Frequently asked questions
What does a FULL PACKAGE ticket include?
A Full Package conference ticket entitles you to a Friday Workshop of your choosing and covers all sessions on Saturday and Sunday (the Core Conference days) as well as giving you entry to the Friday night cocktail party, all at a discounted rate.
What does a CORE CONFERENCE ticket include?
A core conference ticket covers all sessions on Saturday and Sunday (the core conference days) as well as giving you entry to the Friday night cocktail party. You are also able to pitch your work to agents and publishers (subject to bookings) and you can chill out in the Harlequin Writers' Room during the weekend.
What is the ACADEMIC SYMPOSIUM?
Flinders University and Assemblage Centre for Creative Arts are thrilled to host an academic symposium on popular romance studies as part of RWA’s 2024 conference. Featuring the latest research from romance academics, and open to anyone with an enquiring mind who wishes to attend, this symposium will showcase romance in all its complexity and glory.
The Academic Symposium is not part of the core conference, and not covered by the core conference or full package ticket. If you plan to attend the Academic Symposium, you will need to buy a ticket separately.
Are the FRIDAY WORKSHOPS separate to the core conference?
The Friday Workshops are not part of the core conference and are not covered by the core conference ticket. If you wish to attend a Friday Workshop, you will need to purchase a FULL PACKAGE or buy a ticket to your desired workshop separately.
Is a ticket to the GALA DINNER included in the full package or core conference ticket?
No, the Gala Dinner is not covered by any ticket type. If you plan to attend the Gala Dinner, you will need to buy a ticket separately.
Is a ticket to the COCKTAIL PARTY included in the full package or 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 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.
How do I book my accommodation?
The Stamford Grand have offered a discounted rate for RWAus delegates over the 16 - 18 August 2024, however they are not holding any rooms so be sure to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. The rate on either side of these dates will be subject to availability at the time of booking. To receive the discounted rate call 08 8376 1222 or email reservationsSGA@spa.stamford.com.au and quote the code RWA070824.
Are there other accommodations near the Stamford Grand?
Glenelg has plenty of options available nearby. Here are a few within walking distance:
- Ensenada Motor Inn & Suites
- Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites
- Glenelg Pier Hotel
- Oaks Glenelg Liberty Suites
- Buffalo Motor Inn
- Atlantic Tower Motor Inn
- Glenelg Pacific Apartments
- The Ellis
- South Esplanade Apartment
Is there a special breakfast rate for conference attendees?
Breakfast is served daily in the Promenade Restaurant from 7.00am to 10.30am, and is included in your accommodation rate.
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 authors and agents 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 Trope Actually – 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 people together makes the aroma overpowering!).
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!!!
When do I book in for pitching at conference?
Once all our pitch takers and their availabilities have been confirmed, we will invite everyone eligible to complete a booking form (likely in April 2024). We will do our best to accommodate everyone’s preferences, however, this may not always be possible, so appointments will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
How many pitches can I make during conference?
You will be able to book 2-3 pitches (based on the overall demand for appointments). Pitching is limited to one agent per publishing house (for example, you cannot pitch to 2 publishers from Harlequin).
Do I have to pay to pitch during the conference?
No, pitching is free for all FULL PACKAGE and CORE conference attendees! If you’re only attending a Friday workshop or the Academic day, you are not eligible for pitching.
Should I pitch my unfinished manuscript?
We recommend you should only pitch if you have a finished novel. We cannot force your decision, but it is our recommendation to wait until you have finished your manuscript.
What is a Newbie?
'Newbie' is our affectionate term for people who have never attended a RWAus conference before.
What is a Newbie entitled to?
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 the conference, and will also have a special newbie get-together before the Friday night cocktail party.
Who can I ask for help from over the weekend?
We have dedicated (and really fun!) Newbie Guides on hand to welcome you and help you find your feet. If you're lost, lonely, or just want to chat to someone, look out for our Newbie Guides. You can spot them by their bright teal badges! The good news is that we romance writers are a friendly bunch. You'll soon find yourself with a whole raft of new friends before you know it.
Will there be a bookshop?
Not one, but two bookshops! Dymocks Adelaide 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 Author signing?
This year RWAus are excited to be holding our inaugural author signing event at Trope Actually. VIP authors attending this event will include Christina Lauren, Cathy Yardley, BJ Daniels and Elana Johnson, in addition to a number of Aussie romance superstars. If you interested in becoming a signing author, please visit the Author Signing page of the website for more information on how to apply.
What do the funds raised from the Raffles and Silent Auction go towards?
Each year, the organising committee select 2 worthy causes that the proceeds from the Raffle and Silent Auction go towards.
What is the Silent Auction charity this year?
This year's Silent Auction proceeds will be donated to The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au). The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) is a national charity working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander remote Communities across Australia. They are Community-led, responding to requests from remote Communities for culturally relevant books, including early learning board books, resources, and programs to support Communities to create and publish their stories in languages of their choice. Being able to read opens so many doors. But in very remote Indigenous communities, books can be scarce and literacy levels are often much lower than anywhere else in Australia. The Indigenous Literacy Foundation's purpose is to make a difference to the lives of Indigenous families by not only gifting thousands of new, culturally appropriate books - with a focus on early literacy and first language - but also by running programs to inspire the communities to tell and publish their own stories, in the languages they choose.
What will the Raffle proceeds go towards this year?
Raffle proceeds will again go towards our Membership Assistance Fund. Since 2010, the RWAus Members’ Assistance Fund (MAF) has provided financial support for members who would otherwise be unable to attend RWAus events. Funded by members for members, the MAF offers funding for event registration, travel and accommodation costs. If you’d like some information on what the Members’ Assistance Fund achieves or would like to know more about how to apply, please visit www.romanceaustralia.com/need-financial-support/members-assistance-fund/ or email MAF@romanceaustralia.com.
Can I donate to the Silent Auction of Raffle?
YES! We're always seeking donations. If you don't have physical items to donate, we also encourage donations of:
Feel free to be imaginative!
All proceeds go to charity. If you feel like you are able to donate towards these fabulous causes, please email Rachael at events@romanceaustralia.com.
What is the cancellation policy?
Registration Policy:
Cancellations must be notified in writing to the Conference Secretariat (rwa@willorganise.com.au)
Registration cancellations received:
(a) Within 8 weeks of the conference, there will be a cancellation fee of 25% of total amount;
(b) Within 4 weeks of the conference, there will be a cancellation fee of 40% of total amount;
(c) Within 2 weeks of the conference, You have no entitlement to a refund of any amount.
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.