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HomeCalendar35th Annual Pennwriters Conference

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35th Annual Pennwriters Conference


Here's Some Specifics About Conference Registration and Events:


Before registering, please refer the Pennwriters 35th Annual Conference Overview page prior to registering. It contains valuable information about the programs offered May 12-15, 2022. 

*Please note: By registering for the conference, you are agreeing to follow all public health and safety mandates and recommendations as well as those of the Doubletree hosting hotel. Contact Doubletree for the Pennwriters discount: 717-464-2711.


Thursday Intensive: Interested in some writerly wisdom from our Keynote Speaker, Jonathan Mayberry? Find out more 
here.

Pitch Appointments: Make sure you know which agent or editor you would like a pitch appointment with. You will be able to make a first choice and a second choice. Pitch appointments are free of charge with conference registration. Read what they are looking for in their profiles on this page. 

Take a look at what each agent/editor wants: Agents & Editors

Conference Schedule: View or download the entire schedule for the 2022 Pennwriters Conference . The Friday night keynote with Jonathan Maberry is an add-on you must select from the activities list. For more detailed information on each instructor and their workshops, Conference Keynotes page.


Published Penns Luncheon: Published Penns should contact Jim Rada for more information about the Published Penn Retreat schedule.

Meals: Friday luncheon, Saturday buffet breakfast, Saturday keynote luncheon buffet, and Saturday night social are included in the conference price. After May 1st, no meals are included in registration.

Getting Pennwriters Discount When Reserving Your Room: When you make your reservation at the DoubleTree Resort, you must mention Pennwriters to receive the group discounted room price. (717-464-2711)

If you want to participate in the Best-Dressed Window contest, make sure you request an interior room that will overlook the courtyard.

Best Dressed Window Contest Rules:
 

The rooms facing the courtyard at the DoubleTree Lancaster have lovely patio-type windows perfect for decorating. We decided to have a contest. Bring a cutout of your book character or a mockup of your cover or a phrase from your book -- and decorate your window. 

Think big, because in order to win, we’ll need to see it from several floors down. But remember… Whatever you put up you need to be able to take down. We don’t want to make extra work for the hotel’s housekeeping crew! 

Judging will be by a vote of conference attendees. Watch Facebook and our website for more details. And make sure to ask for a room that faces the courtyard when you reserve your room. The lower the floor, the better we’ll be able to see. (All window decorations should be G/PG rated!)


Cocktails/Mocktails Contest: If you wish to enter the Cocktails/Mocktails contest, please submit your recipe to Leslie at this email: Conference Coordinator.

Cocktails/Mocktails Contest Rules: 

Do you consider yourself a cocktail guru? Can you mix a drink that makes your friends swoon? Share your talents with us in the Cocktails and Mocktails Contest. 

During the first month of registration, we’ll start accepting your original recipes for cocktail and mocktails. We’ll do the sampling and pick two winners -- one cocktail and one mocktail -- to be featured during the conference.

For inspiration, keep our keynotes and their books in mind: Jonathan Maberry with Joe Ledger, Rot & Ruin, and V Wars, and Jon Sprunk with BOOK OF THE BLACK EARTH and SHADOW SAGA novels. Or design a tropical drink for the Saturday night Luau. Or pour something that hints of Pennwriterly inspiration.


Register with Second Chapter Books for Book Sales: You must contact the bookseller yourself using the provided links and fill out their contract. Email them with your completed information: Second Chapter Books The deadline for arranging for your book sales has passed.

Additional Questions: Contact Leslie Tobin Smeltz, Conference Coordinator, or Susan Gourley, Pennwriters President



When:
Thursday, May 12, 2022, 6:00 PM until Sunday, May 15, 2022, 1:00 PM
Where:
DOUBLETREE RESORT BY HILTON LANCASTER

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton, Lancaster, PA
DoubleTree Resort Lancaster
2400 Willow Street Pike
Lancaster, PA  17602

717 464 2711
Event Contact(s):
Susan M Gourley
 
Jackie Shaffmaster
 
Leslie Tobin Smeltz
Category:
Conference
Registration is required
Payment In Full In Advance Only
Make sure you study the agent/editor profiles before deciding who you would like to pitch to during the conference.
If you want to participate in the Best Dressed Window contest, please request an interior room when reserving a room at the Doubletree. Also, remember to request the Pennwriters special room rate when you contact the hotel.
Activities/Items    (Click the down-arrow to the left of the activity/item to view the details)
Registration Agreement
Thursday Full-Day Intensive, No meals
Thursday Intensive: Afternoon Only
Friday Keynote without Dinner
Full Conference/No meals
Fri/Sat Conference, No meals
Friday Only Conference, No meals
Sat/Sun Conference, No meals
Saturday Only Conference, No meals
Sunday Only Conference
Agent or Editor Pitch Appointments