With the 2024 San Diego’s Writer’s Festival upon us I’ve been very busy with the planning and preparation. It’s also got me thinking about writer’s conferences in general, and why my co-founder, Marni Freedman, and I had a vision for the SDWF. Like many festivals now, and those that have come before us, we wanted to offer opportunities for authors to meet, network, learn, and be inspired. But we wanted to do it for free! And we’ve been managing to pull that off since 2019!
But I always recommend attending these types of events, not just the SDWF, because they offer so much. I want to tell you about all the benefits of author conferences and festivals so you too can take advantage of them!
The Networking and Community Building Offered by Author Conferences and Festivals
One of the big reasons Marni and I wanted to start a writer’s festival was to build community and bring opportunity to those that may not otherwise have access to it. It’s also why we dedicated ourselves to keeping the SDWF free, no matter how big it got. And we wanted to go big!
We also realized that community building was one of the invaluable benefits of author conferences and festivals. Authors and writers need a community, just like everyone else. But writing lends itself to being a solo venture. Thus, writers groups, festivals like the SDWF and other conferences were born.
Having a shared experience and a space to do it allows us to support each other and network with others. It’s not all about hand-shaking and climbing the ladder, although there is opportunity for exposure and marketing at these types of events. I’ll discuss this part more below.
These festivals and conferences offer support from our peers and they build relationships. What’s not great about that?
Learning Opportunities: The Special Benefits of Author Conferences
There can be a lot of gatekeeping in the world of writing. Everything can seem so mysterious and clandestine. Usually, learning about everything from the craft of writing to marketing your book and getting insight into how the publishing industry works from insiders can also mean paying for it. And the money spent can add up.
But a big benefit of authors conferences are the learning opportunities they offer, all in one space.
I know not every writer’s festival or conference is free like the SDWF, but the price of admission is generally more worth it than, say, one specific class or course.
But these events often offer a whole array of lectures, workshops and panels where attendees can soak up all the information, learn hands-on, and ask burning questions to experts. There are learning opportunities abound! Even if you do have to pay, you’re getting more bang for your buck than from a single course. You’ll also find that most of what you’ll learn may not be available to you in any other format. And you get to learn from established experts and professionals. Maybe even some of your favorite writers and authors will be there too!
You can check out some of the past and present keynote speakers and panelists from the SDWF to get an idea of the caliber of authors, writers, and other experts you’ll find at these festivals.
Exposure and Marketing Opportunities that Don’t Feel Sales-y
I often mention the opportunity for marketing and exposure that author conferences bring to my personal branding clients. Because as much fun as you can have, and as many educational opportunities these conferences offer, they also serve as a great way to put yourself out there.
Depending on your goals, you may see this chance to market yourself as one of the biggest benefits of authors conferences and festivals.
Even at the SDWF, with its focus on community and storytelling, we offer vendor booths for authors and others. Because, let’s face it, these events are a big draw for those looking for exposure. And what better place to find your audience than right where they’ll be?
It’s expected that you’ll be rubbing shoulders and networking for the purpose of marketing yourself at these events too, so for the shy among you, it takes some of the pressure off and it feels less schmoozy. So by all means, make those beneficial connections and take this limited time to put yourself out there and find your audience!
So don’t forget your business cards! Make sure you’re ready to talk about yourself, pitch your book, and to have all your contact information handy in case the opportunity arises. The chance to market yourself is one of the biggest benefits of author conferences and festivals, so don’t waste the moment.
The Benefits of Author Conferences for the Community
There are so many excellent reasons to attend events specifically for authors and writers, but don’t discount the fact that they’re just fun and inspirational too. Even if you have no real agenda, having fun is one of the many benefits of author conferences and festivals. You can enjoy the entertainment, discover a new favorite author, or just watch all the action from afar.
Writers festivals are meant to be fun too, after all. Maybe you’re an aspiring writer that doesn’t even know where to start? A festival could spark inspiration!
When we founded the SDWF, we also wanted it to be a good time and welcoming to all. That’s why we’ve hosted live music and other entertainment, including games and story hours.
Not all writers festivals and author conferences are family-friendly and appealing to the general public, but I think we’ve done a pretty good job at making the SDWF inclusive and welcoming to all. Because we didn’t want to be about gatekeeping and barriers to entry. We believe everyone has a story to tell and that stories bring us together. So even if you’re not an author or writer, you’re welcome too. Yes, YOU.
Overall, even if there is an entry fee, the benefits of author conferences and festivals are well worth the price of admission. They are welcoming spaces full of community and camaraderie. They offer networking and marketing opportunities. There is valuable education offered on so many topics. You’ll get to hear from, and maybe chat with, some of your favorite writers and authors too. And, well, they’re just a lot of fun!
Oh, and in case you can’t make the San Diego Writer’s Festival but you still want insider tips, interviews with your favorite authors, and some great entertainment, you can check out The Premise podcast. It’s THE official podcast of the SDWF.
