FAQ

Romancing the Midwest (RTM) is a romance-themed book fair and convention. It’s a space where readers and authors come together to celebrate their love of stories.

Join us to meet authors, purchase signed books and bookish swag, create story-inspired crafts alongside like-minded readers, attend panels, participate in trivia, and more.

At RTM, our goal is to create an inclusive, immersive experience for both readers and authors.

We’re built for readers. Backing authors.

Romancing the Midwest was originally envisioned by Chelsea Jean, who introduced the concept of a romance-focused convention in the Midwest. When unexpected life circumstances shifted her availability, she passed the torch to Mz Rylan to lead the event forward.

Mz is a Midwest romance author with a deep love for this community and a strong background in project management. With experience organizing book-focused events and a passion for bringing readers and romance authors together, she stepped in ready to build something meaningful. 

Today, RTM reflects her commitment to thoughtful planning, inclusive community-building, and creating a space where stories and the people who love them can connect.

All are welcome at Romancing the Midwest. Kindness, respect, and inclusivity guide everything we do, not as a slogan, but as a shared value that shapes the event. We welcome readers and authors of all backgrounds and identities, proudly center LGBTQIA+ voices, and believe everyone deserves dignity and belonging.

In an effort to ensure diversity RTM has started an inclusivity panel headed by Christine Bollow

Christine Bollow is a queer, disabled Filipina litizen who currently lives in Tucson. She’s co-owner of Loyalty Bookstores and is a book consultant for comic cons and bookish events. Christine was a Fiction Juror for the 2024 Kirkus Prize, a judge for the 2025 Lambda Literary Awards, and currently serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for the American Booksellers Association. She is a recipient of the 2024 Duende-Word BIPOC Bookseller Leadership Award and a 2022 Publishers Weekly Star Watch Honoree. Christine is a graduate of Barnard College and can be found on Bookstagram @readingismagical or at christinebollow.com.

Tickets are planned to go on sale in May of 2026. We recommend checking back regularly and visiting our Tickets and Merchandise page for the latest updates. 

You can also sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear announcements and important event details. Simply scroll down this page, enter your email address, and click Sign Up.

We’re happy to help with ticket upgrades prior to check-in, provided the upgraded ticket type has not sold out, and availability remains.

You can do this through your Ticket Application Ticketsignup. When you view your tickets you will see an option to upgrade. You can do this seamlessly until April of 2027 provided the upgraded tier is not sold out.

Yes. Event badges must be worn at all times while on the event floor and should remain visible to enter panels, workshops, signings, and other scheduled spaces. Badge checkers will be stationed at the doors of each event room to help keep the experience organized and secure for all attendees.

All badges will be numbered and linked to the original ticket holder. If a lost badge is turned in to Registration, we will make every effort to reunite it with you.

If your badge is not recovered, replacement badges will be available for purchase, provided we can verify your original ticket purchase. Replacement pricing is still being finalized and will be shared closer to the event.

This is an option that we are reviewing currently. You will be able to purchase “just a taste” tickets day of, as these do not provide a lanyard and only allow Exhibitor Hall access.

Yes! We would love for you to volunteer. 

Volunteers will receive free access to the Friday mingle event, the event space, exclusive swag, and an event t-shirt. 

Volunteer applications are located at the bottom of this page as well as on the Contact page. You can also find the link on our Romancing the Midwest Linktree.

Interested in partnering with Romancing the Midwest? If your business aligns with our romance-loving community and you’d like to explore logo placement, on-site recognition, or other collaboration opportunities, we’d love to connect. Visit our Media page for sponsorship details and next steps on getting involved.

Romancing the Midwest will be held at Monona Terrace in Madison, Wisconsin. Located downtown near the Capitol and State Street, the venue places you right in the heart of the city and within walking distance of restaurants, hotels, and entertainment.

Parking

Monona Terrace offers an on-site parking ramp with the following rates (rates are subject to change):

Weekdays:

• $3.00 per hour ($1.00 for the 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 street parking options and several nearby public ramps, including:

Brayton LotBuckeye LotCapitol Square North GarageCapitol Square South RampOverture Center GarageState Street Campus GarageState Street Capitol GarageWilson Street Garage

Downtown Madison is very walkable, so once you park, you can easily explore the area.

Places to Stay

We are currently working on room blocks at nearby hotels and will share updates as soon as those details are finalized.

In the meantime, there are several convenient options within one mile of Monona Terrace, including DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown, Best Western Premier Park Hotel, and Hyatt Place Madison/Downtown. Staying nearby makes it easy to walk to panels, author signings, and evening events—and maybe even chat books with fellow romance readers in the lobby before heading out for the day.

You may bring a cart, as long as it does not exceed 18.5’’ x 18.5’’. Due to space limitations on the event floor, wagons are not permitted.

If you have a disability or require a larger mobility aid or cart, this size restriction does not apply. Please reach out to RTM through the Contact page so we can coordinate appropriate accommodations or answer any questions in advance.

Learn more about our approach to accessibility. 

Yes. As we are still early in the planning process, the lineup is subject to change, and no formal announcements have been finalized. For the most accurate and up-to-date list of attending authors and vendors, please refer to our Attending page.

For Authors: Monona Terrace does not have a dedicated, full-service, on-site shipping center like a FedEx Office. However, it does accept shipments for scheduled events through its East Loading Dock at 1 John Nolen Drive, Madison, WI 53703. Materials are typically accepted 2–3 business days prior to the event and must be clearly labeled according to venue guidelines. In most cases, shipments should be coordinated through your convention service contractor or directly with venue staff in advance.

For Readers: If you bought more books than will fit in your suitcase, first of all… we respect that. The closest option is the FedEx Office Print & Ship Center, located about one mile from Monona Terrace. It’s a quick drive or rideshare away and can help you ship your book haul home safely.

Romancing the Midwest is an 18+ event. Due to the mature subject matter often explored in many of the romance books represented—including explicit content and adult themes—this event is intended for adults only.

Our goal is to create a comfortable space where authors and readers can openly discuss romance stories without needing to moderate content for younger audiences.

Yes. Authors will have their books available for purchase at the event and will be happy to sign copies bought onsite. Some may also offer pre-order options so you can reserve a title in advance and pick it up during the weekend.

You may also bring a book or item to be signed by an author or vendor, but please note Keynote Speakers will only be signing the books they are selling and ticketed booths will have a two-item max for signing.

Please fill out the Contact Us form, and we will get back to you shortly.