Are the Friday Workshops separate to the core conference?
The Friday Workshops are not part of the core conference, and therefore are not covered by the core conference ticket. If you plan to attend any of the Friday Workshops, you will need to buy a ticket to your desired workshop(s) separately.

Is a ticket to the Gala Dinner included in the core conference ticket?
No, the Gala Dinner is not covered by the core conference ticket. If you plan to attend the Gala Dinner, you will need to buy a ticket to the Gala Dinner separately.

Is a ticket to the Cocktail Party included in the core conference ticket?
Yes! You receive free entry to the Cocktail Party as part of your core conference ticket – including one complimentary drink. Canapes are provided at the cocktail party, and additional drinks after your one complimentary drink can be purchased on the night. If you wish to bring a partner or guest along to the cocktail party, you can buy additional cocktail party tickets for them.

When do I book in for pitching at conference?
Once all our pitch takers and their availabilities have been confirmed, we will invite everyone wanting to pitch to complete a booking form where they can nominate their preferences on who they wish to pitch to (likely in April). The conference team will then allocate pitches and times. We will do our best to accommodate everyone’s first preferences, however if this is not possible pitching will be allocated on a first-ticket first-preference basis – meaning those who purchased their conference tickets first will be prioritised.

How many pitches can I make during conference?
The number of pitches will be allocated depending on demand, but it is likely you will be able to do two or three pitches. 

Do I have to pay to pitch during conference?
No, pitching is free for all CORE conference attendees! If you’re only attending a Friday workshop, you are not eligible for pitching.

Do virtual pitches happen during conference or in the following weeks?
The virtual pitches will happen either before or after conference, or both depending on the availability of the pitch-takers. 

What is a Newbie?
You are a newbie if this is the first time you have attended a Romance Writers of Australia conference. We love to make our new attendees feel welcome, so we’ll send out some special emails with additional information to newcomers, organise a Facebook group for newbies to chat ahead of conference, and will also have a special newbie get-together before the Friday night cocktail party. 

Is there somewhere I can relax if things get overwhelming?
Yes! There will be a dedicated Writers Room for the duration of conference, sponsored by Harlequin. The Writers Room allows attendees to relax and get some writing done (don’t forget to bring your laptop!) plus Harlequin authors will be popping in and out throughout the day to chat. 

What is the dress code for conference?
Smart, comfy casual to professional during the days. The cocktail party is a costume party and this year’s theme is ALL THAT GLITTERS – feel free to interpret this theme however you like or just come in cocktail wear. The Saturday night gala dinner is formal to black tie. Our conferences are also perfume-free (so many women together makes the aroma overpowering!).

Will there be a bookshop?
Not one, but two bookshops! Dymocks Sydney is the official conference bookseller and will be selling books by presenters and also a large selection of writing craft books. The fabulous Ebony McKenna will once again run the indie bookstall. 

Can I sell my books in the bookshop?
If you are traditionally published, you can only sell your books if you are presenting on a panel or doing a workshop. If you are an indie author wanting to have your book at the indie bookstall, please CLICK HERE and fill in the form. 

Who do I contact about the ARRA signing? 
The Australian Romance Readers Organisation runs the ARRA signing and if you want to apply to be a signing author, you must contact Debbie at arra.authors@gmail.com

What do the raffles and silent auction funds raised go towards?  
This year’s raffle proceeds will go towards our Memberships Assistance Fund while the silent auction proceeds will be donated to Got Your Back Sista (www.gotyourbacksista.com)

How do I book my accommodation?
There are limited rooms available at a discounted price for ticket holders. Please use the form HERE or on the Accommodation page above. 

Are there other accommodations near the Sofitel Wentworth?
It’s Sydney – there are lots of options. Here are a few within ten minutes walking distance:

• InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel
• Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
• The Grand Hotel
• Mercure Martin Place
• Hilton Sydney
• Swisshotel Sydney
• Sydney Harbour Marriot Hotel
• Mantra on Bond Street
• A By Adina Sydney

Is there a special breakfast rate for conference attendees?
Breakfast is served daily in the Garden Court on level 5 from 6:30am to 10:30am (Mon – Fri) and from 7:00am to 11:00am (Sat –Sun). The cost is $30.00 per person. 

What is the cancellation policy?
Registration Policy:
Cancellations must be notified in writing to the Conference Secretariat (rwa@willorganise.com.au)
Registration cancellations received:

Accommodation Policy:
Please be aware of the following when booking:

• Any cancellation between 21 days and 8 days prior to arrival will incur a penalty fee of an amount 50% per room per night cancelled.
• Any cancellation within 7 days prior to arrival will incur a penalty fee of an amount equalling 100% per room per night cancelled.

Please note that this event is being managed as agent for and on behalf of the Romance Writers of Australia Inc (ABN 30 075 409 728) by Will Organise Pty Ltd (ABN 84 606 495 381). The information you provide when you submit your personal information to us will be collected by Will Organise Pty Ltd and will be shared with the Romance Writers of Australia Inc and other participants in the event, as set in our privacy collection statement and privacy policy.

What do I need to bring with me?
A notebook or your laptop for taking notes, your lanyard (if you have attended conference before), business cards (optional, but you might like to exchange contact details with new friends), painkillers, throat lozenges, Band-Aids (especially if you plan to dance the night away on Saturday), loose change for the raffle, pre-paid post bags for books you might buy, water bottle, layers and lip balm (hotels can get cold and dry) and most importantly, your ENTHUSIASM!!!