Welcome to Romancing the Midwest

Wisconsin’s largest all-inclusive gathering of romance readers and authors in one place!

Who We Are
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A red flower with layered petals and a green stem.
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Welcome to Romancing the Midwest

Wisconsin’s largest all-inclusive gathering of romance readers and authors in one place!

Romancing the Midwest is shaping up to be a weekend (April 30 - May 1, 2027) made for romance readers and the authors they love. About 1,000 tickets will be available, with more than 140 authors and vendors coming together under one roof for a celebration of romance books, creativity, and community.

While specific author lists, vendors, panels, and keynotes will be shared closer to the event, here’s what we do know: there will be VIP tickets, full weekend passes, and single-day options so you can attend your way.

Two evening mingle events are planned:

  • Friday’s Happily Ever After Cocktail Hour

  • Saturday’s ‘No Where to Wear’ evening is sure to impress!

Both events will feature appetizers, drinks, music, and plenty of bookish conversation.

You can also expect romance-themed workshops, crafts, and trivia designed to spark connection and a little friendly competition. As plans come together, an event map and app will follow.

At its heart, Romancing the Midwest is about bringing romance writers and readers together. We’re ready to let the magic happen. Are you?

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Attending Authors
Attending Vendors
Sponsors
Interested Exibitor
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  • RTM Code of Conduct can be found here:

    Code of Conduct

  • RTM is against the use of generative AI for creation of art, novels, narration, translation, book covers, ect. However, we will not stand by witch hunts or bullying of any kind.

  • Mz Rylan is a Midwest romance author who deeply understands this community—not just as an organizer, but as someone who actively lives and works within it. She holds a degree in Project Management, has successfully run multiple large-scale events in her personal life, and has also organized smaller book-focused events throughout 2025. She brings both experience and structure to the table, along with a genuine passion for what RTM represents.

  • RTM strives to be ADA compliant and is actively working with members of the community to ensure inclusive access to everyone.

    For more information about the 2027 event accessibility please see this link

Meet the Team

  • Image of Mz Rylan

    Mz Rylan

    Owner

    Midwest Dark Romance Author

    Mzrylan.com

  • Flying pigs logo

    Flying Pigs Pr - Kelsey

    RTM Sponsor lead

    Flying Pig PR Indie Author Services

  • Devon

    Devon Ross

    Volunteer Coordinator

    Devon works with the Zeemee app and has also supported several Minnesota State Fair events, assisting with volunteer coordination and college admissions outreach.

  • Ann Schreiber

    Ann Schreiber

    Website Content Copy editor

    Copywriting For You

    Ann is a copywriter and the owner of Copywriting For You, and she is also the author of four romance novels and two non-fiction books.

  • Influencer Manager

    Application coming soon

  • Lead Of Inclusivity Panel

    RTM Is actively seeking an inclusivity panel to include BIPOC, Transgender and Queer community members as well as persons with disabilities and neuro divergence. More information to come. 

What

Two Day Romance Book Convention

  • Author Signings

  • Romance themed workshops

  • Trivia

  • Panels

  • Keynote Speakers

  • Quiet room

  • Book Check Room

    • Drop off your purchases and continue to enjoy the event

  • Crafts

  • Games

  • Evening Mingle Events

Evening Mingle Events

Friday

Happily, Ever After Cocktail Hour

  • Appetizers

  • Drinks

  • Light Trivia

  • Music

Saturday

No Where to Wear Evening Event

  • Don an outfit that you always wanted to wear but didn’t have an occasion to wear it to.

  • Appetizers

  • Treats

  • Drinks

  • Music

Workshops and Keynote Speakers

TBA

Ticket Structure

TBA

Event Schedule

TBA

Where we are
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April 30-May 1, 2027

Monona Terrace

Madison, WI

 
Learn more about event Accessibility
Learn more about event sustainability practices

  • We are working on room blocks at nearby hotels and will provide an update once those room blocks are available. 

    In the meantime, there’s no shortage of comfortable, convenient lodging near Romancing the Midwest. Popular options include:

    All three are located less than one mile from Monona Terrace, making it easy to walk, rideshare, or take a quick break between panels and signings. Staying nearby keeps you close to the action, and close to fellow romance readers swapping book recs in the lobby.

    *Consider looking a little outside downtown Madison and using a ride share to come into the event. This may offer you free parking at your hotel (as most downtown hotels charge a per night parking fee)

  • Monona Terrace has a parking ramp:

    Weekdays: $3.00 per hour ($1.00 for first half hour) $16.00 daily maximum

    Weekends: $5.00 flat rate

    Weekday evenings after 5:00 pm: $5.00 flat rate

    There are also on street parking options and several other parking ramps located nearby.

    1.Brayton Lot

    2.Buckeye Lot

    3.Capitol Square North Garage

    4.Capitol Square South Ramp

    5. Overture Center Garage

    6. State Street Campus Garage

    7. State Street Capitol Garage

    8. Wilson Street Garage

  • Madison’s food scene offers plenty of great spots to refuel between events. Reader favorites include:

    Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite, planning a long dinner with book friends, or celebrating a favorite author signing, there’s something nearby to fit every mood.

  • There are several FedEx locations in the area. The event itself will not be able to offer mail access or UPS delivery or shipping services

  • When you’re not attending panels or author events, Madison has plenty to explore. Supporting local independent bookstores is always a must, including:

    You may also enjoy nearby cultural stops such as:

    And don’t forget to take a stroll along State Street.

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When we are

April 30th-May 1st, 2027

April 30th-May 1st, 2027

Tickets go on sale May 2026

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Why we are
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“Romancing the Midwest was created to bring Romance authors and avid readers together to share a love of storytelling, a love of reading, and a love of community,” says Mz Rylan, Midwest romance author and RTM event director. “We are committed to creating an inclusive, safe space for all genders, sexual orientations, and backgrounds, while celebrating the love of books and the vibrant romance community.”

Event Highlights Include: Meet and greet with bestselling and emerging romance authors, signed books and exclusive merchandise, interactive panels, workshops, and book-themed crafts, trivia and community-building activities

Inclusive, women-led, and LGBTQ+ forward.

Be a Part of Romancing the Midwest 

Let’s Create Something Special—Together

Romancing the Midwest is built on collaboration. We work closely with romance authors, publishers, vendors, and book-loving partners who want to connect with readers in meaningful ways.

Whether you’re a romance author interested in local author signings, a creator hoping to reach an engaged audience, or a partner who believes in supporting inclusive literary spaces, there’s a place for you here. Our focus is on thoughtful programming, clear communication, and opportunities that feel purposeful for everyone involved.

This is going to be so much more than a two-day weekend event. It’s going to be a shared celebration of romance, storytelling, and the people who keep these stories alive. If you’re ready to be part of a bookish event where connection comes first, we’d love to hear from you.

Learn more