Welcome to Romancing the Midwest
Wisconsin’s largest all-inclusive gathering of romance readers and authors in one place!
Who We Are
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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RTM Code of Conduct can be found here:
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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.
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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.
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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
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Mz Rylan
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Flying Pigs Pr - Kelsey
RTM Sponsor lead
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Influencer Manager
Destinee is an avid reader and bookseller who has facilitated hundreds of book clubs and moderated dozens of panels with best-selling, globally esteemed authors. She has a background in education and large-scale program leadership, and enjoys designing and participating in events that build community. While she’ll read pretty much anything, romance novels have been her life-long love.
You can find Destinee on Instagram
She also runs a book club at Really Reading Romance!
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Devon Ross
Volunteer Coordinator
Devon is a collaborative leader in volunteer engagement and community impact. Professionally, Devon is Director of Partner Success at ZeeMee and previously served as Director of Admission at Augsburg University, where they supported student access and success.
Outside of work, Devon is deeply committed to service—fostering dogs and cats and coaching youth sports, where they mentor young people in teamwork and confidence. Devon is driven by a passion for building connections and creating opportunities for others to thrive.
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Lead Of Inclusivity Panel
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.
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Ann Schreiber
Website Content Copy editor
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.
What
Two Day Romance Book Convention in 2027
Meet National and local Wisconsin Romance Authors
Connect with LGTBQ+ romance authors
Support authors and small businesses
Author Signings
Romance themed workshops
Romance trivia
Romance games
Author and influencer panels
Keynote speakers
Quiet room
Book check room
Drop off your purchases and continue to enjoy the event
Romance crafts
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
Happily Ever After
VIP Tickets
Experience Romancing the Midwest at the highest level with our VIP Weekend Pass. This ticket is designed for readers who want the full RTM experience, with exclusive access to special events, keynote speakers, and premium bookish perks throughout the weekend.
As a VIP guest, you’ll enjoy additional opportunities to connect with authors, fellow readers, and the romance community while experiencing the event in a more intimate way.
Weekend Lovers
Friday and Saturday General Admission
Make the most of your RTM experience with a Full Weekend Pass! This ticket gives you access to both days of Romancing the Midwest, allowing you extra time to meet authors, explore vendors, and exclusive Swag Bag upon entry.
Spend the weekend discovering new books, collecting signed copies, and connecting with fellow readers who share your love of romance.
Meet Cute
Single Day Tickets
Join us for a day celebrating romance, books, and the incredible reading community at Romancing the Midwest! A Single Day Ticket gives you access to the main event floor where you can meet your favorite authors, discover new books, and shop unique bookish vendors.
Just a Taste
Signing Hall Only
New to RTM or looking for a quick visit? The Just a Taste ticket is perfect for readers who want to experience the heart of Romancing the Midwest without attending the full weekend.
This ticket gives you access to the Exhibitor Hall, where you can meet authors, browse books, and shop from our amazing vendors. It’s a great way to connect with your favorite writers and discover new stories in a shorter visit.
Event Schedule
This schedule is subject to change*
Thursday: 5-8pm early registration
Friday/Saturday
Morning
7:30 AM — VIP Registration Opens
8:30–9:30 AM — VIP coffee muffin and Keynote
9:30 AM — Main Signing Hall Opens (VIP and ADA)
9:30 AM — General Registration Opens
10:30 AM —Vendor and signing hall is open to all
AM presentation
Workshop Block 1:
10:00–10:45 AM — Workshop A / B / C / DWorkshop Block 2:
11:00–11:45 AM — Workshop B / C / Author Panels 1 and 2
Midday
11:30–1:45 PM — Signing and vendor hall closed for lunch
12:00-1:30 PM — Lunch for attendees
PM Workshops
Workshop Block 3:
1:30–2:15 PM — Workshop B / C / Author Panels 3 and 4Workshop Block 4:
2:30–3:15 PM — Workshop A / B / C / DWorkshop Block 5:
3:30–4:15 PM — Workshop A / B / C / D
PM Keynote
3:30–5:30 PM — Afternoon Keynote Presentation -VIP and keynote ticket holders
Afternoon / Evening
3:00–5:00 PM — Open House Ticket holder Hours (only have access to signing and Vendor Hall)
5:00 PM — Signing Hall Closes
8:00–10:30 PM — Evening Mingle Event
Where we are
April 30-May 1, 2027
Monona Terrace
Madison, WI
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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)
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
When we areApril 30th-May 1st, 2027
April 30th-May 1st, 2027
Tickets go on sale May 2026
Why we are
“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 LGBTQIA2S+ 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.