What Panels Will Romance Book Conventions 2025 Offer?

Honestly, I get giddy thinking about the roster for 2025—there are a handful of big-name romance gatherings that show up every year, and then lots of regionals that pop up on fan radars. I keep an eye on the Romance Writers of America (RWA) conference and the Romantic Novelists' Association events in the UK; those are usually the big, multi-day meetups where publishers, agents, and readers collide. Smaller national bodies, like Romance Writers groups in Australia and Canada, also run yearly conferences that rotate between major cities. If you want concrete locations for 2025, the fastest route is to check each event’s official site or social page: RWA, the RNA, Romance Writers of Australia, and any local reader festivals you follow. They typically list city and venue months in advance. I also track author newsletters and Facebook groups—so many reveals happen there first. Planning travel? Look at large convention centers and downtown hotels in big cities (think New York, London, Melbourne, Toronto) because that’s where editors and big panels like to set up. If you want, tell me which country or region you’re targeting and I’ll dig into specifics and help you map flights and hotels.

I’ve been keeping a close eye on the buzz for 2025. Major publishers like Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster are almost guaranteed to be there, given their consistent presence. They usually bring exclusive ARCs and host author signings, which are huge draws. Indie publishers like 'Tor' and 'Subterranean Press' also tend to make appearances, especially for niche genres like sci-fi and horror. Don’t overlook smaller presses like 'Graywolf' or 'Coffee House Press'—they often showcase unique voices you won’t find elsewhere. International publishers like 'Hodder & Stoughton' might also pop up, depending on the convention’s global focus. Keep an eye on announcements from organizers like BookExpo or San Diego Comic-Con for the full lineup.

I’ve already started marking my calendar for 2025. The big one is BookExpo, usually held in late May or early June in New York—dates aren’t finalized yet, but it’s a must for industry insiders and fans alike. San Diego Comic-Con, though more pop-culture focused, always has a huge literary presence; it typically runs in mid-to-late July. For indie lovers, AWP (Association of Writers & Writing Programs) is likely in early March, while smaller gems like the Tucson Festival of Books often land in March too. Keep an eye on publisher announcements for exact dates, as some, like the Frankfurt Book Fair (October), release details closer to the event.

Volunteering at book conventions in 2025 is an exciting opportunity for book lovers to immerse themselves in the literary world while contributing to the event's success. The first step is to research upcoming conventions, such as 'BookExpo America' or 'San Diego Comic-Con Special Edition,' and visit their official websites for volunteer applications. Most conventions have a dedicated volunteer page with details on roles, requirements, and deadlines. Early applications are key, as spots fill quickly. Roles vary from assisting authors and panel moderators to managing registration desks or social media coverage. Highlight any relevant skills, like customer service or event coordination, in your application. Some conventions may require a brief interview or training session. Networking with past volunteers through forums like Reddit or Goodreads can provide insider tips. Remember to express your passion for books and willingness to learn—it goes a long way! Lastly, prepare for long but rewarding days. Volunteers often get perks like free entry, exclusive swag, or behind-the-scenes access. Dress comfortably, bring snacks, and stay hydrated. If you’re traveling, budget for accommodations early, as nearby hotels sell out fast. Volunteering isn’t just about free access; it’s about connecting with fellow bibliophiles and making memories. I’ve done it twice, and the energy of being surrounded by books and authors is unbeatable.

I'm genuinely excited to talk money and romance con vibes — because ticket affordability is where the dream meets reality. From what I've seen for 2025, smaller local romance conventions often run on the friendlier side: think single-day tickets around $20–$60 and full weekend badges between $50–$150. Bigger, national events with keynote authors, big workshops, and ballroom parties can stretch from $200 up to $600 for premium weekend passes (VIP access, early-entry signings, and exclusive parties push prices higher). Many cons also offer early-bird discounts, reader vs. industry rates, and student or library pricing; snagging a presale can shave off a decent chunk. If you’re budget-minded, keep an eye out for volunteer programs (you trade a few hours for free or reduced entry), virtual-only passes (usually very affordable), and single-panel or signing-only tickets. Shipping, hotels, and special ticketed events (like dinners or intimate meet-and-greets) are where surprise costs hide, so plan the extras wisely — I usually pick one splurge and keep the rest low-key.

I got totally jazzed imagining the 2025 romance convention floor — it feels like every program is finally built to catch debut authors before they drift away. At a recent panel I daydreamed about, there were formal pitch slots where agents and small-press editors rotate through short, live 5–7 minute meetings, but with a twist: each debut gets immediate, written feedback and a follow-up ticket that guarantees a 48-hour email response window. That kind of speedy, accountable connector changes everything for new writers who need direction, not silence. Beyond pitching, conventions are leaning hard into mentorship micro-programs. I love the idea of tiny cohorts — three debuts paired with a mid-list mentor and an editor coach — who workshop the first three chapters over the weekend. Add to that practical clinics on metadata, cover feedback, and setting up pre-order campaigns, plus a small grants table where a handful of micro-stipends cover ARC printing or travel costs. For someone writing late nights and living off coffee, that kind of tangible help is a lifeline. What makes this era exciting to me is the mix of real-world and digital support: hybrid panels recorded for later, an online hub where attendees exchange ARC swaps and blurbs, and even dedicated spaces for mental health breaks and contract Q&A. After sitting through a signing and leaving with a stack of business cards, I always feel like the best thing a convention can do is turn enthusiasm into concrete next steps — and 2025 looks like it's built to do just that.

I get so excited thinking about the circus of booths, swag, and signings at romance cons—those events are usually underwritten by a mix of the big trade houses and nimble indie presses, plus a parade of bookish service companies. From what I track every year, the usual suspects that tend to sponsor or exhibit are major publishers and their romance imprints: HarperCollins/Harlequin (including Avon and Carina), Penguin Random House imprints like Berkley and Ballantine, Hachette’s HQN, Macmillan’s St. Martin’s Press, Simon & Schuster imprints, Kensington, and Sourcebooks. Alongside them you’ll also often see smaller romance-forward houses such as Entangled and regional indie presses pitching in. Audiobook players (Audible, PRH Audio) and e‑retailers (Kobo, Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble) show up frequently as sponsors too. If you want the real 2025 roster, I’d check the official event page, the press release, and the event’s social media—organizers usually post sponsor logos up front. I also like signing up for newsletters from the conventions that interest me; sponsors are often announced in waves. That way I can plan which panels to hit and who might have advance copies or exclusive merch.

Bright-eyed and chatty, I love the chaos of a romance signing table — and I’ve picked up a few tricks that actually make the line move and keep fans smiling. First, prep is everything: have a visible, friendly sign that says whether you’re personalizing, doing quick signatures only, or offering photo ops. Use a small chalkboard or a printed card with big type; people scanning the room appreciate knowing expectations before they reach you. Pack a marker kit with at least two archival pigment pens for paper, one metallic paint pen for glossy covers, and a stash of extra bookmarks and business cards. Comfort beats bravado: bring a lightweight stool, a water bottle with a lid, and a wrist rest for long days. I practice a short, sweet phrasing for dedications so I don’t get tongue-tied after signing twenty books: a name, a two- to four-word wish, and a heart or little doodle if that fits the tone. Also, respect pronouns and ask quietly if someone uses different ones — it’s small, but it matters. Techwise, a QR code that links to your backlist, a Pay/Donate button, or preorder bundles is a lifesaver. Offer a clear way for people to get signed ebooks later (scan a receipt, leave an email). And when lines get long, consider pre-signed bookplates or a ticketing system: fans get their physical copy signed later and don’t lose time in the convention flow. I usually end the day hoarse but ridiculously happy — and already planning better snacks for next time.