Jill K WillisSome of the cleverest people on Earth are 2020 conference planners. In this crazy year of cancellations, they’ve made lemonade out of lemons. With their open minds and imaginations, they’re ensuring that folks like me still have opportunities to learn.
Last month, I attended the Realm Makers Conference for the first time. I’d struck it off my list of potential Christian-based conferences to attend for several reasons. The cost of the airline ticket and hotel room would zap my budget. Sitting in a ballroom with hundreds of possible COVID carriers gave me the willies. And, I didn’t know what to expect from a bunch of fantasy writers. Would I have to figure out a costume?
When I discovered the on-site conference had morphed into a virtual one, I jumped at the chance. It didn’t take long to pat myself on the back. What a brilliant decision. I saved more than a thousand dollars AND got to stick my toe in the water without an overwhelming full immersion. During the two-day Crowdcast conference, I listened to three keynote speakers, attended six workshops, and interviewed with two publishers. All this in shorts and a T-shirt, sans a costume. I’d give it a 12 out of 10.
There are five months left in the year. With all the money you’re saving from not eating out, attending sports events, and buying the latest fashion no one will see, you can probably afford a couple hundred dollars to attend a virtual conference. It’s easy to find one through Google. There are conferences on just about every subject under the sun.
The American Christian Fiction Writers Conference is September 18 and 19 via Zoom. For $199, you can attend sessions led by award-winning authors, meet with agents and editors, download handouts, and receive all the workshop recordings. Check it out.
Have you ever attended a virtual conference? If so, what did you think?
Tracy Popolizio
Laurie Germaine
Michelle Kaderly Welsh
I attended the Northwestern Christian Writers Conference online recently and learned a lot. I still have this week to continue with the learning so every chance I get, I try to listen to another course or pro-panel. It was a great experience. I join you in your recommendation of attending a conference. The ACFW one sounds wonderful too. Like you said, it is a great opportunity to dip your toe in and save lots of money compared to the usual way. The fact that it was online is what allowed me to attend.