One of the “biggest and liveliest literary gatherings in North America” is hitting Chicago. The conference and book fair of the Association of Writers & Writing Programs is expected to attract 9,500 attendees to over 400 readings, lectures, panel discussions, and book signings. Skewed toward academics, the conference itself is completely sold out. But there are still loads of events open to the public. (Unless otherwise noted, the following are free and take place at the Hilton Chicago Hotel, 720 S. Michigan.)
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That includes the massive book fair, featuring more than 550 publishers, presses, and magazines. The Chicago Review, n+1 magazine, and Northwestern University Press are among the exhibitors, and many university MFA programs will be setting up booths as well. The hoi polloi are welcome on Sat 3/2, 8:30 AM-5:30 PM.
But that’s not all. A mind-boggling number of events are happening off-site. Readings, book launches, afterparties, before-parties, and poetry slams will go down in bars and bookstores across the city. Get the details at awpwriter.org/conference/2012offsite.php.
Through 3/3: Wed-Sat, various locations and prices, awpwriter.org/conference.
