You’ve Got Questions? We’ve got answers!

I would like to be a guest author/ How can I be a part of UTOPiAcon/ How can I get on a panel?

UTOPiAcon is a WRITERS CONFERENCE, so the entire conference is for you in some way. Attendance would benefit your career as a whole.

Because we are absolutely overwhelmed with requests to be on panels, we have developed a process that seems to be working better for all. First we decide the panel topics provided often by your own suggestions. Then we invite the moderators — who have experience, professionalism, and a strong knowledge of the topic — to preside over the panel. Those moderators are then tasked with choosing TWO panelists for that panel whom they feel are best qualified to serve the topic and audience.

The UTOPiAcon team, then fill in any remaining slots with people we feel are qualified to represent the topics and the con well, who the fans have asked for, and/or who round out a diverse and knowledgeable panel.

You can request to be on a panel, but please know that there are no guarantees that you will get chosen. If you feel qualified to be on a panel, please submit the following information to be added to a list:
  • your name
  • links to your books or to your vendor web site if you are a vendor or service provider, not an author.
  • description of your books or service or product.
  • any milestones: including, but not limited to Amazon rank, sales etc., awards you’ve won, high traffic to your blog, number of subscribers/followers, or mentions in the media.
  • topics about which you feel qualified to speak.
  • links to a website or social media profile so we can get to know you better
PLEASE SUBMIT TO: info @ utopyacon.com
If you are not chosen it should NOT be considered a reflection of your work. We are simply buried in requests. In fact, we encourage those who have never attended UTOPiAcon before to do so first and get a feel for our community. You do NOT have to be on a panel to participate or massively impact your career at UTOPiAcon. The environment of the panels/sessions is one of engagement and is highly inclusive of audience questions, comments AND expertise. Just because you’re on one side of the session table, doesn’t mean your influence and impact won’t be felt and heard by all. And there are many opportunities outside the panel rooms to network, meet fans, and grow your business.

Does my ticket get me into UTOPiA Awards?

Yes. This may not be the case in the future, so definitely cool beans to be able to attend both for one price right now. We also have Awards-only tickets for those who only wish to attend the Awards.

What is the REFUND POLICY?

FOR TICKET HOLDERS:
Full refund for 60 Days from purchase or until March 31, 2016, whichever comes first. Amount minus processing fee after 60 days or until March 31, 2016, whichever comes first. No refunds, transfers or exchanges allowed after March 31, 2016 for any reason.

FOR EXHIBITOR SPACE: 
Full refund for 60 days from purchase or until March 31, 2016, whichever comes first. Fifty percent (50%) refund after 60 days or until March 31st, 2016, whichever comes first. No refunds, transfers or exchanges allowed after March 31, 2016 for any reason.

How do the Awards work — how are nominees chosen, how do people win, how can I get my books considered?

The UTOPiA Awards Academy was created in 2012. The academy is made up of invited convention guest panelists and moderators. These outstanding members — consisting of authors, editors, designers, models, publishers, producers, agents, book formatters, photographers, and more who are active in the publishing and entertainment industries — are the ones who nominate their peers for award consideration.
Those with the most nominations make it to the final nominee list. Then the public, the fans, vote for the winners.
UTOPiAcon founder and full-time staff are not eligible for nomination, nor can they vote in the awards.

What should I wear to the conference?

Nashville is hotter than Hades in June, but the meeting rooms have been known to be cold at times. We recommend bringing a hoodie or sweater/wrap with you to the indoor meeting spaces. Dress comfortably or as your author brand demands for the con.

What should I wear to the UTOPiA Awards?

Something you want to have in pictures! Doesn’t have to be super formal, but definitely think hot night out on the town, MTV Awards or prom/first date/TV appearance. ;)

Is dinner included at the UTOPiA Awards?

Dinner will not be provided at the utopYA Awards.
We will be serving hor d’oeuvres at the pre-awards happy hour event, though.

Can my kid get in free?

Kids under the age of 12 can enjoy UTOPiAcon free of charge, but must be accompanied by a ticketed/badge-holding adult. They are not allowed into the UTOPiA Awards, however, without the purchase of a ticket due to space limitations. If child who has received complimentary admission is found to be older than 12-years-old, badge/admission of child and adult guardian may be revoked, and the guilty parties may be banned from future UTOPiAcon events. This policy is subject to change at any time. PLEASE BE AWARE that some panels focus on mature content not suitable for children.

Is there daycare?

At this time, daycare is not provided by utopYA, LLC or the venue.
Please be courteous and mindful of other attendees if you do decide to bring your young child with you to panels or UTOPiAcon-sanctioned activites. If your child cries or gets fussy in a panel or keynote, please exit the room with your child until he, she or they are quiet again.
We LOVE kids, but want the UTOPiAcon experience to be one everyone can understand, hear and enjoy together without distraction.

Can men attend (and participate in) UTOPiAcon?

UTOPiAcon is heavily weighted toward women, who, we felt at the time utopYAcon was created in 2012, were propelling the publishing world forward in new and undiscovered directions. We also feel that UTOPiAcon has the incredible loyalty and vibe it has because the women writers and service providers in the publishing industry right now have made it their place to share, grow, learn and swoon in safety and with confidence while navigating the sometimes daunting business side of the industry. We don’t want them to feel trivialized or embarrassed by asking questions or having crushes on fictional characters. This is a safe haven where the only thing shunned is snobbery and closed mindedness.

We feel that many other cons out there cover a very male-dominated entertainment world. That being said, we DO still invite several men to be on panels – authors, agents, editors, podcasters, husbands, lawyers, managers and many others — because we know there are many amazing men out there contributing to and supporting the industry. It will probably always be weighted in favor of the estrogen; however, men are more than welcome to attend the event in general and we encourage spouses and partners to come so that they can see the wonderful world their loved one has gotten themselves into!!!

And finally, we will always pick male authors who champion strong female characters!