1:1 Conversations at the Audio Academy Festival

Previous Festivals

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.

More names will be revealed soon, bookings will open on 2nd September and are only available to ticket holders, so make sure you buy your ticket!

Alice Nagendran

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

Ben Cartwright

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

Catherine Carr, Broadcaster, Author and MD Pocket Productions

chris burns 110x90

Chris Burns, BBC Controller Local Audio

David Prest, Managing Director, Whistledown

Ellie Clifford

Ellie Clifford, Head of Creative Development, Persephonica

Geoff Jein

Geoff Jein, Founder and Creative Director, Biscuit Jim

Helen Thomas 16x9

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

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

Nina Robinson

Nina Robinson, Founder and CEO, Soundtruism

Philippa Aylott 550

Philippa Aylott, Senior Commissioning Executive, BBC Music

Ray Paul, Founder and Creative Director, The Playmaker Group

Rich Addis, Dolby

Rich Addis, Podcast and Post Production Partnerships, Dolby

Sam Moy
Head of Station, BBC Radio 6 Music

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