#FIRSTLOOK: RADIODAYS NORTH AMERICA 2026

Radiodays North America (RDNA) today announced this year’s featured speakers and sessions as part of the Departure Festival + Conference. Taking place May 5-6, 2026, Radiodays North America returns for its fourth consecutive year as the premier conference for radio, podcast, and audio professionals from around the world. The conference will unite industry leaders and innovators from ​​Australia, U.K., Europe, the United States and Canada to share global insights on the latest trends, technologies, and strategies that are leading the evolution of audio.

The 2026 lineup will feature a dynamic roster of influential voices including Bobby Carter, host and series producer of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts; Samantha Moy, Head of BBC Radio 6 Music; Alan Cross, renowned broadcaster and music expert; Sarah Cummings, Director of Radio Content for iHeartRadio Canada and Orbyt Media; Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and CEO of CRTC; among others. Radiodays North America will touch on all areas of audio – over the air, digital, podcasting, public and commercial radio, regulatory, research and innovation. The sessions will explore an array of timely and forward-thinking topics including the role of trusted journalism amid the rise of AI, the evolving synergy between radio and podcast, engaging today’s young consumers and much more.

“Radiodays North America is where the most important conversations driving the future of audio are happening,” said Peter Niegel, General Manager and Head of Programming at Radiodays North America. “This year, we’re pleased to bring an extraordinary lineup of speakers and creators to inspire meaningful dialogue that will define the next chapter of radio, podcasting, and audio storytelling.”

This year, Radiodays North America will offer enhanced tracks at the Departure Festival + Conference. This unique collaboration will foster cross-sector innovation and a more streamlined user experience. Radiodays North America Passholders will have access to Departure from May 4-10, including keynotes and panels with award-winning creatives, music showcases, songwriter series, film screenings, after-hours DJ sets, networking events, access to Departure’s Opening Night Party, and much more. Departure will also present evening live podcast events, accessible to Radiodays North America passholders, including Alan Cross’s Uncharted: Crime and Mayhem in the Music Industry on May 6 and Big in Canada on May 10.

“Departure is proud to support the continued growth of the radio and audio industry through our partnership with Radiodays North America,” said Kevin Barton, Executive Producer, Departure Festival + Conference. “From navigating AI advancements to reaching new audiences in an evolving landscape, these sessions will spark impactful conversations to drive innovation across the industry.”

On May 7, Radiodays North America will present Podcast Creators Day in partnership with CBC, NCRA, and Canadaland. This exclusive full-day ​event will connect creators of all levels through expert sessions on audience growth, monetization, video strategy, AI tools, and brand partnerships.​ Additionally, on May 9​, the Soundwave Summi​t held at Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay W.) will bring together creators and podcast industry leaders for a day of networking and panels. Attendees will learn about the latest best practices and how to land their next big gig.​ Both events are available as add-ons to the standard Radiodays North America pass, with Podcast Creators Day for an additional $50, or a bundle including both events for $105.

Radiodays North America will take place at the Fairmont Royal York, with additional joint sessions with Departure taking place at the St. Lawrence Centre.

The 2026 Radiodays North America keynote speakers include:

Alan Cross — Host, Podcaster, Uncharted: Crime and Mayhem in the Music Industry, Ongoing History of New Music

Alison Broddle — Senior Managing Director, British Columbia, CBC/Radio-Canada

Amy Goodman — TV and Radio Journalist, Democracy Now

Ben Mulroney — Radio and TV Host, Corus Entertainment

Bobby Carter — Host and Series Producer, NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert

Craig Bruce — Radio & Podcast Talent Coach, Australia

Frans Kok — Head of Communications, Nationaal Media Onderzoek, The Netherlands

Kevin Johnson — CEO and President, WPP Media

Melvin Sleeking — Managing Director, Pure Jingles

Nik Goodman — International Broadcast Consultant, Director, Bounce, U.K.

Patrick Rogers — CEO, Music Canada

Paul Harper — Host, JACK 102.3 Morning Show London

Peter Niegel — General Manager CEO, Radiodays Europe / North America

Ronnie Stanton — Senior Brand Manager, Morning host, Z103.5 and Lite 92.1

Samantha Moy — Head of Music, BBC Radio 6

Sarah Cummings — Director of Radio Content, iHeartRadio Canada and Orbyt Media

Scott Shortliffe — Vice-President, Broadcasting, Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

Shawna Whalen — Morning Host, Q107 Toronto

‘Shem’ Shemroy Parkinson — Executive Producer, Roz & Mocha Show

Simon Adler — Senior Producer / Correspondent

Steve Jones — President, Stingray Radio

Susan Wheeler — VP Regulatory Broadcast, Rogers Communications

Tom Webster — Partner, Sounds Profitable

Vassy Kapelos — Host, CTV Question Period

Vicky Eatrides — Chair and CEO, Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

Click here for the Radiodays North America program schedule and descriptions.

Visit radiodaysnorthamerica.com for more information and programming updates.