10. AWP Conference
The Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) is one of the largest and most popular writing conferences in the world. With more than 15,000 annual participants and 800 exhibitors, it’s more than a conference or book fair – it’s an event. AWP is an essential experience for writers, students, teachers and academics alike.
Faculty: Everyone. If a writer has a book out or teaches often, chances are he or she will be attending.
Why you should go: This massive four-day event features 550 readings, panels and craft lectures from 2,000 participants. Everyone should go to AWP at least once.
Where: Location changes each year.
When: Spring; usually March or April
Website: awpwriter.org/awp_conference
Jennifer Mattson is a writer, journalist and online columnist at Psychology Today. A former producer for CNN and NPR, she teaches writing at NYU School of Professional Studies and leads workshops around the country.
You might also like…
Looking for an agent?
Download our free guide to finding a literary agent, with the contact information and submission preferences for more than 80 agencies.