On Air Fest

What On Air Fest does

On Air Fest (operated by On Air Presents, Inc.) is a privately held festival and live events company founded in 2017/2018 and headquartered in Brooklyn, NY (36 Waverly Ave, Unit 222). The company produces a flagship annual creator storytelling festival centered on media innovation, art, and podcasting, with editions in Brooklyn and Los Angeles. The product is built around in-person programming across multiple Brooklyn venues (Wythe Hotel as festival HQ, XXV Venue as a 15,000 sq ft "Creator Hall," and Arlo Williamsburg's grand ballroom as the new 2026 "Headline Stage"), featuring 5+ stages, 30+ workshops, intimate talks, live podcasts, performances, interactive experiences, and storytelling theater. The 2026 Brooklyn edition runs February 23–26 and integrates The Ambies (The Podcast Academy's annual awards) and an invite-only Podcast Business Summit co-hosted with Bloomberg.

The company monetizes through three primary revenue streams: direct-to-consumer ticketed access via its website (onairpresents.com) with tiered pricing (General Admission One-Day at $249, Two-Day at $449, and VIP at $1,199 with exclusive gift bags and VIP lounge access), sponsorships and presenting partnerships with major audio and podcast platforms (Spotify, Audible, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Acast, Patreon, NPR, Bloomberg, CNN, WNYC, among others), and VIP experiences. GTM is event-driven and community-led: ticket sales are direct-to-consumer through the website, marketing is concentrated on organic social (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn), email newsletters, and earned media such as Fast Company and Wired, and audience acquisition relies on word-of-mouth within an established creative community of artists, storytellers, and media/marketing leaders built over 8 years. Named featured creators include Malcolm Gladwell, Alec Baldwin, Eric Andre, Seth Meyers, Don Lemon, Audie Cornish, Hrishikesh Hirway, and Wyclef Jean. The company operates with 11–50 employees and has no disclosed funding rounds, subsidiaries, or M&A activity.

Name

On Air Fest

Legal name

On Air Presents, Inc.

Website

https://onairfest.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

On Air Fest is a privately held Brooklyn-based live events company producing an annual creator storytelling festival in Brooklyn and Los Angeles, centered on podcasting, media innovation, and storytelling, serving artists, creatives, and media/marketing leaders through ticketed multi-venue programming and platform sponsorships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Live Events & Festivals

NAICS

Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries (711), Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events without Facilities (71132), Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

General Consumer Expos & Trade Shows (MPAGAFAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Professional & Association Conferences (MPAGAGAB), Retail, Consumer Goods & Lifestyle Shows Organizers (THAHABAJ)

Keywords

• Creator storytelling festival
• Live podcast events
• Media innovation conferences
• Festival ticketing services
• Storytelling workshops

Headquarters

HQ city

Brooklyn

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Direct consumer ticket sales for festival entry with tiered pricing options including General Admission (One Day, Two Day) and VIP packages.
2. Sponsorships & Partnerships: Presenting sponsors and program partners including major audio platforms (Spotify, Audible, iHeartRadio, NPR) and media companies pay for branding and association with the festival.
3. VIP Experiences: Premium VIP packages including exclusive gift bags, VIP lounge access, and VIP events at $1,199 per ticket.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

On Air Fest operates a flagship annual creator storytelling festival centering media innovation, art, and podcasts, featuring 5+ stages, 30+ workshops, intimate talks, performances, and interactive exhibitions across multiple Brooklyn venues. The company sells tiered consumer tickets (General Admission One-Day, General Admission Two-Day, and VIP packages) and co-hosts an invite-only Podcast Business Summit with Bloomberg. The Ambies awards (Podcast Academy) join the Brooklyn edition beginning in 2026.

Product overview

On Air Fest is a single, unified festival product — the Premier Creator Storytelling Festival — offering ticketed attendance to its flagship annual Brooklyn event. The product portfolio consists of the main festival event augmented by tiered ticket packages (General Admission One-Day at $249, Two-Day at $449, and VIP at $1,199), an invite-only Podcast Business Summit co-hosted with Bloomberg, and the Ambies Awards (The Podcast Academy's annual awards) which join the festival starting 2026. The festival features multiple venue locations including Wythe Hotel (Festival HQ), XXV (Creator Hall), and Arlo Williamsburg (Headline Stage).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• On Air Fest Brooklyn Premier creator storytelling festival centering media innovation, art, and podcasts, featuring intimate talks, performances, exhibitions, 5+ stages, and 30+ workshops across Wythe Hotel, XXV Creator Hall, and Arlo Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY. Targeted at creative professionals, culture seekers, and media/marketing leaders.
• Podcast Business Summit Invite-only gathering co-hosted with Bloomberg to explore the most pressing questions facing the podcast industry. Targeted at podcast industry executives, brand leaders, and media decision-makers.
• The Ambies Awards at On Air Fest Annual podcast awards ceremony hosted by The Podcast Academy, joining the On Air Fest Brooklyn edition starting in 2026. Recognizes excellence in podcasting and is presented as part of the festival programming.

Named customers9 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.

• iHeartRadiocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor and podcast platform partner for On Air Fest. iHeartRadio hosts a portfolio of podcasts and is involved in the Big Money Players podcast network.
• AudiblecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor and major audiobook/podcast platform partner for the festival.
• SpotifycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor and leading podcast streaming platform partner for On Air Fest.
• AcastmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor and podcast hosting platform partner.
• PatreonmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor and creator monetization platform partner.
• NPRmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerProgram partner and major public radio network.
• BloombergcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram partner co-hosting the Podcast Business Summit, an invite-only gathering to explore pressing questions facing the podcasting industry.
• CNNmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerProgram partner and major news network.
• WNYCmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerProgram partner and major public radio station in New York.
• The Podcast AcademycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerProgram partner hosting The Ambies awards ceremony at the Brooklyn festival beginning in 2026.
• RadiotopiamajorGTM or Marketing PartnerProgram partner and network of podcasts from PRX.
• PRXmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerProgram partner and major podcast network/distributor.
• WistiasupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor and video hosting platform for business.
• PushkinsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerProgram partner and podcast/audiobook platform.
• TED Audio CollectivesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerProgram partner representing TED's audio initiatives.
• SimplecastsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor and podcast hosting platform.
• Art19supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor and podcast hosting/enrichment platform.
• Amazon MusicmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor and major podcast/audio streaming platform.
• 30 for 30 PodcastssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor and ESPN's podcast network.
• DCP (Digital Content Pathway)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerProgram partner and podcast industry organization.
• SlatesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerProgram partner and digital media publication.
• The AthleticsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerProgram partner and sports media publication from NYT.
• Futuro Media GroupsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerProgram partner and independent multimedia organization.
• CBCsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerProgram partner and Canada's public broadcaster.
• Sounds ProfitablesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor and podcast industry research/marketing platform.
• Supporting CastsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor and podcast platform.
• B&H PhotosupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor and photography/video equipment retailer.
• FiverrsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor and freelance services marketplace.
• EtsysupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor and e-commerce marketplace for handmade goods.
• OUTFRONT MediasupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor and outdoor advertising company.
• Wythe HotelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFestival headquarters and primary venue partner. Offers 20% discount (ONAIR2026) for festival attendees. Features main hall, cinema cellar, restaurants, and rooftop lounge.
• XXV VenuecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreator Hall partner featuring 15,000 square foot experiential gallery with lounges, creative labs, live performances, poetry, and light food/drink.
• Arlo WilliamsburgmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeadline Stage partner, hosting festival events in grand ballroom for the first time.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Podcast Movement: Annual podcast industry conference and trade show that, like On Air Fest, attracts podcasters, audio professionals, and brand sponsors. Direct competition for creator attendance and platform sponsorship dollars in the U.S. podcast event market.
• VidCon: Creator-economy convention that brings together video creators, podcasters, and digital storytellers with brand sponsorships and tiered ticketing. Direct competitor for creator attendance and platform/media sponsor dollars in the broader creator festival category.
• The Moth: Live storytelling organization producing ticketed storytelling events and a podcast, with a similar brand promise of intimate live storytelling experiences. Comparable in audience overlap (creative professionals, culture seekers) and in monetizing live spoken-word events.
• Pop-Up Magazine: Live magazine-style storytelling event featuring journalism, film, photography, and audio presented on stage. Closely comparable in spirit and audience to On Air Fest's storytelling-theater programming and Brooklyn cultural positioning.
• Podcast Summit (Podcast Summit Live / PodSummit): Smaller podcasting-focused conference and live event series. Directly comparable in audience (creators and industry) and in monetization model (tickets + sponsorships), and competes for the same niche podcast-festival market.

Broad incumbents

• SXSW (South by Southwest): Large-scale annual festival in Austin spanning music, film, and technology with a dedicated podcast/audio track. Larger and more established than On Air Fest, but competes for the same creator talent, sponsor budgets, and creative-pro audience.
• Tribeca Festival: Major NYC-based storytelling and creator festival spanning film, audio, and immersive storytelling, with sponsor-driven programming. Broader and larger than On Air Fest, but a competitor for premium sponsor dollars and creative-pro audience in the same NYC market.

Regional players

• New York Audio Festival: Regional audio/podcast live event series with NYC programming. Comparable to On Air Fest in market (NYC metro) and audience, though typically more niche and less brand-recognized; competes for local podcast-industry attention.

Emerging players

• Hot Docs: Documentary festival with growing audio/podcast programming and live storytelling events. Comparable in the storytelling + creator overlap and tiered ticketing model, though primarily Canadian and with a documentary rather than podcast focus.
• Hot Pod (Hot Pod Newsletter / Hot Pod Summit): Podcast industry publication that periodically convenes live industry events and summits. Adjacent to On Air Fest in serving the same podcast-industry professional audience and in covering the same sponsor ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/onairfest
• Facebookfacebook.com/weareonairfest
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/on-air-fest
• Instagraminstagram.com/onairfest

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about On Air Fest