Welcome to Romancing the Midwest

A Bookish Event Built on Love, Stories, and Community

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Who we are

Hi, Romance Lovers.

Romancing the Midwest is bringing romance book enthusiasts together for a brand-new convention created with readers, authors, and the community at the center of it all.

Held April 30 – May 1, 2027, at Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center in Madison, Wisconsin, this two-day event is designed for adults who love romance stories in all their forms. This is an 18+ event.

Romancing the Midwest is a space where readers can gather, authors can connect directly with their audience, and the shared love of romance novels takes center stage.

A Romance Convention Built for Readers

This bookish event is all about connection. Attendees can expect engaging panels, interactive workshops, and keynote speakers who understand the romance genre from the inside out.

Throughout the weekend, you’ll have opportunities to meet new authors, attend local author signings, browse book-related vendors, and connect with fellow readers who share your favorite tropes and characters. Whether you’re here to expand your TBR, support romance authors, or spend a weekend immersed in books, this is a place where readers truly belong.

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Our Beliefs and Values

All are welcome 

Romancing the Midwest believes in authentic human voices and meaningful connections. Kindness, respect, and inclusivity guide everything we do, not as a trend or a tagline, but as a shared value that will help make this event as great as it can possibly be.

We welcome readers and authors of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs. As a women-led event that proudly centers LGBTQIA+ voices, our approach to inclusivity is one of the many reasons this book event feels truly special. We respect all people, and we believe everyone deserves the right to be seen, heard, loved, and treated with dignity.

At its heart, Romancing the Midwest is rooted in care. That means care for stories, care for community, and care for one another. That spirit of openness and mutual respect is what makes this gathering more than a convention; it’s a space where the romance community can show up fully and feel at home.

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Community Code of Conduct
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All attendees, volunteers, vendors, authors, sponsors, collaborators, and staff are expected to contribute to a respectful environment.

Romancing the Midwest Community Expectations

At Romancing the Midwest, we believe a welcoming, respectful environment starts with shared expectations that help everyone feel comfortable, valued, and heard.

  • Be curious

  • Treat one another with kindness and respect

  • Recognize that every human being has value

Romancing the Midwest has zero tolerance for bullying, sexual harassment, hate speech, intolerance, or discrimination of any kind.

Reporting Concerns

If you witness or experience behavior that goes against these expectations, please report it immediately to event staff or venue staff. Concerns will be escalated to our leadership team and addressed promptly.

Respect for the Venue

All attendees are expected to respect the venue and the surrounding property. This includes Monona Terrace as well as nearby hotels, restaurants, retailers, places of worship, and public spaces. Damage, vandalism, or malicious behavior of any kind will not be tolerated.

Enforcement Policy

By purchasing a ticket, volunteering, vending, or collaborating with Romancing the Midwest, you agree to follow this Code of Conduct.

Anyone found engaging in prohibited behavior may be removed from the event without warning. Refunds will not be issued, and individuals may be restricted from future events.

Our Commitment to the Romance Community

The romance genre is passionate, emotional, and deeply personal. Romancing the Midwest exists to celebrate that passion and bring it together in one welcoming space.

With over 100 romance authors expected from across the United States, this event highlights a wide range of stories, perspectives, and voices. Panels, workshops, and keynote sessions round out a weekend celebrating books, connection, and community.

Let’s come together to celebrate the stories we love and the people who love them, too.


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Contact us

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