If you've been curious about RT's annual convention, I have news and a contest to tell you about. I think that RT gets better every year, and it is one of the most fun weeks of the year for me. It's an amazing thing to see a few thousand people who take time off of work and take a vacation that's focused on the books they love and on their favorite authors. RT is a tremendous opportunity for both readers and writers to connect, and I look forward to it every year.
This year, the conference is in Kansas City, MO, and I plan to eat a LOT of ribs. Twice.
First up, Grand Central/Forever is giving away a regstration two-pack for RT 2013. The contest entry is at Facebook. From the press release:
It’s Forever’s 10th anniversary, and in celebration we’re giving two lucky fans a chance to win free registration to attend the RT BookLovers Convention! ($474 value*)
Enter for a chance to win a 'Readers' registration to this year's convention May 1 – 5, at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center, or next year’s convention in New Orleans, May 14th – 18th.**
You will also receive:
– An invitation for you and a guest to the Forever Pre-Ball Cocktail Party at the New American
– Membership in the “Forever Fanatics” club – an exclusive group who will be invited to preview advanced reads and exclusive promotional opportunities for an entire year!
*If you have already purchased your registration for this year’s conference, we will check with the conference coordinators and reimburse your fee.
**Winners are responsible for their own travel arrangements, accommodations, meals and incidentals.
*While we would love to allow for all of our fans around the world to be able to enter for a chance to win, unfortunately due to legal issues the contest is only open to US residents only.*
You can enter the contest online – good luck!
And if you go to RT, or perhaps win a chance to attend? RT has some events they'd very much like you to know about – especially if you're somewhat local to Kansas City and plan to drive down for a day or two of the fun. You'd be surprised how many people do – last year I met a woman who flew to Chicago just for the book signing. She stayed one night and left with a bunch of signed books – and left me a lovely story about her grandmother. So if you're thinking of maybe going to RT for a day or two, here's a few of the events that would be a LOT of fun.
Thursday 2 May: Ebook, Indie and Graphic Novel Expo – $5.00 (for non conference attendees)
On Thursday May 2 from 4 – 6 pm you will meet more than 300 e-book and small press authors and many graphic novel authors. Get autographs, chat with some of your favorite authors and purchase e-books and small press print books. We recommend that you download any QR Code Reader from iTunes since many authors will have a QR (Quick Response) Code on their promo materials. With this QR Reader you can scan the code on your mobile device and go right to the book you want to purchase.
Saturday 4 May: Giant Book Fair – 11am – 2pm – $5.00 at the door (for non conference attendees)
When they say “giant,” they mean it: over 450 authors are registered to sign. You can get signed books, or bring collectible or personal copies to have signed. if you've ever wanted to see a really big group of romance readers and authors in one place, with squeeing and eagerness and possibly costumes, this is the event to attend. My favorite thing is the groups of parents and teens who come together, often in matching shirts, to meet their favorite authors. The young readers are the best part, easily.
And speaking of:
Saturday 4 May: Teen Day – 11am – 4pm – $25.00 (for one attendee plus a chaperone)
From 11:00 am-2:00 pm attendees will join us for the Giant Book Fair where you will meet more than 80 YA authors who will be autographing in YA Alley and whose books you can purchase. A special YA locator booklet will be given out so that you can find out exactly where your favorite author is seated.
Directly following the Giant Book Fair, from 2:30-6:00 pm, there will be three hours of workshops (2 per hour) led by bestselling authors including an Author Speed Dating session where every 10 minutes an author will switch tables and sit with you. There will also be two Speed Reading sessions where authors will read short excerpts from their upcoming books. There will also be two additional workshops on how the authors write their books.
After the workshops, you will join us at an amazing Teen Party (6:15-8:00 pm) where you will mix and mingle with authors and there will be lots of free books and giveaways.
The $25 admission includes one young adult (up to 20 years old) plus a one chaperone whose name and contact information you must supply at the time of registration.
I love the numbers of parents and daughters I see at RT on Saturdays, some of whom drive hours to go meet their favorite author. I think it is so smart of RT to build a day around them and to give them more reasons to attend and meet authors.
Are you going to RT? What are you looking forward to?
I’m excited about this because this is my home. I live not far from the venue. If you need rib suggestions, just let me know. I’m just attending author day because I can!
Can I take this opportunity to mention an event not on the calendar?
If you’re coming to RT from abroad, Kathryn Falk and I have planned an extra special little surprise for you. An extra reception, because hey, you’ve come all this way, and, oh, can I sympathise!
Anyway, I’m trying to motivate the hotel to find some teapots that have had NO coffee in them, ever, and I’m bringing PG Tips, so that will give you an idea. It’s planned for the Tuesday, since most visitors from abroad arrive at least a day early. Chat, tea, maybe something a bit stronger, and a few surprises!
Please get in touch with me at lynneconnollyuk at yahoo dot co dot uk for details, or you can click on the “contact” link on my website.
Thanks, Sarah. Can’t wait! I’ve never been to Kansas City before, and from what I’m reading, it was a bit of a naughty place during Prohibition.
I’m really looking forward to meeting the veterans, people whose books I’ve enjoyed and who inspired me to get writing. Jude Devereaux, Bertrice Small, Julie Garwood, Laura Kinsale and more will all be there this year. Amazeballs.
And a guilty pleasure. Disco night! OMG hold me back!
Ribs, eh? Count me in!
I’ll be there! It’s my first RT and I’m local, too. I don’t like ribs, though, so I’m not the one to ask for BBQ advice. I’m looking forward to meeting authors and just taking it all in. I sure would appreciate any advice you veteran attendees have!
I’m a librarian from the Kansas City area and we’ve been in talks with RT Con for a few weeks now. I want to give you a heads up on the May 4 Giant Book Fair, anyone flashing a library card can get in for free! It’s only $5 at regular price, but every little bit helps.
I’m going! This will be my first RT and I’m wicked excited. At my first RWA last summer, I got to meet a lot of authors and some readers I know from Twitter. At RT, I’m looking forward to meeting a lot MORE readers!
I’ve never had ribs. Sadness.
I just moved back to Chicago after living in KC for 8 years; no one does BBQ better than KC! It’s even more depressing that the best place to get ribs here is Famous Dave’s. Books AND ribs? It doesn’t get better than that!
RT is always a fun time. Like Sarah said, it’s just so cool to be around so many folks who love books. I went to some of the Teen Day events last year, and I thought it was a really great idea and a lot of fun for the teens, parents, and authors. I’m looking forward to that again this year and just meeting and chatting with folks.
Can’t go this year, college visits with the young ‘un, but if you go please report back with stories and news for those of us here at home! Have fun all.
I’m going to be there this year. Kind of nervous about going by myself and not knowing anybody, but hopefully volunteering at the convention will help with that!
@Amy: do not worry about being by yourself and not knowing anyone. There will be other first-time attendees, but more importantly, there are few groups as friendly as romance readers. You’ll make friends standing in line for signings, at tables for lunch or dinner, in the ladies’ room – RT folks are very, very welcoming. You’ll leave with many, many new friends.
For all newbies, RT offers a special panel, “RT Advantage” to explain how to navigate the events! You’ll make friends in this panel … as well as standing in line, sitting next to other fans at events, etc. Given the large number of fans, I suggest you bring your patience and a sense of humor.
Military families can also receive free admission to the Giant Book Fair if they present their ID card. Many thanks to Kathryn Falk for her long standing support of the armed forces!
I am not attending this year (as we are visiting hubby in Korea). I look forward to reading about RT here at Smart Bitches!
This will be my second RT (last year was my first), and I’m SO EXCITED! It was incredibly fun. My number one suggestion to any first-timer is to just talk to people. You have at least one thing in common with everyone there, so it’s really easy to break the ice. Ask people what they like to read, who they’re hoping to meet, or which sessions they’re most looking forward to, and you’re well on your way. I was there by myself, with no plans to meet up with friends or anything, but I always had someone to hang out and chat with when I wanted.
Last year was my first RT. I decided to go last minute because I live in the area. This is my first time traveling to RT.
Amy S., I’m a little nervous, too, to be traveling by myself. I’d be happy to have a buddy to hang with!
Shannon Stacey – so excited you will be there!
@SBSarah, what kind of sessions are you doing this year? I loved the panels you did last year.
Thanks for the advice everybody!
Melanie, that would be awesome! We will have to figure out a way to meet up!
I’ll be there, signing at both expo’s and I’m on a couple of really interesting panels. 🙂
Melanie, I think it’s going to be a wicked awesome time! I can’t wait!