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Saturday, September 7
 

8:00am CDT

Attendee Check In
Saturday September 7, 2024 8:00am - 6:00pm CDT
Welcome to Romance Con!

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.
Saturday September 7, 2024 8:00am - 6:00pm CDT
Registration Area

8:00am CDT

Customer Service Open
Saturday September 7, 2024 8:00am - 6:00pm CDT
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.
Saturday September 7, 2024 8:00am - 6:00pm CDT
Customer Service Desk

9:00am CDT

Buying Into BookTok: The Power of Social Media on Publishing
Saturday September 7, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Join an exploration into the transformative impact of social media on the romance industry in this insightful panel. Discussions will focus on how platforms like BookTok have influenced writing and publishing, from incorporating fan theories to creating new opportunities for connecting with readers. Attendees will discover how indie authors are securing traditional publishing deals and how established authors are engaging with younger audiences. Insights will be shared on how traditional publishers and agents are adapting their strategies in response to BookTok trends. The panel will also examine diversity on BookTok, discussing potential algorithm biases and strategies to overcome them. Gain valuable insights into how authors craft effective social media strategies to promote their work and enhance sales.

This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Moderators Presenters Authors
Saturday September 7, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
S102 AB

9:00am CDT

Putting the "Com" in Rom-Com: The Art of Humor Writing
Saturday September 7, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Panelists will explore how they balance the seriousness of a love story with the levity of humor, and the influence of romantic comedies in film and television on romance novels. Learn about the skill involved in crafting jokes, humorous characters, and witty dialogue. They will also discuss the unique challenges and opportunities that come with writing a romantic comedy compared to other romance genres.

This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Saturday September 7, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
S103 ABCD

9:00am CDT

Sensual Seduction: Exploring Erotic Fiction in Romance
Saturday September 7, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
What sets erotic fiction apart from kink and traditional sex scenes? The authors will explore how sexual tension drives the plot and provides opportunities for character growth. Hear about the research that goes into crafting these narratives and learn how authors balance sensuality with emotional depth.

This panel will feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Saturday September 7, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
S101 DE

9:00am CDT

Taking Up Space: Plus Size Representation + Body Positivity
Saturday September 7, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
An important conversation on plus-size representation and body positivity in romance. Authors will confront and dismantle stereotypes and negative portrayals of plus-size individuals, exploring the impact of such representation on readers' self-esteem and body image. Discover current trends and shifts towards inclusivity in the genre, along with insights into crafting authentic and relatable plus-size characters. Learn about the research process and steps towards broader representation. The panel will also examine common plot points and themes, like the 'fat friend,' and showcase examples of positive representation in romance.

This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Saturday September 7, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Ballroom AB

9:00am CDT

Vampires! Witches! Werewolves! Oh My!: A Discussion of Paranormal Romance
Saturday September 7, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
A deep dive into the world of paranormal romance. The panelists will explore the distinctions between paranormal and fantasy romance, the role of research and lore, and whether authors feel compelled to stick to or adapt these elements. Discover how paranormal romance challenges or reinforces traditional romance norms, and uncover common tropes and themes within the genre, such as inter-species conflicts and alliances.

This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Saturday September 7, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
S102 CDE

10:15am CDT

From the Ground Up: The Art of World Building in Fantasy Romance
Saturday September 7, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Explore the unique challenges and opportunities that come with creating immersive, enchanting worlds. Discover into how authors balance research, history, lore, and mythology to construct authentic and captivating settings. The panel will explore the rise of romantasy and examine why readers are irresistibly drawn to this genre, discussing common tropes and archetypes that define these magical love stories.

This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Saturday September 7, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
S102 AB

10:15am CDT

Heat Between the Sheets: Crafting the Perfect Sex Scene
Saturday September 7, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
A conversation on how sex scenes advance the plot, character development, and emotional arcs. Discover authors writing techniques, tips, and tricks to create compelling and authentic sex scenes that reflect the personalities, desires, and vulnerabilities of thier characters. The authors will discuss how they balance the amount of steam on the page and consider reader expectations and responses to different types of sex scenes, especially in the age of BookTok. Lastly, the panel will examine how sex scenes impact the perception of the romance genre both historically and in contemporary literature.

This panel will feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Saturday September 7, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
S102 CDE

10:15am CDT

Love in Full Bloom: Writing MCs in Their 30s and 40s
Saturday September 7, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
This panel will explore why the romance genre often skews younger and highlight the importance of featuring protagonists in their 30s and 40s. Panelists will address the challenges and opportunities in portraying characters with richer life and love experiences, and how these stories can subvert traditional conventions. They will also delve into the portrayal of sexuality and intimacy when older protagonists take center stage. Discover how these narratives bring a fresh and nuanced perspective to romantic fiction.

This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Saturday September 7, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
S101 DE

10:15am CDT

Mind Matters: Mental Health Portrayed in Romance
Saturday September 7, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
This panel explores how mental health challenges contribute to character depth and growth, emphasizing how romantic partners can support each other through these struggles. Authors discuss the importance of challenging stigma and promoting mental health awareness within the genre. Exploring their research and consultations, panelists highlight the care involved in authentically writing experiences different from their own, and analyze intersections of mental health with identities such as race, gender, and sexuality. They showcase well-rounded characters navigating anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and more, offering nuanced perspectives on mental health in romance.

This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Saturday September 7, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Ballroom AB

10:15am CDT

The Beauty of Black Love in Romance
Saturday September 7, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
An enriching discussion on Black love in romance, where the authors will delve into the importance of representation, the challenges faced in the industry, and the art of writing characters with a built-in connection and lived experience. Our panelists will analyze the authentic portrayal of cultural elements in Black love stories, compare historical and contemporary Black romance fiction, address and challenge stereotypes, and explore how Black love stories are evolving the romance genre overall.

This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Saturday September 7, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
S103 ABCD

11:30am CDT

Ask Me Y: Authors Making the Leap from YA to Adult Romance
Saturday September 7, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Authors discuss the challenges and rewards of transitioning from YA to adult romance. Explore how the portrayal of romance evolves, changes in writing style and language, and key lessons from YA romance that influence their adult fiction. They will also examine shifts in readership and the presence of common tropes in both genres. Gain insights into the dynamic journey of writing across these distinct yet connected literary landscapes.

This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Saturday September 7, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
S102 CDE

11:30am CDT

Let's Get Kinky
Saturday September 7, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
This panel will define kink, discuss its spectrum, and differentiate it from erotic romance, providing examples along the way. Hear how writing kink challenges societal taboos and norms about sexuality, and discover the research involved in creating authentic stories. Panelists will also discuss how they write kink in an educational and informative way for curious readers, addressing the importance of consent and safety in kink romance, and how kink enhances love plots and character development.

This panel will feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Saturday September 7, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Ballroom AB

11:30am CDT

Take Two: The Magic of Second Chance Romance
Saturday September 7, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Discover the diversity of these love stories, from rekindling high school sweetheart relationships to mending broken marriages. A discussion into common themes such as hope, forgiveness, enduring passion, and the notion of fated romance, illustrating how true love can triumph over time and past mistakes.

This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Saturday September 7, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
S103 ABCD

11:30am CDT

The Hallmark Effect: Why We Love a Small Town Romance
Saturday September 7, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Discussion on the challenges and opportunities of writing character-heavy narratives, the art of small-scale world-building, and common plot elements of the trope. Why are readers are drawn to the comforting small-town setting? How does it enhances the development of romantic relationships? The authors will also examine whether small-town romance serves as its own version of the close proximity trope.

This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Saturday September 7, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
S102 AB

11:30am CDT

Throwin' It Back: The Art and Appeal of Historical Romance
Saturday September 7, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Explore the intricacies of researching and potentially rewriting history, the opportunities to subvert gender stereotypes, and the importance of racial and ethnic representation. Discover the evolving landscape of the genre, including increased representation across different time periods and locations, as well as common tropes and themes. Learn about the unique challenges and opportunities that come with crafting love stories set in the past.

This panel may feature topics and themes that may not be suitable for guests under 18.
Saturday September 7, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
S101 DE

2:00pm CDT

Signing Hall Open
Saturday September 7, 2024 2:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
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.
Authors
Saturday September 7, 2024 2:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Ballroom CD

2:30pm CDT

Queer Fans Meetup
Saturday September 7, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
Saturday September 7, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
S101 DE

3:00pm CDT

Science Fiction Romance Readers Meetup
Saturday September 7, 2024 3:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Saturday September 7, 2024 3:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
S102 AB

3:30pm CDT

Local Attendee Meetup
Saturday September 7, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
Saturday September 7, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
S101 DE

4:00pm CDT

Sports Romance Reader Meetup
Saturday September 7, 2024 4:00pm - 4:30pm CDT
Saturday September 7, 2024 4:00pm - 4:30pm CDT
S102 AB

7:00pm CDT

Romance Con Author Dinner
Saturday September 7, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
You’re invited to an intimate dinner with some of the authors attending Romance Con. Each table will be seated with at least one author. This event has limited capacity and is only included in the Premium ticket level. It is available as an add-on ticket for all other ticket levels.

Add-on tickets are available for purchase here
Saturday September 7, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
S102 ABCDE

8:00pm CDT

Reading Room
Saturday September 7, 2024 8:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Bring your book or books and enjoy some relaxing reading time.

To be respectful of all readers, please bring headphones if you plan to listen to an audiobook.
Saturday September 7, 2024 8:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
S102 CDE

8:00pm CDT

Main Character Masquerade
Saturday September 7, 2024 8:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Dress up (or down!) and get ready to dance the night away at the Main Character Masquerade Ball
Saturday September 7, 2024 8:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Ballroom AB
 
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