Podcast production, sponsorship and AI will be among the subjects discussed at this year’s Sound.Waves. event in Adare, County Limerick.
The three day gathering takes place from 10 to 12 November, bringing together people working across music, podcasting and live entertainment, with the All-Ireland Podcast Awards returning on Wednesday 11 November.
Opening night on Tuesday 10 November will feature broadcaster and IMRO Chair Tom Dunne in conversation with Dónal Gallagher, who managed his brother, musician Rory Gallagher, for most of his career.
Dónal will discuss his experiences working alongside Rory, including the years spent touring North America, and his recently published book, Edged in Blue: A Rock ’n’ Roll Odyssey with Rory Gallagher.
Wednesday begins with the inaugural Sound.Waves. 5k before conference sessions get under way at 9.30am, starting with a State of the Nation discussion examining Ireland’s music, podcast and live sectors.
Sessions including ‘The Producers’ and ‘Marketing Your Podcast’ will explore programme production and audience development, while other discussions will examine sponsorship, funding, the economics of live entertainment and opportunities within sports podcasting.
AI and content creation, music publishing and sync licensing are also on the agenda, with a keynote interview scheduled for 5.15pm before Stories from the Stage takes the conversation into the bar.
The All-Ireland Podcast Awards will follow that evening, beginning with a drinks reception at 8pm and the ceremony at 9pm. The shortlist for the 2026 awards is expected to be announced next week.
The final day, Thursday 12 November, moves to the 19th hole in Adare Village for a brunch session featuring Tales from the Frontline of Sports.
The programme will also examine preparations for Adare 2027, when the Ryder Cup comes to the town.
