SCHEDULE

Saturday

  • Registration is Open

  • Main Stage

    Welcoming Remarks

    Vania Stoyanova, Preet Singh, Jo Schulte


  • Main Stage
    Opening Keynote
    Kate Dramis & Scarlett St. Clair

  • Ballroom

    The Romance/Fantasy Spectrum

    Untangling the Threads of Romance and Fantasy--What Makes Each Subgenre (Romantasy, Romantic Fantasy, Fantasy Romance) Unique

    Brittany Johnson, Ehigbor Okosun, F.T. Lukens, N.E./ Nia Davenport, Rebecca Ross, Sasha Peyton Smith, Marines Alvarez (M)

    MARY GAY

    Oh the Horror!

    Authors talk crafting love stories threaded with horror, thriller, and gothic tones.

    Allie Shante, Cassandra Newbould , Linsey Miller, Maddie Martinez, Sara Omer (M), Skyla Arndt

    HENRY OLIVER

    The Romance Roundtable

    SPONSORED BY MIRA

    Exploring what makes romance across genres irresistible—tension, chemistry, and the stories that keep readers coming back for more.

    Briar Boleyn, Chandra Blumberg, Karmen Lee, M. K. England, Nadine Gonzalez, Preet Singh (M)

    AUDITORIUM

    New Kids on the Book Block

    Emerging voices in romance discuss the journey to publication and what they’ve discovered along the way.

    Amber Hamilton, Ashley Poston (M), Isabelle Engel, Kalie Cassidy, Shen Tao

  • BALLROOM

    Diversity in Romance

    Celebrating intersectionality, cultural roots, and representation in love stories.

    Delali Adjoa, Laquette, Noreen Nanja, Sajni Patel, Regina Black, Ruby Rana (M), Venessa Vida Kelley

    MARY GAY

    The Art of Antagonistic Chemistry (IRL Version)

    Authors break down banter, boundaries, and believable antagonism in contemporary romance.

    Denise Williams, Jo Segura, Matthew Hubbard (M), Samantha Markum, Rachel Runya Katz, Jen Deluca


    HENRY OLIVER

    The Cozy Side of SFF

    Settle in and enjoy all the cozy vibes across Sci-Fi/Fantasy romance.

    Alechia Dow, Caroline Bonin, Isla Jewell, Jill Tew, Megan Bannen, Sarah Beth Durst (M)

    AUDITORIUM

    Industry Insider: Publishing AMA

    Bring your questions about craft, career, and the realities of publishing

    Ava Rani, Camille (Cameron) Kellogg, M. Stevenson, Kristin Dwyer, Maria Mann (M)


  • BALLROOM

    Queerly Beloved

    Authors discuss LGBTQIA+ romance that celebrates identity, complexity, and the many ways love can be found.

    Ashley Woodfolk, Chip Pons (M), Isa Agajanian, Jonny Garza Villa, Linsey Miller, M. K. England, Olivia Cole

    MARY GAY

    Romance for Every Body

    How fanfiction is fueling the romance genre—turning passion into published stories.

    Amalie Howard, Ambar Cordova (M, Ashley Jordan, Cassandra Newbould, Julie Murphy



    HENRY OLIVER

    Hearts That Belong

    How chosen families—friends, communities, and tight-knit bonds—shape romance, raise the stakes, and make love unforgettable.

    Emma Theriault, M.A. Wardell, Maggie Rapier (M), Natalia Hernandez, N.E./ Nia Davenport, TJ Alexander



    AUDITORIUM

    The Art of Attraction

    SPONSORED BY DELL

    How to craft swoonworthy love interests that feel real, compelling, and impossible to resist.

    Breanne Randall, Demi Winters, Ann Adams, Clare Osongco, Ebony LaDelle, Hannah Teachout (M)


  • BALLROOM

    Royalty & Rebellion

    Love, ambition, and political intrigue entwine in stories where hearts—and the crown—are equally at stake.

    Brigid Kemmerer, Brittney Arena, Emily Varga, Julian Winters (M), Nisha J Tuli, Sasha Peyton Smith, Shen Tao



    MARY GAY

    Twist on Reality

    Romance meets the supernatural, speculative, and surreal—stories where love defies reality and expectations.

    Allie Shante, Jen DeLuca, Jessica Cage, Kristin Dwyer, Mae Coyiuto, Emily Krempholtz (M)


    HENRY OLIVER

    All the LOLz

    The art of comic timing (and how it collides with swoon-worthy stakes to make unforgettable stories).

    Andie J. Christopher, Betty Corrello, Erin Connor, Lauren Morrill (M), M. Stevenson, Preeti Chhibber


    AUDITORIUM

    Setting the Mood

    How authors use atmosphere and mood to make romance feel immersive, emotional, and unforgettable.

    Adrienne Young, Claire Legrand, Maddie Martinez, Skyla Arndt, Ehigbor Okosun (M)

  • BALLROOM

    This is Probably a Bad Idea...

    Exploring the thrill and complexity of risky and forbidden romance, from ethical questions to emotional stakes.

    Demi Winters, Ebony LaDelle, Laurel Boulton, Mia Jay Boulton, Naima Simone, Sav R. Miller, Sierra Simone (M)


    MARY GAY

    Love on the Clock

    Romance, rivalry, and the sparks that fly when love meets office politics.

    Camille (Cameron) Kellogg, Clare Osongco, Isla Jewell (M), Karmen Lee, Rachel Runya Katz, Swati Hegde



    HENRY OLIVER

    Reality Bites (and Sometimes Kisses Back)

    Slice-of-life romances where everyday stakes, humor, and heartfelt moments collide.

    Chandra Blumberg, Delali Adjoa, Isabelle Engel, Kasie West , Lauren Connolly (M), Nadine Gonzalez


    AUDITORIUM

    Setting the Mood

    How to take familiar romance setups and turn them into fresh, engaging stories without falling into cliché.

    Alechia Dow, Ashley Jordan, Jo Segura, Noreen Nanja (M), Samantha Markum

  • BALLROOM

    Game of Hearts

    Romance that scores big—athletes, locker-room tension, and the thrill of authentic connections.

    Ambar Cordova, Andie J. Christopher (M), Ann Adams, Ava Rani , Jonny Garza Villa, Ruby Rana, Simone Soltani


    MARY GAY

    Love for the Ages

    Celebrating romance with older protagonists, exploring love, growth, and connection at any stage of life.

    Ashley Poston (M), Jessica Cage, LaQuette, Megan Bannen, Regina Black, Tatianna Richardson

    HENRY OLIVER

    Supporting Characters' Rights (and Wrongs)

    Exploring the appeal of morally grey and unlikeable leads who steal the spotlight and our hearts.

    Claire Legrand, Emily Krempholtz, Emily Varga (M), Kalie Cassidy, N.E./ Nia Davenport, Sara Omer


    AUDITORIUM

    Clicks & Connections

    Exploring the strategies, creativity, and authenticity behind social media success for authors.

    Brittany Johnson, Brittney Arena, Cait Jacobs, Isa Agajanian, Jaysen Headley (M)

  • BALLROOM

    Romantasy vs Historical

    Comparing historical and fantastical romance, this panel explores how both genres craft stakes, worldbuilding, and swoon-worthy love in different—and surprisingly similar—ways.

    Alexandra Vasti, Amber Hamilton, Gretchen Powell Fox, Isabel Ibañez, TJ Alexander, Venessa Vida Kelley, Niah Freed (M)



    HENRY OLIVER

    The Next Chapter: YA Romance

    SPONSORED BY LOVE, UNDERLINED

    Writing YA often involves getting back into the headspace of your teenage self, reliving the ecstasy and angst of your high school years. Join YA authors Amalie Howard (Rebel Heiress) Jill Tew (An Ocean Apart), Kasie West (Room to Breathe), Matthew Hubbard (Drop Dead Handsome), Olivia A. Cole (Ariel Crashes a Train), Sarah Beth Durst (The Faraway Inn), and Swati Hegde (As Long as You Loathe Me) as they discuss channeling their inner teen and creating the books they wish they’d read in high school. 

    Amalie Howard, Jill Tew, Kasie West, Matthew Hubbard, Sarah Beth Durst, Swati Hegde, Brianna Jett (M)


    AUDITORIUM

    Turning Up the Heat

    A craft-focused discussion on writing sex scenes with purpose—balancing desire, consent, and emotional stakes to make every intimate moment meaningful.

    Erin Connor, Julie Murphy, M.A. Wardell (M), Naima Simone, Nisha J Tuli

  • Main Stage

    History of Romance

    Acclaimed podcasters explore the genre’s evolution, influences, and enduring power across time.

    Jaysen, Lizzy, Marines, Niah

Sunday

  • Registration is Open

  • BALLROOM

    FUN OPENER: Truth or Dare/Battle of the Tropes

    Your fave authors battle it out to see which tropes win over others. The losing team gets a truth or dare.

    Hosted by: Vania Stoyanova, Julian Winters, Betty Corrello.

    Featuring: Ava Rani, Emily Varga, Jonny Garza, Kristin Dwyer, Naima Simone, N.E./ Nia Davenport



  • BALLROOM

    The Spice-O-Meter

    Exploring romance that turns up the heat—steamy, emotional, and unforgettable.

    Alexandra Vasti (M), Andie J. Christopher, Emily Krempholtz, Lauren Connolly, Lauren Morrill, Nadine Gonzalez, Ruby Rana



    MARY GAY

    Monsters in the Mix

    A dive into tales with monsters, myths, and the unexpected ways they intersect with love, life, and storytelling.

    Allie Shante, Laurel Boulton, Maddie Martinez, Mia Jay Boulton, Sajni Patel, Venessa Vida Kelley, Keara Rodriguez (M)



    HENRY OLIVER

    Championing Diversity in Romance

    Celebrating romances with diverse leads, backgrounds, and experiences.

    Ashley Woodfolk, Ambar Cordova, Ehigbor Okosun, Natalia Hernandez, Gretchen Powell Fox (M), Mae Coyiuto

    AUDITORIUM

    Settings that Spark

    How to make worlds that enhance stakes, chemistry, and tension in romance.

    Demi Winters, Isabel Ibañez, Kalie Cassidy, Linsey Miller, Shen Tao (M)

  • BALLROOM

    The Art of Antagonistic Chemistry (SFF Version)

    SPONSORED BY LOVE, UNDERLINED

    From rivalry to romance in Sci-Fi and Fantasty, crafting tension that sparks and satisfies.

    Amalie Howard, Brigid Kemmerer, Isla Jewell (M), Jill Tew, Megan Bannen, Nisha J Tuli, Sara Omer


    MARY GAY

    Love Without Limits

    A discussion of love stories that reflect all facets of human experience—from chronic illness and mental health to disability, neurodivergence, and beyond.

    Ashley Jordan, Brittney Arena (M), Cassandra Newbould, Claire Legrand, Emma Theriault, Swati Hegde



    HENRY OLIVER

    Love in the In-between Years

    Exploring love, growth, and pivotal moments in new adult and crossover stories—both real and fantastical.

    Ava Rani (M), Cait Jacobs, Caroline Bonin, Jonny Garza Villa, Samantha Markum

    AUDITORIUM

    The Stories that Made Us

    Authors discuss formative reads that shaped their writing style.

    Ann Adams (M), Jo Segura, Karmen Lee, Maggie Rapier, TJ Alexander

  • BALLROOM

    We <3 Romantasy

    SPONSORED BY LOVE, UNDERLINED

    The place where romance and fantasy converge, creating tales of love set in magical realms.

    Alechia Dow, Emily Varga (M), Kalie Cassidy, M. Stevenson, Rebecca Ross, Sarah Beth Durst, Venessa Vida Kelley



    MARY GAY

    RomTraum

    Where love is complicated, intense, and impossible to forget.

    Clare Osongco (M), Delali Adjoa, Kristin Dwyer, Lauren Connolly, Preeti Chhibber, Rachel Runya Katz


    HENRY OLIVER

    Romance in the Spotlight

    Behind the scenes of celebrity romances—how authors mix fame, love, and drama for a page-turning experience

    Betty Corrello, Erin Connor, Isabelle Engel (M), Kate Dramis , LaQuette, Simone Soltani


    AUDITORIUM

    The Ins and Outs of Co-Creating

    How authors successfully co-write romantic stories, balancing voice, plot, and creativity.

    Ashley Poston (M), Ashley Woodfolk, Laurel Boulton, Mia Jay Boulton, Olivia Cole



  • BALLROOM

    Burn, Baby, Burn

    From subtle chemistry to full-blown passion, the art of the slow burn.

    Amber Hamilton, Ebony LaDelle, Isla Jewell, Kasie West (M), Mae Coyiuto, Maggie Rapier, Nisha J Tuli


    MARY GAY

    Secrets, Scholars & Swoon

    Exploring Dark Academia romances where secrets, ambition, and desire collide in mysterious, atmospheric worlds.

    Andrea Max, Breanne Randall, Briar Boleyn, Isa Agajanian (M), Sav R. Miller, Skyla Arndt



    HENRY OLIVER

    Small Town, Big Love

    Exploring love in small-town settings with charm, tension, and community stakes.

    Ambar Cordova, Ashley Jordan, Emily Krempholtz, Jen DeLuca, Karmen Lee (M), M. K. England



    AUDITORIUM

    From Spark to Story

    Building romance premises and characters that hook.

    Allie Shante, Caroline Bonin, F.T. Lukens, Nadine Gonzalez (M), Ruby Rana

  • BALLROOM

    Once Upon a Romance

    Exploring romance through the lens of mythology, fairy tales, and classic stories retold.

    Adrienne Young, Brittany Johnson, Linsey Miller (M), Maddie Martinez, Naima Simone, Sajni Patel, Scarlett St. Clair


    MARY GAY

    Pride in Romance

    Celebrating LGBTQIA+ romance across genres, experiences, and identities.

    Camille (Cameron) Kellogg (M), Julian Winters, M.A. Wardell, Natalia Hernandez, TJ Alexander, Sara Omer



    HENRY OLIVER

    Hearts Reunited

    From past heartbreak to renewed connection, crafting stories that tug at the heart.

    Chandra Blumberg, Erin Connor, Noreen Nanja, Regina Black (M), Shen Tao, Tatianna Richardson

    AUDITORIUM

    Partners in Story

    SPONSORED BY PEACHTREE TEEN

    Exploring the behind-the-scenes partnership between authors and their editor that turns drafts into polished, compelling books.

    Cassandra Newbould, Delali Adjoa, Ashley Hearn (M)

  • BALLROOM

    Why We Need Romance

    From joy to hope to standards... why romance books keeps the world turning.

    Amalie Howard, Andie J. Christopher, Ashley Poston (M), Chip Pons, Jo Segura, Kate Dramis, Olivia A. Cole


    MARY GAY

    Love Triangles

    In defense of...

    Andrea Max, Brittney Arena, Ehigbor Okosun, Jill Tew, Preeti Chhibber, Preet Singh (M)

    HENRY OLIVER

    Show Me the Tropes

    SPONSORED BY DELL

    Author's discuss their favorite and least favorite tropes, and how to write them effectively.

    Ann Adams, Breanne Randall, Clare Osongco, Demi Winters, Ebony LaDelle (M), Swati Hegde

    AUDITORIUM

    Bookseller/Librarian Fireside Chat

    Hang out with booksellers and librarians as they answer your questions and talk about the industry from their point of view.

    Emma Theriault, Julian Winters (M), Lauren Morrill, Vania Stoyanova

  • BALLROOM

    Closing Keynote & Signing

    Sierra Simone, Julie Murphy & Denise Williams

Signing Schedule