Overview

This three-day creative writing conference features speakers, engaging keynotes, informative sessions in four tracks, interactive all-conference panels, author and attendee readings, social activities, networking opps, and optional, intimate and immersive pre-conference workshops.

HippoCamp is part of Hippocampus Magazine and Books, and it’s an independent, self-funded conference, supported by registration fees and table rentals alone. In full transparency, this conference is not intended/expected to be a revenue-generator for the magazine; it’s main goal is for registrations to cover expenses each year. (If there are years where we DO go over the break-even point, the conference funds are used to support contributor payments and other magazine expenses.)

View recaps of all HippoCamp conferences here.

Format & Details

HippoCamp is formatted in the style of a professional development, industry conference more so than that of a typical writing or academic conference. It’s more like a TEDx or SXSW than an AWP. It’s more focused on solo presenters passionate about a topic than panel after panel. Expect to learn a lot and return home with a notebook and brain full of ideas!

Our Distinctions

• We’re not an academic conference, and we’re not a retreat or workshop.
• We’re formatted in the style of a professional development conference – we’re more inspired by Austin than academia (a la SXSW).
• Our vocabulary is a bit different than other writing conferences: rather than faculty and classes and students, we have presenters and sessions and attendees.
• We’re not a retreat nor are we solely focused on generative writing in our limited time together.
• We offer many sessions outside the traditional literary world, many of which draw inspiration from business, technology, media, education, and creativity — we expect that attendees will use critical thinking to see how these ideas can translate to their own writing life. In short, everything here is not literally literary.

Exact times to be decided, and a full schedule, session by session, will be available elsewhere on this site, but to give you the run-down and a general flow of events — here are some details which are, of course, subject to change:

THURSDAY:
7ish p.m. – Early Arrivals/Locals Gathering at TBA restaurant

FRIDAY:

10 a.m. – registration opens ONLY for workshop participants
Mid-morning to mid-afternoon- three-hour pre-conference generative workshops (requires separate registration; limited spots; four or five options to choose from)
11 a.m. – registration and book sale table open
Afternoon (after 3ish) – Orientation and opening speaker
Afternoon/Early Evening (after 4:30ish) – Reception
Evening – debut author readings and panel
Later evening – TBA social event

SATURDAY
Book sale and exhibits, all day
Breakfast – 7:45 ish
Three time slots of 60-minute breakout sessions – four to choose from in each time slot (15-min break between each)
Lunch
Two or three time slots of 60-minute breakout sessions – four to choose from in each time slot (15-min break between each)
Dinner on your own
Evening keynote and Q&A

SUNDAY
Book sale and exhibits, all day
Breakfast – 7:45 ish
Morning remarks + giveaways
Flash Sessions
Three time slots of 60-minute breakout sessions/panels – four to choose from in each time slot (15-min break between each)
Lunch
Closing Speaker
Closing Remarks
Goodbyes & Snack/Coffee Break

MONDAY
A “we’re-not-ready-to-leave-yet” brunch or social activity — unofficial, optional and casual

What’s Included:

To give you a sense of what this conference is all about, a sneak preview, if you will, here is what most of our past events featured:

— Conference center and hotel in heart of historic Lancaster
— Welcome program – orientation and inspiring opening speaker
— 30+ attendee-led break-out sessions covering craft, publishing, work-life balance, business of writing and more!
— A panel featuring “Flash” talks — each 10 minutes — by 5-6 speakers – fast-paced and fun!
— New CNF author showcase (readings and panel)
— Headlining keynote presentation and book signing
— Scores of your peers and publishing professionals
— Multiple pre-conference craft and publishing workshops (an optional add-on)— Social events including a welcome reception and a story slam or open mic (TBA)
— Closing program – closing speaker, end-of-conference wrap-up, prizes and announcement about 2020
— Meals and snack breaks
— On-site conference book store with titles by speakers and your new friends

What if I have dietary restrictions/needs?
We include gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options by default in our breakfasts and lunches. When you register for the conference, you will be able to designate any of these or other food allergies, sensitivities or other needs. If needs develop after you register, send an email to conference@hippocampusmagazine.com and we can update your attendee record.

What if I have accessibility requests?
When you register for the conference, you will be able to designate any accommodation requests, such as mobility, nursing, or other needs. If needs develop after you register, send an email to conference@hippocampusmagazine.com and we can update your attendee record.

What meals are included in the conference registration?

• Breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday; you can view menus within the meal listings on the schedule
• Opening reception Friday evening – heavy appetizers, iced tea, soft drinks, cash bar
• Snack and coffee break Sunday afternoon

I am bringing my spouse or other travel companion to Lancaster with me; they won’t be attending the conference, but can they join me for meals?
Yes. We offer a few guest meal plan packages. View details on the Attendee page.

Will there be coffee on-site?
We are able to offer coffee/tea during all official meals. Between meals, you can get to-go coffee from the hotel concessions. We do have an afternoon coffee break Saturday and Sunday.

But why aren’t there more coffee breaks?
We know everyone loves their Joe. We really do. It’s simply cost-prohibitive for a small, self-funded conference like ours, at our current registration rate, to offer continuous coffee. (See the menu plans here for more details.)

Can I sell my book(s) at the conference?
Yes. All attendees may sell up to two titles at our conference book sale. You may get more details and/or purchase your space ($10 for one/$15 for tw0) at our Attendee page.

How do you pick your presenters?
HippoCamp is a for-attendee, by-attendee conference. We operate on an open proposal system; our call for proposals opens in the late summer and lasts through the late fall. Our volunteer programming committee reviews and selects sessions, and we announce the line-up before registration goes on sale. You can learn more here.

My schedule has changed. Can I cancel or transfer my registration?
View our cancellation policy here.

How is HippoCamp funded?
HippoCamp is part of Hippocampus Magazine and Books, and it’s an independent, self-funded conference, supported by registration fees and table rentals alone. In full transparency, this conference is not intended/expected to be a revenue-generator; its main goal is for registrations to cover expenses each year and for any additional fund to support contributor payments and other magazine expense. Your attendance helps our magazine continue to do what we do.

In case you came to the About page looking for these details, we’ll redirect you:

Registration
Lodging
Travel
Info for Registered Attendees

Past Keynotes and Featured Speakers

• 2015 – Lee Gutkind, Jane Friedman
• 2016 – Ashley C. Ford, Mary Karr, Dave Cameron
• 2017 – Beverly Donofrio, Tobias Wolff, Dinty W. Moore
• 2018 – Beth Kephart, Abigail Thomas, Amma Marfo

Past Debut Author Readings & Panelists

• 2015 – Amy Jo Burns, Tara Caimi, Kathleen Frazier, Lisa Jakub, D. Watkins
• 2016 – Amye Archer, Jamie Brickhouse, Laurie Jean Cannady, Ilana Garon, Lynn K. Hall
• 2017 – Melanie Brooks, Joanne M. Lozar Glenn, Lara Lillibridge, Alexis Paige, Lisa F. Smith
• 2018 – Cheryl Brooks, Lisa Romeo, Krystal Sital, Jessie Van Eerden

Past Featured Readers (special guests, following debut author panel)

• 2015 – Kaylie Jones
• 2016 – Sarah Einstein and Carol Smith, (grand prize winner of Remember in November Contest for Creative Nonfiction 2015)
• 2017 – Dina Honour, (grand prize winner of Remember in November Contest for Creative Nonfiction 2016)
• 2018 – Sam Chiarelli, Rebecca Fish Ewan

View recaps of all HippoCamp conferences, including past speakers and sessions, here.

We’re so proud of the impact our conference has had on CNF writers of all skill levels. Here are a few testimonials as well as some feedback from our anonymous surveys: