Welcome to Romancing the Midwest
A Bookish Event Built on Love, Stories, and Community
Two Day Romance Book Convention
April 30- May 1st 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
Friday Night Mingle- Cocktail Party
Happily, Ever After Hour.
We are excited to announce that Friday night will be reserved for VIP ticket holders, Exhibitors, and staff.
This will lead to a more intimate low-key event. The theme will be Cocktail Party. We will have specialty drinks, light food, romance trivia, trope ice breakers and more.
We are even going to try and have giant board games!
This is not one to be missed
Saturday
Saturday Mingle Night: No Where to Wear party!
Do you have an item in your closet that was just too cute not to buy? But now it’s been years and you still haven’t found an event to wear it at. Well tonight is the night.
Outfits can be fancy, unusual, or just something that you couldn’t find a reason to wear.
You can feel confident that there will be a lot of fun photo opportunities and even some surprises during this evening’s event.
Special guests: Arial and silk fan artists and they might even teach us a dance number or two!
Keynote Speakers
Workshops
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Lindsay from Sage and Fables will be creating a romance book cover live! Find out behind the scenes industry steps and all the little touches that go into making your favorite shelf trophies.
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Looking to learn more about annotating your favoirite novel. Nervous about writing in your books? Books With Desh is going to show you a stress free way to start.
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Cozy Girls Get Aways are going to run each of through how to wrap and “stuff” ;) your Blind Date with a book.
You will leave the workshop with your very own wrapped blind date book, perfect for a gift or a fun evening for yourself on a later date.
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Come in and have some organized fun with the chance to win prizes.
Triva, charades, speed blurb dating ect.
Who We Are
A Bookish Event Built on Love, Stories, and Community
Where romance authors and readers come together—page by page, heart by heart.
Romancing the Midwest was created to celebrate everything romance readers adore: unforgettable stories, meaningful connections, and the thrill of finding a book that lingers long after the final chapter. Whether you love enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance, age gap, forbidden love, all of the above, or more, if you’re looking for it, you’ll find it here.
This bookish event brings readers face-to-face with romance authors through local author signings, panels, and conversations that feel personal and inviting. It’s a place to meet new authors, reconnect with favorites, and bond over shared tropes, beloved characters, and unforgettable fictional couples.
Proudly women-led and inclusive, Romancing the Midwest centers LGBTQIA2S+ voices and welcomes readers and authors from all backgrounds. Held April 30 – May 1, 2027, at Monona Terrace in Madison, Wisconsin, the event combines storytelling, community, and celebration into a weekend designed for readers who believe every love story deserves its place in the spotlight.
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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
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.
Tickets are on sale for 2027
Contact Us
Interested in working together? Have a question or concern? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
News or media outlets, Businesses interested in working with RTM, please see our media kit page.
Media Kit and Sponsorship