Frequently Asked Questions
29. What if I go to a workshop that I think is less than helpful or downright bad?
Contact the Conference or Workshop Chairperson and give them that information. They always want to know what topics and speakers are effective and which are not, for future planning.
30. Can you give me a list of speakers who applied to give workshops, so that I can contact them for my chapter conference?
Both the Conference Chairperson and the Conference Committee members sign confidentiality agreements which prohibit them from passing on this information. Another way to get this kind of information would be to put out a call on the RWA links for speaker volunteers.
31. When the topic is the same, is there a reason that one conference workshop application gets picked over another for a workshop slot?
Definitely. Though the topic may be one of great interest to a conference attendee, if the person submitting has not given the Conference Committee a clear and concise idea of what she/he will be offering in the workshop, the Track Coordinator will go with the one that appears to offer more. To circumvent this, all applications need to be accompanied by an outline or a handout, which is as complete and detailed as possible. A summary or big name is not enough.
32. If I speak on a panel, do I get fully comped on the registration fee?
The speakers do not get a completely comped registration--they receive a waiver. If you share speaking duties with others, you will get a percentage of the full waiver given all speakers. The number of panelists is divided into the waiver and that’s what each panelist will receive. Only as a solo workshop presenter do you receive the full waiver.
33. Why do the applications have to be in so early?
Because there are many steps to be completed before the tentative workshop schedule can be presented in the May RWR.
34. Can unpublished authors give National workshops?
Absolutely. As an unpublished author, however, you need to be very sure that the Committee has all the information (handout and/or complete outline and detailed credentials as a speaker) from which to make their decision. Also, there are several slots reserved on Friday night for unpublished workshop presenters. Since the published members are often off partying that evening with their agents/editors, the Committee relies on unpublished people to present the Friday night lineup. If you’re interested, please mark your application as a submission for a Friday night slot.
35. How are the Keynote and Luncheon speakers selected?
The Board votes on the Keynote and Luncheon speakers from a list of possible authors gathered and presented to them by the Conference Chairperson.
36. Will I be overlooked to present a workshop if a Board member (who attends RWA conferences fully comped) submits one on the same subject?
Unequivocally, no. Just because the submitting person is a Board member does not automatically guarantee them a workshop slot. They, like all the other people who submit applications, must live up to the standards set by the Conference Committee. 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 and isn’t necessarily an attribute that goes with the New York Times best-seller list or the RWA Board of Directors.
37. What should I wear to the conference?
The first thing to think about is being comfortable. Days at conference can be long and intense. Comfortable shoes are a must; the hotel is big and the function space is spread out over a rather large area to provide enough room for upwards of 2,000 people.
During conference hours, the common phrase for attire is "business casual." Nice slacks or skirts, sweaters or blouses, something a little dressier like a suit for an editor / agent appointment. The summer air conditioning can seem a little cool to some people, so layering with a sweater or jacket might be a good idea. The Saturday night gala and awards ceremony is formal—anything from sequins to church to wedding attire is appropriate here. You will also have time after hours for leisure or sight-seeing, so you might want to bring jeans, tees, and sneakers or sandals, etc., for fun time.
38. I’ve heard a lot of people talking about volunteering at the conference, but I’ve never done anything like that before. What can I do?
Running a conference like this is an enormous task, and involves a lot of work by a lot of people. Even if you’ve never volunteered for anything, your help is requested and welcomed. There are many, many jobs where a willingness to help is all that is required. You can choose where you want to volunteer -- helping to set out give-aways in the Goody Room or at the Booksigning, checking people in at Registration or Editor Agent appointments, just to list a few examples. You will be told where and who to report to, and your job will be explained to you.
39. How do I sign up to volunteer?
You can volunteer online in May, when a volunteer form will be made available on the RWA Web site.
40. What if I sign up to volunteer, and I find out I have a schedule conflict, like an editor/agent appointment at the same time I’m supposed to help out somewhere?
If this happens, you should check in with the conference committee member in charge of the area where you were assigned as soon as possible, so they can reschedule or replace you.
41. Will I get a reduced conference fee if I volunteer?
Volunteering is just that -- giving freely of your time. Only workshop presenters, conference committee members, and the RWA Board of Directors are given reduced or waived conference fees.
42. I have made my first sale this year! How do I get a First Sale ribbon to wear on my badge?
Congratulations! Of course, you want everyone at the conference to know about this momentous step in your writing career! In order to get that coveted pink First Sale ribbon to display on your name badge, you need to bring something to demonstrate the sale, such as a copy of your acceptance letter -- or even your editor -- to the Registration desk when you check in. Or, e-mail the RWA Office before the conference with proof of your first sale. The Office staff will then pre-stuff the ribbon into your registration packet.
43. What is the Goody Room, and what’s the best time to go?
The Goody Room is just what it sounds like, a room full of books, promotional materials, and give-aways -- free for the taking for conference attendees! Registered attendees may go through the room only once. It is monitored by volunteers. It opens on Wednesday, and since not everyone has arrived that day, the crowds aren’t quite so bad. But all the goodies may not yet be available, either, so you should decide when you think it’s best to go.
44. What is the Moonlight Madness Bazaar and can I, as a self-published author, sell my books there?
The Moonlight Madness Bazaar is a marketplace designed for chapters to market their wares to raise money for their treasuries. Individuals are invited to participate as well and must contact the coordinator of the Bazaar for a table. Members who participate must be registered for conference. More details and a registration form will be available on the RWA Web site.
