Mystery Conferences - Pros, cons and benefits

[Patricia Harrington]

Headed off for Murder in the Grove in Boise, ID, the first weekend in June. Murder in the Grove is one of my favorite crime/mystery conferences, and I decided that's due to several factors.

First, the conference is small enough to get to know more people. Maybe that's an oxymoron: Bigger conference, more people to meet--but also more intimidating. Another factor is that there are good panels, with typically, one all-day workshop provided by a well known author. And finally the folks who put on the conference, Partners in Crime members and volunteers, are friendly and knowledgeable. It's also good that the hotel is fairly small and intimate. I don't know about others, but riding with strangers with the same funky, big name tags hanging around their necks in such a small space, is a great way to meet someone new. I'll be attending for fun but also representing Mystery Writers of America's Northwest Chapter where I'm treasurer and board member. Interestingly, the Northwest Chapter takes in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska and the "touching parts" of Montana.

Love to hear back from others about their thoughts and adventures at mystery/crime conferences.

[Patrick Balester]

Just returned from Mayhem in the Midlands, a mystery conference in Omaha Nebraska.

Pros: Met some wonderful writers and attended excellent panels. I picked up some books from new writers I would not have discovered had I not attended (some may belong to crimespace...I'll have to look for them). Also a good chance to promote my own debut novel, of course.

Cons: The cost...although I drove to the conference. Between hotel, registration, meals, gas, over $450 (not including book purchases).

Still, well worth it, if only for the benefits of meeting other writers and seeing what they are doing.

[Patricia Harrington]

Patrick's list of pro's and con's is, I suspect, a typical one. In my experience, an author/reader has to really decide what it is they want to gain from attending the conference. And then weigh the cost--is it just a vacation--with fun schmoozing and meeting of kindred spirits? Or is it making contacts in the publishing/marketing fields that would be helpful stepping stones? Or is it a matter of seeing your favorite authors, whom you've checked out in advance, will be attending?

With registration fees, hotel and foods costs, plus transportation, and the inevitable book buying, most conferences are going to cost in the $400+ range, unless you can commute easily by car.

Cheers, and I'll be attending Murder in the Grove in Boise and looking forward to it.

Why and what benefit to Murder in the Grove, weekend of June 5th?

1) Will go to represent MWA/NW Chapter (am board member and treasurer).

2) Will attend a valuable all-day thriller writing workshop.

3) Have an appointment with an agent.

4) Love the town and the folks who put on the conference--Partners in Crime--and the habitual reader/fan/attendees. Like meeting up and visiting, catching up again, with them. .

5) Like smaller conferences where you can indeed meet interesting and fun people.

Cheers,

Pat Harrington, Author, Bridget O'Hern Mystery Series
And coming: Aunt Amelia, in a Golden Age Era Mystery--Murder Visits Antigua

[Janet Rudolph]

Look forward to hearing more about your experiences at Murder in the Grove. I agree that small conferences can be more fun. Left Coast Crime in Hawaii 2009 will be another small conference. We're calling it the Unconventional Convention. Lots of panels, small reading groups, reader and author talks and panels. Music, dancing (well maybe/) and many informal ways to meet other authors and readers. http://www.leftcoastcrime.org
LCC2009 will be put on by the same committee that put on LCC2004 in Monterey. Although our numbers grew on that one, because of its setting, the hotels, and the people, it still had a small convention feel. There was plenty of outside time!

I'm looking for ways of publicizing Left Coast Crime both to attract more readers and authors, but to also help Judy Greber and Louise Ure with programming. If people sign up right before the convention, there's no way of having the programming (or being on the program ) that they might want. Would love to hear from others what types of programs they might like to see.

Guests of Honor: Rhys Bowen and Barry Eisler; Toastmaster: Lee Goldberg. Right there you know there's a lot to talk about!

[Leian]

I'd love to do Left Coast in Hawaii, but since my residence is quite opposite, as in Right Coast in New Jersey, the cost might very well be a factor. Phooey.