We’re only a week away from our annual conference and are so excited to see all of you. Haven’t registered yet? You can still do so by using the button below.

Getting There

Last year, there was some confusion about how to get to the conference once you arrive at the grove. Due to that, here is a map of the area. 

If you are confused about where to go, look for someone in the center area who looks like they are looking for people who are confused, and ask. 

But before you go, download this map or bookmark this post for easy reference.

The Schedule

The schedule for the conference can be found on the conference registration page. However, you can also download a PDF of the schedule here.

Don’t forget, besides the conference itself, we have other events happening this week as well. We hope you can make it for all of them.

Literary Trivia Night

May 17th, 6- 9 pm at Lost Grove Brewing, our Literary Trivial Night with Story Forward, Rediscovered Books, and held at Lost Grove Brewing. Music by Dan Costello! You won’t want to miss this! Register as a team or an individual, in advance or at the door.

Tickets are just $10 per person, $50 for a team of five. There will be great prizes and some surprise guests!

Robert Dugoni Advanced Fiction Writing Workshop

May 18th, the day before the workshop, come experience the nationally acclaimed workshop by Robert Dugoni, featuring lectures, in-class workshops, and more.

There are still spots available, so come a day early and learn from one of the best in the business. 

Agent Pitches and Editor Evaluations

Agent pitches and editor evaluations will happen in room 430B on both Friday and Saturday. If you have signed up, you will be assigned a time, and you’ll receive an email or you will get a schedule when you arrive at the conference and check in.

Please stick to your appointment times, and do not approach agents and editors outside of that time with unsolicited manuscripts or pitches unless they specifically invite you to do so. Please respect the time of our speakers, presenters, editors, and agents.

Keynote Speaker and Awards

 Do your friends and family want to attend the contest awards and keynote address? We have a limited number of tickets. Our keynote speaker is Craig Johnson, the author of the Longmire Series. 

Get these tickets early before they are gone.

Parking

All parking in downtown Boise is paid. We, of course, recommend that you carpool or use public transport if possible. For those who are staying at hotels downtown, your parking is sometimes part of your stay.

There are free parking places, but they require some walking or biking. Do not part in a lot that is permitted or restricted, because many businesses are aggressive about enforcement and your vehicle could be towed.

We highly recommend parking in garages for security reasons. If you leave downtown or the conference late at night, walk in pairs if possible. Boise is a very safe city, but we want to ensure the safety of our guests. Please let any board member or volunteer know if you need anything. 

Ride-sharing is also available through Uber and Lyft. If you end up going out after the conference and have been drinking, please use one of these services or have a designated driver.

Below is a parking map, but you can download a copy using the button below the image. 

Post Conference Activities

Often at a conference, this is called Bar Con. Whatever you call it, we encourage you to network with your peers, our presenters, and our board members. There are a lot of great spots in downtown Boise.

Often people hang out at the Grove Hotel Bar on the premises or the bar at Hotel 43, but there are some other breweries and locations as well.

This year, we do not have formal genre or group meetups, but if you want to organize one, let us know, and we will help in any way we can. 

Again, please be careful, and don’t drink and drive. If you plan to drink, have a plan.

But mostly, have fun. The idea of a conference goes beyond learning to connecting with your peers and others in the industry. 

The Conference Location and Rooms

When you arrive at Boise Center on the Grove, go to Boise Center East, and ride the elevators (or take the stairs) to the conference area.

Once you get there, follow the signs. This map will be your guide. While the rooms are marked, this gives you a good idea of where they are located. If you have questions, ask a board member or volunteer. 

Use the button below to download a printable PDF version of the map. 

If you need anything at all while at the conference, be sure to grab a member of the board or any one of our helpful volunteers. 

If you cannot find anyone, email support [at] idahowritersguild.org, and we will be happy to help. 

See you next week!