WHAT TO EXPECT?
Penned Con is not your average book signing. A lot of readers and authors are accustomed to the traditional one-day signing where you stand in line, anxiously waiting to burst through the front doors of the room to hunt down your favorite author, all for a chance to spend a few precious moments with them before the author is forced to move on to the next person in line. The idea of a 2-day convention can be a little confusing at first so we want to give you a little idea of what you can expect to experience.
Penned Con is a family friendly event that was created as a full 2-day signing to allow you the chance to relax, hang out with old and new friends, visit with your favorite authors/readers all in a laid back setting. You don’t have to worry about spending so much time in one line only to risk missing the opportunity to see another author. A 2-day signing allows for a kinetic and inspiring atmosphere that, once you experience it, you will come to realize is the perfect setting for all of your fangirl/fanboy needs.
As an established event, we host authors from all walks of publication, from indie to traditional, from newbie to authors with multiple books available. All are treated equally. All are given the opportunity to learn and grow, to discover new readers, and to have fun.
Attendees can join our authors in informative and hilarious panels, discover secrets of the trade in workshops, join us in reader and author interactive games, come party with us on the dance floor and help us give back to our partnered charity, Action for Autism through raffles and silent auctions.
We work very hard each year to create a family feel where everyone is welcome, whether you are an aspiring author, blogger, fan or a NYT Bestselling author. You will go home feeling like you’ve just expanded your networking circle, made lasting friendships and all while having tons of fun.
Things you need to consider before arriving:
Dress for comfort. Trust me, comfy shoes are a must.
Layer your clothing so that you can easily adjust to temperature changes.
If you plan to buy several books or collect a ton of swag consider a rolling cart. Carrying everything gets super heavy really fast. We’ve seen many different options used over the year, from shopping baskets, suitcases all to the way fold out wagons.
Plan to attend the panels and workshops that interest you. They are a lot of fun and very informative.
Grab a seating chart map when you arrive so you know where everyone is located. Then wander the aisles. Meet some new to you authors. We have so many great ones this year.
Don’t be afraid to go up and say hi to the authors. They are there for YOU.
Don’t forget that you aren’t the only first timer. There are many who are feeling their way around so join up and have fun.
NOTHING is ever mandatory. All events that we host are casual. Come and go as you please. Join in where you like or stand back and watch.
We never have a clothing requirement. Not even for our awards event. If you want to get all dolled up, go for it. But if you prefer sneakers and jeans, you are welcome.
The RCPR party on Friday night is FREE TO ALL ATTENDEES. Come and party with us. Dance it up. Drink it up. Have fun mingling.
Bring a camera/phone. You will regret it if you don’t.
Have sharpies available for the authors to sign your bags. They tend to run out from time to time.
Most authors accept both cash and credit but it’s always good to have cash on hand just in case.