Tell me, have you heard of AWP? You could be honest. I only heard of the organization through my MFA program. If it wasn’t for my higher education, I would have never come across such a place. Well, maybe eventually. So, have you answered yet? If the answer is no, then be sure to stick around as I delve into the topic: what you need to know about AWP, the Association of Writers and Writing Programs.
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What I first understood AWP to be was a literary conference. It wasn’t until later that I learned AWP was a helpful resource for industry professionals. AWP, according to the website, “provides support, advocacy, resources, and community to writers, college and university creative writing programs, and writers’ conferences and centers.” Here you can find writing programs, job boards, mentorship programs, writing groups, career advice, etc. Essentially a hub for all things literary.
As a writer trying to understand the world a little bit more, this is a valuable resource to look back on. AWP can open doors and, hopefully, lead to a bright future. That is just some positive thinking. What I am striving for in this blog is to share resources like AWP with you so you have an idea on what the publishing industry can include. This is just one of many resources that I will include in this blog, so stay tuned for more by signing up for the newsletter!
AWP, the Association of Writers and Writing Programs Conference
AWP24 was at Kansas City, MO on February 7th - 10th.
This is where my schooling comes in. I was fortunate enough to get assistance from my MFA program to attend AWP in 2023. Every year the conference is held in a different city. Last year was Seattle, this year it’s in Kansas City, and next year, I just found out, is in Los Angeles (right in my neck of the woods!).
Last year, Seattle was a bustling place. I really felt like I was a professional just strutting up and down the streets. And here is where I share some advice: when you travel, pack walking shoes. I wore my Dr. Martens on this trip and walking up those Seattle hills was painful on my feet. By day 3 I had lost feeling on my toes. Stylish shoes, but not for walking. Overall, the city of Seattle was great!
For Kansas City this year, it was nice. Not so much sightseeing, but there were a lot of different places to eat and coffee shops to try out. For the most part, I stayed inside the conference. Which, by the way, was a bit confusing. About half the escalators were blocked off or not working. There were some parts still under construction. Our route as attendees felt like a maze. We had to really pay attention to signs and trust that the crowd we were following knew where they were going. Other than that, the convention center was able to host the entire AWP conference comfortably.
What happens at these conferences is a lot to take in. There are panels, booths, networking, events, and book sales. For one person to cram everything into a 3 day event will be a heavy load. So before you start your day, drink some water and pack some snacks! You’ll be amazed at how fast the day goes. For an insight into what you might expect at the conference, here are the 3 sections of AWP you need to be aware of:
Panels
My experience with the panels was fun, I listened to some really great discussions and found some great writers who I admire. The panels range from career advice, writing genre, MFA programs, talking to agents, writing a query, etc. It is a pack full of knowledge that I think is worth sitting on at least once during the conference.
Booths
When attending the AWP conference, it is highly suggested that you visit the booths. This may be the most chaotic area throughout the whole event. There are rows of literary presses, magazines, colleges, bookstores, online publications, etc. Last year, my classmates and I volunteered at our MFA program’s booth. We talked to alumni and met some interesting people who, I think, I could never forget. This year I will be assisting with the press I intern for at their booth. From what I gathered, they have one of the biggest tables at the conference. Walking through this area is a literary treasure chest. If networking is your go-to, one into this space and you will run into someone within your scope.
Events
Lastly, the events. AWP provides a space for different caucuses, and many literary hubs have their own off-site events. Last year, I attended a couple off-site readings and it was nice to experience. Here you can network with people within your scope and make some literary friends. For these events, I do have some suggestions for those who plan on attending.
#1 Going with a friend is super important so you have a partner-in-crime. Some of these readings can get crowded and, speaking as a true crime junkie, you never know someone else’s intention. If you get lost, you’ll have a friend there with you. If you need a restroom, this friend can save your spot. If you are too shy to talk to that author you admire, your friend will give you courage. So if you can, bring a friend to these off-site events.
#2 Search up the venue location BEFORE you plan on attending. This may determine whether you can walk it or take an uber. For broke college kids like myself, my classmates and I walked everywhere (hence my tired feet), which meant distance was either our friend or enemy. Look up how far the off-site venue is so you don't make the mistake of walking 5 miles at an incline, like us. Usually these venues are near the convention center so it can be walking distance, but if you need a car, figure out the distance to see if it is worth the fare.
#3 Wear something that is not too bulky and not too loose for these events. The sitting arrangement can be up-close-and-personal, meaning you might be squished between a crowd of literary folks. Bulky clothes will take up too much space and you will feel people’s touch if you have on super loose clothes. Given that this year is in Missouri where it was below freezing just weeks ago, we are fortunate to have the weather be around 53º F. If attending this year’s conference, you might get by with a simple sweater and jeans.
Conference Advice
To sum up the AWP experience, here are 10 helpful tips to know before the AWP Conference:
Wear the appropriate attire; long sleeves, walking shoes, comfortable pants, weather-centered clothing, etc.
Always have a buddy when attending events.
Remember that professionals are people too. They may have boundaries and probably won’t appreciate an ambush.
Be polite. This can be a stressful time for everyone and one wrong interaction can seriously put a downer on someone’s day.
Search up locations before agreeing to go. And as an added note, let someone know where you are going.
Stay hydrated. This will prevent you from feeling dizzy, muscle cramps, and headaches.
Pack an emergency bag with a phone charger, extra cash, essentials, and snacks. This is an all-day event for 3 days, so you might need some of this extra stuff.
Be mindful of how many books you get. If the books are too heavy in your luggage, try the post office and ship your books home instead.
Compliment an author. They would LOVE to hear from you; whether you read their book or not. It’s just nice to be kind to authors who went through a lot to publish their books.
Budget. Speaking as a former student, spend your money wisely by planning out your trip and meals. This will save you in the long run.
Did you go to AWP in Kansas City this year? Let me know!
Hope to see you in Los Angeles for AWP 2025!
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