Florida WritersCon 2025 FAQ
October 17 to 19, 2025 • Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration & Pricing
Q: When does registration close?
A: Registration closes September 30, 2025, or when we reach capacity—whichever comes first. Onsite registration is not available; please register in advance. You can register here.
Q: Is there an early-bird rate?
A: Yes. Early-bird pricing runs through August 15, 2025. See here for details.
Q: Do I have to be an FWA member to attend?
A: Florida WritersCon is a member benefit, which means you must be a member in order to register for and attend the conference. If you’re not currently a member, it’s easy to join FWA! Once you join, you’ll be able to access the form to register and submit payment for the conference. Learn more about joining FWA here.
Q: I’m not a Florida resident. Can I still join FWA and attend?
A: Absolutely! FWA is proud to support writers across the nation and even internationally. To learn more about FWA or to join as a member, please visit our website here. After you join as a member, you are eligible to register for Florida WritersCon 2025 here.
Q: I'm a semi-finalist or finalist in RPLA and want to attend the Saturday night mixer & banquet only. How do I register for the RPLA banquet only?
A: You may register for the RPLA Mixer & Banquet here. If you register for these events only, you badge will allow you admittance to the Saturday night mixer and awards banquet. You will not be eligible to attend any of the workshop sessions, keynote speaker, or other conference events. To experience all that Florida WritersCon 2025 has to offer, we encourage you to register for the full conference.
Q: What is the refund policy?
A: The last day to request a refund for Florida WritersCon 2025 is September 17, 2025. Requests for refunds must be received via email at [email protected]. A $75 cancellation fee applies and the remainder of your registration fee will be refunded. Please review the full event refund policy on our website here.
Hotel & Travel
Q: Where is the conference held?
A: Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs, 350 Northlake Blvd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Q: Is there a discounted hotel rate?
A: Yes. FWA has negotiated a discounted rate. You must book through the link on our website by October 5, 2025. See here for more information.
Q: Is parking included?
A: Parking is free of charge at the Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs.
Q: Which airport should I fly into?
A: Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) are the closest airports. Ground transportation options include rideshare, taxi, and rental cars.
Programming & Experience
Q: What kinds of sessions will there be?
A: Workshops and a keynote address covering craft, publishing (indie, traditional, and hybrid), business for writers, marketing, and more. Learn more here.
Q: Will sessions be recorded or streamed?
A: No, we are not offering a virtual or recorded option in 2025. Recording (voice or video) of conference workshops and events is not allowed.
Q: Can I pitch to agents or editors?
A: We will not have pitch sessions or meet-and-greets with agents or editors.
Q: Can I bring books to sell?
A: There will not be a dedicated time or space for member book sales. Instead, we encourage participants to focus on creating authentic connections, expanding their creative network, and powering up their writing with our informative sessions. You can also check out our list of Florida Book Fairs to find a bookselling event near you!
Q: Will there be opportunities to network?
A: Absolutely! Besides the opportunity to connect with other writers between sessions and at meals and mixers, we have a special networking event on Friday afternoon called Writers Connect.
Q: Will there be a Kristen Arnett book signing? Can I purchase a book onsite?
A: Yes, Kristen Arnett will be available for a book signing after her keynote address on Saturday October 18, 2025. Her books will be available for purchase.
Q: What is Writers Connect?
A: Writers Connect is a unique, two-hour networking experience on Friday afternoon designed to foster authentic connections among conference attendees. Instead of the typical “mingle and trade business cards,” participants engage in guided activities that spark meaningful conversations and collaboration.
Q: What are Curated Workshop Tracks?
A: We've organized our diverse workshop offerings into Curated Tracks — themed collections of sessions designed to guide you through the aspects of writing and publishing that matter most to you. Including craft, publishing, marketing, and legal. While you're free to attend any session you choose, these tracks help you identify workshops that align with your current goals and creative interests. Allowing you to build a personalized schedule and navigate the conference with focus and intention.
Q: Do I need to sign up in advance for workshops?
A: Workshops are included as part of your conference registration. While you do not need to register in advance for specific workshops, you must register for the conference in order to attend any workshop.
Royal Palm Literary Awards (RPLA) Mixer and Banquet
Q: When is the RPLA Banquet?
A: Saturday, October 18, 2025. The banquet is preceded by a mixer with Champagne pour and hors d'oeuvres starting at 5:30 PM. Entry the banquet begins at 7:00 PM. We’ll celebrate the winners of the prestigious Royal Palm Literary Awards.
Q: What’s the dress code for the banquet?
A: Cocktail or business-formal attire is encouraged. This is your chance to get dressed up and celebrate exceptional writing from our FWA community!
Q: How do I register for the RPLA mixer banquet only?
A: Use the registration form found here. When you purchase a RPLA banquet only registration, your badge will admit you to the Saturday night mixer and awards banquet. You will not eligible to attend any of the workshop sessions, keynote speaker, meals, or other conference events. To experience all that Florida WritersCon 2025 has to offer, we encourage you to register for the full conference.
Q: Can I bring my spouse, significant other, family member, friend, or other person to celebrate with me at the banquet?
A: Yes, but they must have a paid registration for either the full conference experience or the RPLA mixer and banquet only. As a perk of your FWA membership, you are eligible to register (1) guest at current conference pricing to attend either the full conference or the RPLA mixer and banquet only. Persons who are not registered for the full conference or the RPLA banquet only will not be admitted to the Saturday night mixer or RPLA banquet.
Q: If I’m registered for the RPLA banquet only, when and where do I check-in/pick up my name badge?
A: Please check-in/pick up your name badge at the conference registration desk on Saturday October 18, between 1:30 PM and 6:00 PM
Accessibility, Dietary Restrictions, and Photography/Video Policy
Q: Is the venue accessible?
A: The Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs provides several accessibility features in the guest rooms and other public spaces. Please visit their website to learn more.
Q: What about dietary restrictions or allergies?
A: Please note any allergies or restrictions during registration. We’ll do our best to accommodate you with allergy-friendly and dietary conscious options.
Q: What is your photography/video policy?
A: By attending, you may be photographed or recorded for promotional purposes.
Practicalities
Q: When and where do I check-in/pick up my conference badge?
A: Your badge is required for admittance to any conference event or meal. The registration desk is located outside the Boardroom Foyer and is open Friday October 17, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. and Saturday October 18, 2025 from 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM. and 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Q: What should I wear?
A: Business casual is perfect for most sessions and mixers. The Saturday night mixer and RPLA banquet is cocktail or business formal. Also, don’t forget a light sweater or jacket! The conference rooms can run cold.
Q: Are meals provided as part of the conference?
A: Yes, meals are included with your conference registration.
Q: My spouse, significant other, family member, friend, or other person will be with me but is not attending the conference. Can they eat meals or attend the mixers with me?
A: No. You must be registered and wearing a badge for the conference in order to participate in meals, mixers, or the RPLA Awards Banquet. FWA members are eligible to register (1) guest at current conference pricing to attend the conference or RPLA banquet with them.
Meal options for anyone who is not registered include onsite restaurants, a bar, and room service at the Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs. Additionally, there is a variety of restaurants and other establishments outside of the hotel in the Orlando/Altamonte Springs area. Food and beverages outside of what is provided as part of the conference are a separate expense and the responsibility of the attendee or their guest.
Q: Will there be Wi-Fi?
A: Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available.
Q: What should I bring?
A: Notebook, laptop, business cards, a sweater or light jacket (the conference rooms get chilly!) and a willingness to learn and connect!
Q: Who do I contact with other questions?
A: Email [email protected]
Ready to join us?
Register now and secure your spot for Florida WritersCon 2025!
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