'Newbie' is our affectionate term for people who have never attended our RWAus conference before.

To help you network, we have an optional Newbies meet and greet. This event is for Newbies only, and will feature a short speech from a longstanding RWAus Member before you all head into the cocktail party together. No Newbie left behind!

Our annual costume cocktail party is a beloved way to kick off our conference in style! This year our theme is 'Trope Actually', and we encourage you to come dressed as your favourite romance trope. Maybe you'll come as a fish out of water, a pregnant heroine, a runaway bride, an ugly duckling, a cowboy or a billionaire. We can't wait to see how you interpret this theme and of course there will be prizes, but if you'd prefer, you're welcome to come along in cocktail wear.