It’s coming to be that favorite time of year for me. Conference time. This is when I can look forward to seeing my writer friends, make new ones and discover new tidbits of wisdom through workshops and just plain industry gossip.
In about a month and a half, I’ll be attending the Romantic Times conference being held in Chicago, Illinois. How can I not attend this one? Transportation will be a snap. Chicago is a hop and a skip for me from Milwaukee. Edie Ramer will be joining me for her first RT conference this year. I have no doubt it will be an eye-opener for her. 
I’ve always enjoyed the RT conference. Primarily because I can be assured that a good number of my writer friends will be attending, and because this conference always struck me as a strictly social one. Sure there’s business to be had, but the emphasis has always been on the readers and the parties.
I’ll also be attending the Wisconsin RWA conference being held here in Wausau, Wisconsin over the weekend of June 1st through the 3rd. Not that I’m biased (which I am), but Wisconsin has consistently put on a wonderful conference year after year. Joining us this year is Elizabeth Hoyt and Jade Lee as well as many other wonderful authors.
The third conference I’m going to try to attend is RomFest being held in Gaitlinburg, Tennessee June 20th through the 24th. This is evidently a newer conference aimed toward readers and sounds like it’ll be a nice time. I wanted to try something different this year. Plus, this is within driving distance for me.
I won’t be attending RWA’s Nationals this year. That would be pushing the budget a bit on top of the three I’m attending. Flying out to California just isn’t in the cards. The next RWA National is scheduled for Atlanta next year, so I’ll more than likely attend that one.
And that’s my conference schedule for this year. Anyone else checking out writer’s conferences? And if so, what is it that attracts you to a particular one. Next year I’d love to try another smaller one, so any suggestions would be welcome.
On a final note … I want to share thoughts and prayers with those people in the midwest and the lower states who have been going through those horrible tornadoes over the last few days. Over 100 tornadoes across the midstates and over three dozen dead. Property and memories lost. My heart goes out to you and your families.
I’m looking forward to RT. It’s so close, I just couldn’t miss it. Of course, I’d love to go to Wis.’s, but one is all I’ll be doing this year. RomFest sure sounds like a lot of fun, too!
I’m looking forward to RT as well, Edie. I have a feeling you’re gonna love it.
Keep in mind that I’m still looking for someone to go with to RomFest. (Hint, hint, hint). This is driving distance for me, so transportation will be a snap.
The rooms at the lodge are reasonably priced and the line up is stellar.
Liz, thanks for the round-up of conferences. I’m going to miss RT this year, just the spring timing is off for me. And, like you, I’m skipping RWA because the airfare to California is just killer this summer. I’ll have to check out RomFest, and I hope to make it to either NINC or New Jersey Romance Writers in October.
And yes, my thoughts are with the people who have been affected by this recent tornado outbreak.
Sorry we won’t see you at RT, Amy. Totally understand the reason for not doing Nationals. From Wisconsin, the airfare would be ridiculous. I’ve heard that both NINC and/or New Jersey Romance Writers are good conferences. You’ll have to keep us informed.
I’ll see you at RT! I wish I could make WisRWA’s con this year, but the drive was just a touch too far. Hopefully next year.
Sending my prayers to the tornado victims, too! So scary and terrible.
I’m looking forward to seeing you at RT–I do enjoy that conference, and it will be my first trip to Chicago. It’s great to hang out with romance writers and readers–so wonderful for recharging!
See you soon.
Cynthia Eden`s last blog was …HOWL FOR IT
Very cool that you’ll be there, Cyn. We’ll have to try to get together for lunch or something. At the very least, hit the bar. I really don’t know Chicago that well, but I’m pretty sure that the conference hotel is outside the city … so doing any touring might be a little inconvenient. Will have to do a Google and find out.
Although, grabbing a cab and hitting Navy Pier is well worth it.
RT and RWA for me this year! Can. NOT. Wait! to see you, Edie and Cynthia!
Karin* Tabke aka Harlow!`s last blog was …CAPA Winner!
Oh, good, you’re gonna be at RT, Karin. Looking forward to seeing you.
Yay!! RT will be here before we know it… It’s my first time going to it, too, and I’m really curious to see for myself what it’ll be like. Really looking forward to getting to see so many Magical Musings ladies there!
The only other conference I’m for sure attending this year is Chicago-North’s “Spring Fling.” It’s my home RWA chapter and one of my good friends is going to be a headlining speaker, so I think it’ll be fun as well.
Marilyn Brant`s last blog was …Leap of Faith
I was planning on the Spring Fling, Marilyn, but it was a bit too close to RT’s conference. I had to make a choice.
I’ll be at RT for the first time too! I haven’t flown in years and will have to as we moved south. yikes! But in less than two weeks I’ll be going to the Silken Sands conference for the weekend. It’s right on the beach in FL, I had to go!
Wow, we’re gonna have several newbies attending RT. I think you’re all gonna enjoy it.
I know I’d love to attend a conference right on the beach, Lori. Sounds like its going to be blast.
Joining in your prayers.
Thanx, Liz. Seeing all that devastation in the news … makes me grateful that my area of Wisconsin isn’t in a tornado alley. We had a tornado once, but it was a wimpy by comparison.
As I tell my husband … blizzards ain’t so bad.
Liz, I am sorry I can’t attend any conferences this year
I’m off on a research / family visit trip to the UK, and the budget only stretches so far. I know you and Edie will have a blast, and with Marilyn, Karin and so many other MM bloggers going, its going to be amazing. Have a wonderful, wonderful time!
Yeah, its a bit far for you to make U.S. conferences on a regular basis. Will miss you this year. We had such fun in NYC last year. Then again, research and visiting family in the UK? Sounds like a good time to me.