Frequently Asked Questions

Conference Attendance

1. Who can attend the RWA conference?

Anyone can attend the RWA conference, although non-RWA members pay a higher registration fee than members.


2. Is there a partial fee if I want to attend only part of the conference? Or is there a special guest fee if I want to bring my spouse or a friend who’s coming just to keep me company?

There are no "partial" conference fees—attendees must pay the full conference fee in order to attend any part of the conference.
 

3. Should I attend the conference if I am unpublished?

Of course! There are workshops geared to authors at every stage of their writing careers. It is also a wonderful opportunity to network with other writers — chat about writing, share writing woes, exchange information.


4. Is this conference geared toward readers as well as writers?

RWA’s primary goal is to advance the professional interests of career-focused romance writers through networking and advocacy, and the conference is developed with that in mind. 


5. What if at the last minute I find I can’t make the conference? Can I get a refund of my registration fee?

Requests for refunds made by the posted dates will be granted, minus a cancellation fee. Visit our Cancellations Page for more information.

 

Registration

1. When does registration open?

Registration will open in Sept. 8, 2021, at 10 a.m. CT.


2. Can I make installment payments on my registration?

No, payment in full must be made to confirm your conference registration.


3. Can I purchase a day pass to the conference?

No, RWA does not offer day passes.


4. When will the pricing for the conference be posted?

The pricing for the conference is voted on by the Board during the Fall board meeting.

 
 

Workshops—Attending

1. How will I know what workshops apply to me and which I should attend?

A listing of workshops will be posted on the RWA site prior to the conference. The schedule will also be available on the virtual event platform once it's live. Attendees will be able to create a personal schedule on the platform as well.
 

2. What do I do if there are two workshops at the same time that I want to attend?

This happens to everyone. The good news is that there are recordings of many of the workshops available, in case there was one you just loved, or there are two that you’d like to attend being given at the same time. Attendees will also be able to access most sessions through mid-2022. 


3. What if I go to a workshop that I think is less than helpful or downright bad?

Contact [email protected] and give them that information. They always want to know what topics and speakers are effective and which are not, for future planning.


4. Can you give me a list of speakers who applied to give workshops, so that I can contact them for my chapter conference?

The best way to get this kind of information would be to put out a call on the RWA links for speaker volunteers or to reach out to the speaker through their website.

 5. What computer or device specifications do I need for the virtual event platform?

The virtual event platform is browser-based and works best in Google Chrome. This means you don't need special software to watch the sessions. If you plan to attend any networking or breakout sessions, you will be using Zoom. If you are using a smartphone or tablet for networking or breakouts, you will need the Zoom app. The virtual event platform is not supported by Internet Explorer. For questions, please email [email protected].

Workshops—Presenting

1. If I speak on a panel, do I get fully comped on the registration fee?

For the RWA2021 virtual conference, workshop presenters will receive a full comped registration fee. 
 

2. Why do the applications have to be in so early?

There are many steps to be completed. The Workshop Committee needs time to put together a well-rounded schedule for the conference.


3. Can unpublished authors give workshops?

Absolutely.


4. Will I be overlooked to present a workshop if a board member (who attends RWA conferences fully comped) submits one on the same subject?

No. Just because the submitting person is a board member does not automatically guarantee them a workshop slot. Partisanship is not a part of this process. The committee wants to present the best speakers and offer the most informative workshops possible. Who the speaker is, how many books they’ve sold, or if they sit on the RWA Board does not play into the selection process. The ability to give a workshop that will benefit the attendees is considered first and foremost.

 

Miscellaneous

1. How do I sign up to volunteer?

We are currently assessing our volunteer needs for the virtual conference. If we determine volunteers will be needed, attendees will be able to sign up when registering for conference or by emailing [email protected].


2. What if I sign up to volunteer, and I find out I have a schedule conflict?

If this happens, you should check in with the staff member in charge of the area you were assigned as soon as possible, so they can reschedule or replace you.


3. Will I get a reduced conference fee if I volunteer?

No; however, volunteers are given the opportunity to be entered into daily drawings for free conference registrations.