1:1 Conversations at the Audio Academy Festival

40 of the most influential and respected figures in the radio and audio industry are offering exclusive 1:1 conversations with delegates at the Audio Academy Festival on October 1st at the Royal College of Physicians in London's Regent's Park.

Don't miss the chance to talk through your ideas, ask for expert advice or benefit from a bespoke mentoring session. This could be the meeting that makes all the difference to your future.

Advance bookings will be open from 10th September at midday until 23.59 Sunday 27th September and are only available to ticket holders, so make sure you buy your ticket!

Thanks for your interest in our 1:1 sessions. Advance bookings have now closed, but there may be some slots available on the day, please do ask at registration and we'll let you know if there is any space.

Alice Nagendran, Head of Business, BBC Radio and Music Commissioning

Ben Cartwright, Content Director, Audio Always

Bernard P Achampong founded Unedited, a UK audio production company known for creating award-winning podcasts, audio and content that blend storytelling, journalism, and culture. With over two decades of experience spanning the BBC, commercial radio, and independent production, Bernard has built a reputation for championing underrepresented voices and pioneering new formats in audio storytelling.

Bernard Achampong, Founder,
Unedited

Catherine Carr, Broadcaster, Author and MD Pocket Productions

Chris Burns, BBC Controller Local Audio

Clare Chadburn, Content Director, Audible

David Prest, Managing Director, Whistledown

David Robertson, Director of Content, Nations, Bauer

Ellie Clifford, Head of Creative Development, Persephonica

Ellie Davis, Deputy Content Director, Virgin Radio

Fiona Douglas, Senior Producer, Goalhanger

Geoff Jein

Geoff Jein, Founder and Creative Director, Biscuit Jim

Helen Thomas, Head of Station, BBC Radio 2

Jasper is Head of Audio at The Observer. Before this he was an Editor and Partner at Tortoise which bought the Observer earlier this year. He spent many years working for the BBC on daily news programmes such as Today, The World at One, PM and Newsnight.

Jasper Corbett, Head of Audio, The Observer and Tortoise

Joby Waldman, Creative Director, Reduced Listening

Jocelin Stainer, Senior Head of Content Production, BBC Audio

I’m 5 Live’s Managing Editor I work alongside the Controller on the day to day station management, presenter line up, new talent development and strategic direction of the network. Previously I was Commissioning Exec at 6 Music.

Julie Cullen, Managing Editor, BBC Radio 5 Live

Julia has been BBC Radio 4's Comedy and Entertainment Commissioner for three years, overseeing a varied slate of much-loved classic titles and new shows across a range of formats from stand-up and sketch to sitcom and panel.

Julia McKenzie, Commissioning Editor, Comedy & Entertainment, BBC Radio 4

Kat Wong, Founder of Oh Yeah, Former Head of Apple Music Radio Europe

Khaliq runs BBC Sounds Audio Lab - the podcast accelerator programme amplifying next-generation creators. Now in its 4th year, Audio Lab has created a host of award winning titles including Sacred Money, Colouring in Britain and Blossom Tree & Burnt-out Cars.

Khaliq Meer
Commissioning Executive, BBC Sounds

Mohit Bakaya was appointed Controller of BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra in July 2019. Alongside that role, he became Director, Speech Audio in May 2022 with responsibility for the overall plans and strategy for the BBC’s speech audio content.

Mohit Bakaya, Controller, BBC Radio 4 & Radio 4 Extra

Nick Callaghan, Director of Sales, Spotify

Nina Robinson

Nina Robinson, Founder and CEO, Soundtruism

Philippa Aylott, Senior Commissioning Executive, BBC Music

Phil Jones, Author, Broadcaster and Former Editor at BBC Radio 2

Rachel is Founder/Owner/MD of We Are Grape. Established in 2011, Grape is proud to work with the biggest broadcasters, platforms, brands and artists in the world. Our current slate includes 14 weekly shows across Radio 1, 6Music, Radio 2 and Sounds

Rachel Barton, Founder, We Are Grape

Rachel McHalroy, Commissioning Executive, BBC Radio 1

Ray Paul, Founder and Creative Director, The Playmaker Group

Rhian Roberts, Commissioning Editor, Podcasts & Formats, BBC Radio 4

Rich Addis, Podcast and Post Production Partnerships, Dolby

Richard joined the BBC after 20 years in commercial radio where he ran some of Bauer's biggest radio stations. He is now the Lead Commissioning Editor for BBC Radio 5 Live where along with overseeing a lot of the day to day management of the network.

Richard Maddock, Lead Commissioning Editor, BBC Radio 5 Live

Rob Watson, Deputy Content Director, Absolute Radio

Sam Moy
Head of Station, BBC Radio 6 Music

Sophie is Global Content Partnerships Director at Acast - working with the team who help Acast's biggest creators to grow their shows and maximise their revenue.

Sophie Herdman, Global Creator Partnerships Director, Acast

Steve Ackerman, Media Executive and Entrepreneur

Steve Langham, Little Dots Studio, 24Feb2026, Photographer Bronac McNeill

Steve Lanham, Head of Podcasts, History Hit

Tim runs Times Radio, the live news radio station from The Times and Sunday Times, which delivers high-quality, intelligent analysis and coverage 24 hours a day.

Tim Levell
Programme Director, Times Radio

Tony Phillips, Founder, Sea Salt & Mango

Vicki has over 20 years in the radio industry and became Head of Radio & Commissioned Audio in 2024, winning commissions including Radio 2's 'Dance Sounds of the 80s with Gary Davies', Doctor Who: 20 Secrets from 20 Years' for Radio 2,

Vicky Blight, Head of Radio and Commissioned Audio, Bengo Media

Yvonne is currently the Head of Radio at RNIB Connect Radio, a community of interest radio station broadcasting around the UK to a predominantly blind and partially sighted audience who are often under serviced in terms of opportunities and access to important information.

Yvonne Milne, Head of Radio at RNIB Connect Radio