I had a great time last week in Portland, OR at IBPA’s annual Publishing University and it got me thinking about the many benefits of author conferences and festivals of every type. I originally posted on this topic back in 2024, right around the time of the 5th Annual San Diego Writer’s Festival. For those of you who don’t know, I have such a strong belief that these events are invaluable to authors, book lovers, and our communities that I co-founded that particular writer’s festival.
So, I’d like to share my thoughts on these events and some anecdotes about my experiences at this year’s Publishing University. I really do want everyone to experience an author conference or writers festival at least once because they offer so many benefits, both for presenters and attendees.
The benefits of author conferences and festivals come in the form of opportunity for
- Networking
- Education
- Community building
- Inspiration
- Exposure and marketing
- Access to experts
- Fun and more!
The Networking and Community Building Offered by Author Conferences and Festivals
Community building is one of the invaluable benefits of authors 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, and conferences were born.
The IBPA Publishing University offers a chance for networking and community building that is more focused on education and the industry than, say, a book festival may be. So, the type of event you attend will depend on what you want to get out of it.
As far as community building and networking, 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, like you’d find at a business conference, although there is opportunity for exposure and marketing at these types of events. This is just especially true of conferences like IBPA Publishing University.
These festivals and conferences also offer support from our peers and a chance to build relationships. What’s not great about that?
Learning Opportunities and Access: One of the Major Benefits of Author Conferences
There can be a lot of gatekeeping in the world of publishing. 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 you get much more out of a conference or festival than you would a single class because there is such a wide variety of learning opportunities there, all in one place.
A big benefit of authors conferences is the learning opportunities they offer, all in one space.
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! The entry fee you pay gives you a lot of bang for your buck. 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!
Some Highlights from This Year’s IBPA PubU
The theme for this year’s IBPA PubU was, “Together We Are Stronger”. The focus was on “collaboration, education, and addressing the shifting challenges of the modern independent publishing ecosystem”. I saw familar faces and met new people. I also had the pleasure of being part of a breakout panel where we offered live critiques of attendee’s book covers. This is the kind of invalubale access you gain at these events!
There were so many expert panels, community building events, and as always, the IBPA Book Awards ceremony. All this and a whole range of insightful and informative presenters.
This trip also gave me a chance to visit beautiful Portland, Oregon too. A reception at the well-known and loved Powell’s Books was even part of the agenda. If there’s a festival or conference in a city you’ve been wanting to visit, why not kill two birds with one stone? I know I had a blast at last year’s Killer Nashville and part of that was because of the city that hosts the event.
I also got to hang out with my fabulous client, Bonnie Comfort. She attended this year’s IBPA PubU as a book award winner. So, congrats to Bonnie! There’s a reason I always recommend submitting to book awards and attending author conferences and festivals. They are totally worth the time and effort!
Exposure and Marketing Opportunities That Don’t Feel Sales-y
I often mention to my clients the opportunity for marketing and exposure that author conferences bring, but I want everyone to get the message. You can have fun, and gain access to resources and information all while taking the opportunity 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.
At almost every one of these events there are usually vendor booths for authors and others to present their books or market their services. 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!
Oh, and don’t forget your business cards or other print marketing materials! Make sure you’re ready to talk about yourself, pitch your book, and have all your contact information handy in case the opportunity arises. This is a great chance to test out your elevator pitch. Don’t have an elevator pitch? You can read about crafting an author elevator pitch here.
Authors Conferences Benefit the Writing and Publishing Community
There are so many excellent reasons to attend events specifically for authors and author-publishers, but don’t discount the fact that they can just be fun and inspirational too. Even if you have no real agenda, having fun is one of the many benefits of authors conferences and festivals.
Enjoy the entertainment, discover a new favorite author, or just watch all the action from afar. It’s a chance to see the wider world of authors, book lovers, and industry experts in the flesh.
Even virtual conferences offer a chance to interact and have face-to-face experiences.
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!
There are festivals and conferences happening year round and all over the country. I made a list of some of them by region to make it easier on your wallet and schedule to attend.
There’s something about coming together with others that share your passion that really is inspiring and motivating. These events also spread the love of literacy and buoy support for the industry as a whole. It’s one thing to be a solo book lover or author, but sharing this experience with others makes it feel like a special club.
I should also note that many book festivals are free! Like the SDWF, and quite a few others. Conferences are more likely to have a price tag attached. But this is because they offer special networking and educational opportunities. So, again, the events you attend will depend on your goals.
Overall, even if there is an entry fee (or you have to travel), 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 are valuable educational opportunities to learn about so many topics. You get to hear from, and maybe chat with, some of your favorite authors and industry experts too. And, well, they’re just a lot of fun! Maybe I’ll see you at one this year?
