County Limerick village to host new podcast and music conference

IRELAND'S audio and music sector will take centre stage in Adare, as leaders from Spotify, BBC Sounds, Universal Music and more arrive for the inaugural Sound.Waves. summit — a new forum at the crossroads of music, podcasting and content creation.

Supported by Limerick.ie, the two-day gathering will also spotlight Adare as a destination with its eyes firmly on the future, and of course the Ryder Cup in 2027.

Like the best rounds of golf, Sound.Waves. is built on strategy, focus and a touch of flair. Delegates can expect a line-up of panels, one-to-ones and live sessions that ask how content travels from idea to audience — and how creators can build sustainable careers along the way.

Ireland has always prized its storytellers. Today, those stories find new life through podcasts, songs and shows that travel far beyond borders. Sound.Waves. brings together the people behind that content to explore how creativity and commerce can work hand in hand. 

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This multi-million euro creative industry in Ireland and amongst the companies already attending include Patreon, Spotify, BBC Sounds, The 2 Johnnies, RTE, GoLoud, Onic, Sky Sports Golf, Golf Digest, CMU (Complete Music Update), Circulate, Kite Entertainment, Universal Music, Sony Music, NK Management, IMRO, IRMA and RAAP.

Discussions will focus on a wide range of topics and dig into major trends shaping the sectors such as the emergence of AI and its effects on both the podcasting and music industry to the importance of IP and how it can be applied across multiple platforms.

Conversations will also centre around how to look at marketing artists and podcasts globally in a digital world and explore the people behind some of Ireland and the UK's biggest podcasts and what makes them the success stories they have become. International music executives will also delve into the world of A&R and what are the best ways of access to entry to a market flooded with new music on a daily basis.

The conference content will feature keynotes and panel conversations with leading voices from Ireland and beyond and exclusive 1-2-1 sessions with global platforms including Patreon.

Sound.Waves. builds on the legacy of Music Cork, the much-loved boutique music business event that ran until 2019. Founded by Alexis Vokos, Willie Ryan and Jim Lawless, and now joined by Joe Clarke and Colm Hanley, the team set out to create a fresh, international-facing event for today’s music and podcasting landscape.

Speaking on behalf of the event, Sound.Waves. event organiser Colm Hanley said:

“We’re delighted to bring the first Sound.Waves. to Adare this November. Both music and podcasting are built on storytelling, audience connection and the challenge of standing out in a crowded digital world. Whether it's a studio or a stage, creators in music and podcasting face the same questions and the programme we have developed with Sound.Waves. brings those sectors together to share ideas, strategies and spark new collaboration about the future of creative business."

"The addition of the inaugural All Ireland Podcast Awards to celebrate Ireland’s top podcast makers adds another exciting element to this new annual event.”

Donn O’Sullivan, Head of Marketing and Communications, Limerick.ie added:

 “Limerick.ie is proud to support Sound.Waves. — a series of events that amplify the creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that defines our content industries. As the digital home of Limerick, Limerick.ie is the perfect partner for an event that celebrates storytelling in all its forms, from podcasts to music and beyond. Podcasts and audio content have a unique power to connect, inspire and share our ‘Different Kind of Energy’ with audiences around the world."

"Through Sound.Waves., we’re turning up the volume on Limerick’s voice — and showcasing the county as a place where ideas, talent and opportunity meet.”

The day of the summit builds towards a special evening reception on Thursday, November 13, where the spotlight turns to podcasting. The All-Ireland Podcast Awards will celebrate the creativity and achievements of Ireland’s podcasting community, recognising excellence across categories from Current Affairs and Politics to True Crime, Sport, Entertainment and more.

With Head Judge Dylan Haskins (Commissioner Podcasts BBC Sounds) on board and an emphasis on both talent and innovation, the awards cap the inaugural Sound.Waves. by honouring the voices shaping Ireland’s fastest-growing audio medium.

Passes are now on sale at www.soundwaves.ie. Packages include entry to all Sound.Waves. conference sessions and the All-Ireland Podcast Awards, with accommodation at the 4* Woodlands Hotel & Spa, Adare.