Realm Makers has a way of racing toward us all faster than we could ever imagine. If you’re starting to feel the pressure to get it together for the writers conference and now also the expo, here are a few–OK a LOT–of tips to help you enjoy your conference experience, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned veteran.
Before You Leave Home
Things you want to pack:
Networking materials such as business cards for handing to people when you have a great conversation and want to follow up.
Pitch materials (if you’re planning to pitch your book to an editor or agent) which might include a one sheet, that business card again, a rehearsed verbal pitch that’s concise, but not necessarily memorized.
- You probably won’t need any of your writing on paper--agents and editors don’t want to lug home a stack of samples. Just have easy access to your first three chapters and your full manuscript on a laptop or in the cloud someplace. Worst case scenario is you do some last minute printing at the hotel.
Outfits that you’re comfortable in but also fit your personality. The conference day is pretty casual, but dress more professionally if you’re pitching that day. Business casual is fine for pitching.
An extra layer, such as a hoodie or sweater. You never know if the conference center will be warm or freezing. And when you’re sitting all day in air conditioning, the cold can settle in.
Surprises happen when you’re cosplaying: If you’re wearing a costume for the awards dinner, consider bringing a small emergency repair kit.
A way to take notes, whether that’s digitally or with paper and pen/pencil. You will probably take a LOT.
GAMES! (PG rated or cleaner, please) If you can fit a card game or the like in your bag (or board games in your car if you’re driving), bring it! Many folks do late night games around the hotel, and Sunday night will be a great time for that for those who are staying through to Monday morning.
A note on shoes–when you’re not sitting in class, you will be doing a fair bit of walking. The venue is much bigger than past venues (though smaller than Atlantic City, for those who came in 2022.) Make sure the shoes you bring are broken in. If they aren’t, bring bandaids.
When You Arrive in Grand Rapids
Amway Grand Plaza doesn’t have an airport shuttle, so plan to grab and Uber/taxi or make arrangements with a friend for a pickup. The Carpool/Roommate Matchup group in the RealmSphere is a great place to coordinate with folks to rideshare and save some money.
Driving? As a Realm Makers attendee, you will get your self-parking at the Amway Grand Plaza (if you are staying at the hotel) for half price, which will be about $20/night. There are less expensive lots within a few blocks if you’re looking to save some money and don’t feel you’ll need easy access to your car.
Hotel Check In is 4:00 pm.
If you’re arriving Thursday, no problem. If you are looking for something to do Thursday after 5, the conference staff will be setting up registration near Exhibit Hall C, and you can always drop by to help stuff bags or handle other simple tasks.
Arriving Friday?
The opening keynote is before hotel check in, so consider leaving your luggage at the bell stand. Not only is baggage a lot to pull around, but we can’t have everyone taking the bags to their seats in the main ballroom. You’ll be responsible for your bags if you opt to bring them into the convention center and set them aside.
Arriving later than 3:00 pm Friday?
The registration desk will close during the opening keynote, then reopen for about an hour between the keynote and dinner. If you arrive during a time the desk is closed, come to Steelcase Ballroom A/B. Our staff should be able to spot you and give you a hand.
Where you’re staying vs. where the action is:
You can get from AGP (Amway Grand Plaza) to DeVos Place (the convention center) either all indoors via a skywalk that connects the hotel and convention center, or you can just walk along the river, weather permitting. We will have signs to help you find your way if you take the interior route. It’s not difficult, but has a couple turns along the way.
CONFERENCE CHECK IN
CHECK IN BEGINS at 8 am Friday for Pre-Conference registrants
All regular writers conference attendees may check in after 9:30 am Friday.
Come to the registration table outside of Exhibit Hall C in DeVoss place.
Meal Options
Breakfast:
If you want to start your day with a full breakfast, The Kitchen Counter in the Amway Grand Plaza has grab-and-go as well as made-to-order options. Give yourself extra time if you want to grab breakfast there, in case a lot of other conferencegoers have the same idea.
The Coffee Cart:
Will be available in the conference area near the Steelcase Ballrooms before the morning sessions begin and up until about lunch. Offering specialty coffees, cappuccino, beverages, individually packaged snacks such as granola bars, muffins, chips and candy.
Starbucks: Also in AGP
Lunch:
Faculty Lunch Receptions (Saturday and Sunday, if you pre-purchased with your registration or added on before July 3)
The Grille Cart:
Will be available in the conference area near the Steelcase Ballrooms during lunchtime (and a little after.) Offering beef hot dogs, Johnsonville bratwurst, basil pesto chicken sandwich, Cajun chicken sandwich, chips, fruit and beverages
Concessions in Expo Hall C: Burgers, hotdogs/bratwurst, sandwiches, fries, mozzarella sticks, salads, fruit, snacks, nachos, pretzels, beverages
Or venture out into the city–there are many options within a walkable distance from the hotel and convention center. Make sure to use time-saving conveniences like ordering ahead or call-ahead seating. Door dash and Uber eats are also great options with a little advance planning.
Dinner:
Don’t forget, your Friday awards banquet is included in your conference registration! No separate ticket needed, unless you’re bringing a guest.
Saturday/Sunday:
Dinner breaks are longer than lunches, so enjoying some of the local restaurants is a great option.
There are also some delicious options in the Amway Grand Plaza itself. Find a full list here.
Expo concessions will also be open.
Appointments
If you’re meeting with an agent, editor, or mentor, here are a few tips:
Make sure you have the time for your appointment in the right time zone–appointment times are all Eastern Daylight Time. Double check that your personal calendar didn’t switch it on you.
Keep it in perspective–I know, easier said than done. But trust God’s timing on these meetings, and if you get a “no thank you” on the spot, spend the last few minutes asking for advice how to make your book or pitch more appealing.
Adding appointments:
The appointments desk staff will be able to assist you in selecting additional appointments if you want them. When you check in, there will be slots available for many editors and some mentors.
If your “dream professional” has a full calendar, ask to be put on the wait list. People cancel even the most hotly sought-after appointments all the time.
Remember: Character–the problem they face–the stakes if they fail at solving the problem. If you build a succinct pitch around that, it’s a great foundation for a good conversation. Be brief and let your professional ask clarifying questions.
Cancel if you decide you don’t want an appointment you booked. Somebody else might be waiting for that slot. Plus, nobody likes to be stood up when they think an attendee is coming to talk to them.
A Few "Don'ts"
Stress about the conference
Again, easier said than done. But remember, we’re all friends here, and Realm Makers is the friendliest, most supportive group of writers you’ll find.
Stop agents or editors in the halls between classes
These folks are always on their way somewhere: to teach, to appointments, to the bathroom…they need to get where they’re going, so between classes isn’t the time to lob a pitch at them.
Go-go-go until you collapse
It’s tempting to drink from the firehose of learning, friend-making, and networking opportunities non-stop, but pace yourself. Your brain will be mush by the end of Sunday, but that will happen sooner if you don’t take self-care breaks.
Feel weird if you need grounding tools to manage the high stimulation environment at the convention center. We get it–a lot of us know exactly why you’re carrying a fidget or a “little ouchie” or a squishy stress chibi. Better to have your tools with you than have a meltdown, right?
Now for the "Dos"
Join the RealmSphere 2025 Conference Group
This is where MANY announcements will get posted during the course of the conference AND where you’ll access recorded sessions and replays. You need to set up your account there if you haven’t yet. You’ll find the group here. (Having trouble? Email membership@realmmakers.com)
Check out the Expo
All writers conference attendees have access to the Expo. There are times built into the schedule for you to shop the exhibit hall, and if there’s a piece of Expo content that looks too good to miss, you’re welcome to go check it out. You have access to all the Expo content (minus the performances, but you can buy tickets to them if you want.)
Change sessions if one you signed up for isn’t working for you. No apologies needed.
Feel free to get up for your appointments in the middle of classes or return to a class after an appointment. Your teachers and classmates know the drill. Again, no apologies or announcements needed. Just slip out or back in as quietly as you can.
Sticker your badge
We will have all kinds of stickers to identify what you write, whether you’re a newbie or a vet, or if you’re helping out. Stickers and badge ribbons are great conversation starters.
Adopt an Opposite
Are you an extrovert? Keep an eye out for the terrified introverts hanging near the door or edge of the room. Consider kindly inviting them to hang with you. Introduce them to others.
Introverted? Adopt an extrovert! By hanging with an extroverted friend at the conference, you’ll meet people you might not otherwise have had the guts to approach.
When in doubt, ask
Our planning committee is always happy to help, so don’t wonder or worry, ask! Many of our seasoned attendees will also be wearing Ask Me ribbons on their badges. If they don’t know the answer to your question, they’ll help you find the person who does.
