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.

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 entry to the Cocktail Party as part of your full/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?
Wrest Point are offering a discounted rate for RWAus delegates for the conference, if you would like to book accommodation, you can do so whilst registering for the conference, in the registration site.

Are there other accommodations near Wrest Point?
Hobart has plenty of options available nearby. Here are a few within walking distance:

• Motel 429
  
• The Rivulet
  
• Clyydesdale Manor
  
• Grosvenor Court Apartments

Is there a special breakfast rate for conference attendees?
Breakfast is not included in the above rates. There are multiple options for breakfast within the Wrest Point area.

Is there somewhere I can relax if things get overwhelming?
Yes! There will be a dedicated Writers' Room for the duration of conference. 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 Writer Wonderland – 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), 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 2025). 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 HQ).

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, 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.

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.

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:

• Author services (editing, manuscript assessment, cover design, book trailers, etc).
  
• Mentoring sessions from established authors.
  
• Books, bookish merchandise, handbags, beauty products, etc.
  

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 RWA events@romanceaustralia.com.

What is the cancellation policy?
Registration Policy:
Cancellations must be notified in writing to the Conference Secretariat (registration@rwausconference.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 Terms and Conditions:
Please be aware of the following when booking:

All guests will be paying direct to the hotel unless otherwise specified. At the time of booking, a valid credit card must be provided and this will be charged at 30 days prior, for the total of the booking amount. At this point there are no changes or refunds permitted. All guests will be responsible for the payment of their own incidental charges unless otherwise specified.

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

• Within 30 days prior to arrival - full cancellation fees apply for all room nights cancelled, and no changes or refunds permitted.