Get Lost in a Reader Conference...

Recently we were having a discussion on my Facebook page about Reader Conferences, and one of the things that came out of that discussion is that while most of us have heard of things such as Comic Con, some very avid romance readers didn’t even know there were Romance Reader Conferences.

So while we’re in the question asking mood here at Get Lost in a Story, I thought I’d ask if any of you have ever been to a Reader Conference and highlight a few of the Romance Reader Conferences I know of or have been to. (click on the name of the conference to be directed to their site for more information)

2013 RT Booklovers Convention

May 1, 2013 - May 5, 2013

Kansas City, MO (moves every year)

 

This is probably the Grandmama of all Romance Reading Conferences. This year RT will be celebrating their 30^th (yes, you read that right) anniversary conference in Kansas City, MO, and I’ve heard they are planning all kinds of special parties and events this year! Aside from the hundreds (yes, hundreds!) of romance authors attending, many pioneers of romance are coming out to attend. Names like Johanna Lindsey and Janelle Taylor, to name just a couple. You can find a current list HERE. (and it is huge!)

This is an expensive conference, but there are parties galore (including this year a historical ball—can’t wait to see the costumes!) and readers walk away with TONS of swag and free books to compensate. It draws hundreds of attendees every year.

 

RomCon® 2013

June 21-23, 2013

Colorado Springs, Colorado (Stays in CO)

 

 

This is a smaller venue that attracts many great authors, and is a bit more intimate and less expensive. Readers still enjoy personal time with favorite authors, great games and swag, and fun events. Here’s me last year at DeeAnn Gist’s Titanic Tea:

 

 

Lori Foster’s Annual Reader and Author GetTogether

June 6th to 9th, 2013

Ohio (same every year)

I’ve not been to this event, but I’d love to go. I’ve heard so many AWESOME things about it. According to Lori’s website, it is a casual atmosphere with plenty of time to visit with online friends, talk to authors and industry professionals, and more!

 

Readers and ‘Ritas

November 9-11th, 2012

Dallas, TX (stays in Dallas)

Another that I haven’t been to, but I REALLY wish I were going this year. Ah well, perhaps next year.

Activities include:

·  Private Book Signing and Sale

·  Author Lounge – ample time to sit in small groups with your favorite author

·  HUGE Book Trade – bring gently used books and pick up some you’ve been missing

·  Masquerade Ball – come dressed as your favorite character, prizes

·  Panels and Workshops

·  Raffles and Silent Auction — special reader collections and more — benefit Plano Family Literacy a literacy program in Collin County

·  Bachelor Hero Auction

·  margarRITA hours — need we say more?

 

Authors After Dark

August 15-18, 2013

Savannah Marriott Riverfront (moves every year)

Another that I haven’t been to, but would love to try. According to their website:

“Authors After Dark is a for readers by authors event, focused on the reader author relationship. No other convention lets you get this much quality time with authors in such a unique setting. Readers and authors alike are encouraged to let their hair down and get to know each other and talk about the one thing that really brings us all together: BOOKS!

The Authors After Dark event has YOU, the reader in mind, from the authors right down to the price. In these hard economic times, you don’t have to break the bank to attend an amazing event!”

 

So, have you ever been to a reader conference? If so, which ones? Would you recommend them to others? And what kind of things would you like to do if you DID go?