Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Q: When will I be able to register?

A: Registration for SiWC opens the first Wednesday in June at noon Pacific.

Q: How much will the conference cost this year?

A: Prices are posted on our registration page in the spring each year. SiWC is not-for-profit and sets prices to cover our costs based on selling out the conference.

Q: Can I donate so someone else can attend?

A: Yes. When you register, you’ll be given the option to pay for or toward someone else’s registration costs.

Q: Do you need volunteers?

Of course! We couldn't run SiWC without our amazing volunteers. Please see our Get Involved page for details.

FAQ: In-person conference

Do I need to sign up for individual workshops?
  • No. Only Master classes must be registered for individually.
  • As a conference registrant, you may select any workshop that interests you at the time during the conference. Generally arriving a few minutes early helps guarantee a seat in your first-choice workshop.
  • Blue Pencil and Pitch sessions run concurrently with the workshops and panels, so attendees come and go throughout each workshop. We just ask that you leave and return quietly, as a courtesy.
Do we receive confirmation of our registration, pitch and blue pencil appointments?
  • Yes. You will receive email confirmation immediately after you register. Please check your spam folder if it does not arrive within a few hours.
  • When you arrive at the conference, all the information will be printed in your registration package.
Does the cost of registration include the hotel room?
  • No, registration costs are for conference only.
  • Book your room at the hotel with a special conference discount, while available.
  • The link to the hotel booking site is on our Hotel Booking page.
  • SiWC is a separate entity from the hotel. Any questions about rooms, parking, or other hotel-related issues should be directed to the front desk.
How do I cancel my registration?
  • Email the details to our conference administrator at registration@siwc.ca.
  • Please carefully check the registration page for cancellation cut-off dates and fees.
How can I get more involved in the conference?

Find out about volunteering for the conference, suggesting presenters or presenting yourself on our Get Involved page.

How should I dress?
  • For comfort.
  • Dress in layers; some rooms are hot, some are cold.
  • For our full-conference registrants, all our banquets are come-as-you-like. For those who like costumes, Friday nights are for themed costumes, if you choose. Watch for our attendee newsletters in the lead-up to the conference for this year's theme. Saturday night is our Sparkle banquet and an (optional!) chance to get a little fancy if that makes you happy.
I have food allergies. How can I get a safe meal?
  • Please alert us to your allergies and dietary restrictions well ahead of time by sending an email to Camille at Camille@siwc.ca.
  • Special meals requested less than five [5] days before the conference opens will be subject to additional fees passed on to us from the hotel. We do not have control over these fees.
Is the conference venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Elevators are available to take you from Parking to the Lobby, and also to the upper floor where the workshops are held. The hotel has some accessible hotel rooms as well. Please contact them for details.

Is there an age limit for the conference?
  • We're here for writers from 15 to 150; we don't care what your age is!
  • Very few workshops have adult content, and if your teen has your approval to attend, we're fine with it.
  • Please note, however, there is no individual supervision available for under 18's and they will not be restricted from attending any workshop they choose.
  • We encourage young writers to attend in groups or with teachers — contact Conference Coordinator Kathy Chung for details.
  • We have a scholarship especially for young writers. Check it out!
Is the writing contest open only to writers attending the conference?
  • No. The writing contest is open to anyone, anywhere.
  • We've had winners from all over the world.
  • You do not need to attend the Conference to submit your work. Check out the details on our Writing Contest page.
What is the best way to stay up-to-date with changes and new information?
  • Register for our newsletter! We send out 6-8 newsletters a year, so we won't clutter your inbox. 
Where and when is the next conference?
  • Location: Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel 15269 104 Ave, Surrey, BC.
  • Check the header on the home page for our dates .
  • Registration opens the first Wednesday in June at noon Pacific.
Who do I contact to suggest presenters for the future?
  • Send names and contact information of potential presenters, their website if they have one, and any background information you have in an email to our conference coordinator: KathyChung@siwc.ca.
  • For more details, see our Get Involved pages.
Will I get to spend time with the authors and other conference presenters?
  • Yes! That's the beauty of this conference. We're all in it together.
  • Rub shoulders with everyone in the elevators, in the hallways, over drinks in the lounge...make your own connections!