Once you arrive at the VENUE, come by the LOCATION with a printed or digital copy of your ticket. We will scan your ticket and exchange it for a convention badge. This badge must be worn at all times.
Accommodations for People with Disabilities BroadwayCon strives to incorporate a high level of accessibility for all attendees. If you have a disability that will impact your time at the event, please stop by the Accessible Check-In desk or Customer Service, where we can assist you in making the most of your time at BroadwayCon. This includes, but is not limited to, needing extra time to get to seats, seating near an aisle/door or near presenters, captioning of select programming, an aide badge for a companion, or a quiet place to rest during the convention.
If you've lost something important, have a question you need answered, or require accommodations for a disability, stop by the customer service desk and a member of Romance Con staff will be happy to help you.
Embark on a journey into the world of hockey romance to uncover why it has become a beloved trope. Panelists will explore common archetypes of hockey players, including the alpha male, the grumpy hero, and the physically fit, competitive athlete. The discussion will highlight the dedicated fan base and community surrounding hockey romance novels, particularly on platforms like TikTok, and explore how this trope often serves as a gateway for new romance readers. Additionally, the panel will examine how the dynamic and competitive nature of hockey enriches the development of romantic relationships in fiction.
This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Explore why people are drawn to romance and why it has consistently been the best-selling genre for decades. Learn about the common stereotypes of the genre and how today's readers are subverting them. Panelists will share how reading romance makes them feel, their favorite books and tropes, and what they get from romance that other genres don't provide. Hear why influencers choose to share their passion for reading and romance on social media, and how they interact with the vibrant romance community.
This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Hear from a panel of authors as they delve into the complexities of writing romance for single parents. Explore the controversial baby and pregnancy trope in storytelling and discuss the challenges and rewards of navigating love when children and caregiving are priorities. Gain insights into how children and parenting dynamics create stakes and drive narratives forward. The panel will highlight the significance of representation, showcasing diverse experiences including widows, widowers, divorce, and past failed relationships among single parents.
This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
A discussion on how contemporary movements like #MeToo and societal changes have transformed the portrayal of consent and safe sex, moving away from the "bodice ripping days." Learn how the authors write consent and safe sex scenes that are both responsible and sexy, and explore the potential of romance novels to educate readers about healthy sexual relationships. This panel will also address subverting societal expectations by embracing sex positivity, including sex work, sex toys, and pornography, and the unique challenges and opportunities of portraying safe sex and consent in LGBTQ+ and non-heteronormative relationships.
This panel will feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Discover how race and ethnicity intersect with sapphic narratives, and hear from this panel of authors on their approach to sex scenes, especially for readers new to WLW stories. The authors will share their strategies for subverting stereotypes and crafting authentic sapphic love stories and experiences. The panel will also discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in writing sapphic romance compared to mainstream heterosexual romance.
This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Join a panel of authors as they discuss creating physical intimacy without explicit sex scenes, emphasizing pacing and tension. Attendees will learn how off-page steam can foster anticipation, emotional intimacy, and engage reader imagination. The panel will explore the intersection of culture and ethnicity in 'chaste' love stories, and examine the popularity of closed door romances despite the prevailing pro-steam trend on platforms like BookTok. Additionally, the panel will address the challenges and opportunities of abstaining from writing sex scenes, offering insights into alternative methods to advance the plot and deepen connections between main characters.
This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
A conversation on why readers are drawn to retellings of classic romance. The panel of authors will delve into the timeless appeal of classic romance stories and their role as the blueprints of the genre. Discover how the panelists are making retellings unique by adapting them creatively, and explore ways to modernize and diversify classic romance fiction.
This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Discussion on the pros and cons of publishing independently, including the creative freedom it offers in writing, editing, and length. Learn the process of self-publishing with practical tips on budgeting, digital and traditional marketing, and self-promotion on social media. Our panelists will highlight the significant differences between indie and traditional publishing and work to break the stereotype that independent publishing isn't a deliberate and empowering choice.
This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Explore the high stakes and appeal of danger in this genre. Panelists will delve into the development of morally grey characters, discussing their challenges and appeal to readers. Attendees will learn strategies for balancing darker elements with romantic themes and how dark romance challenges conventional notions of love and relationships. The discussion will also address the complexities of writing and reading potentially triggering content, the necessary research, and considerations for adapting writing processes to handle heavier themes. Common themes and plot points in dark romance will be thoroughly examined.
This panel will feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
A compelling discussion with male authors writing romance. The panel will explore the importance of male perspectives in M/M stories, their individual journeys in carving out space in the genre, and how they began writing romance. Discover how male authors can offer fresh perspectives and challenge existing norms within the romance genre.
This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Those Forking Fangirls Podcast w/ Julie Murphy: Smut + Spiciness - nerdy pop culture duo Christine Riccio and Natasha Polis chat all things smut and spice in the reading world with their gen z social media manager Chloe Laverson, and NYT bestselling author Julie Murphy. How much smut is too much? Is there such a thing? Why do we call it smut?! What’s your preferred spice level, and what does that say about you?
This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Dive into the rich history of romance covers, from the iconic bodice rippers and Fabio look-alikes to the modern cartoon cover trend. Our panelists will reveal who actually decides the look of these covers and discuss why the current trend is both controversial and beloved. Hear insights on how cartoon covers have made romance novels more accessible and less embarrassing for readers, and debate whether they might mislead newer audiences. The authors will also provide predictions on future cover trends and examine how cover styles vary across different romance sub-genres.
This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
A conversation about why books about chefs, restaurants, and cooking are so popular and what makes them appealing. Discover the importance of food in society, from eating on dates to family meals, and how food and cooking symbolize intimacy and sensuality. Panelists will examine how characters' relationships with food reflect their personalities, backgrounds, and emotions, and the intersection of culture, ethnicity, and cuisine. Learn how food contributes to themes of nourishment, intimacy, and cultural exploration in romantic narratives.
This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Delve into the role of research in accurately portraying diverse cultures and backgrounds, and analyze how multiple identities—such as race, ethnicity, and gender—intersect within these love stories. Explore the challenges and opportunities of depicting cultural nuances and interactions within relationships, and how the stakes differ in multicultural romance. Discover how readers from diverse backgrounds respond to seeing their cultures represented and the importance of representation in romance literature.
This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
An insightful discussion on creating authentic YA romance. This panel will cover writing genuine first love and intimacy experiences, exploring sexual orientation and gender identity, and examining common themes and tropes within the genre. They will also address the unique challenges and opportunities of writing for a younger audience, the impact of current events and modern trends, and how the stakes differ in YA romance.
This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Get your books signed by your favorite Romance Con authors. For more information on Singing Hall processes please visit the Romance Con website. A map of this space will be available closer to the event.
Grab your favorite drink and join us to personalize your Romance Con swag bag plus more crafts! We’ll have a variety of craft supplies for you to choose from, as well as soft drinks and alcohol available for purchase.
Friday September 6, 2024 8:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
S103 ABCD
Grab your favorite drink and join us to personalize your Romance Con swag bag plus more crafts! We’ll have a variety of craft supplies for you to choose from, as well as soft drinks and alcohol available for purchase.
Friday September 6, 2024 8:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Ballroom AB
