Recently I attended an event titled PennedCon in St. Louis, Missouri. Besides being a great place for authors and readers to meet up and share the love of books, it is also an event to raise money for the charity Action for Autism. This year we raised over $13,000 which will go toward getting autistic children the therapy and services needed that otherwise, families may not have been able to afford.
If you love books, this is the place for you. Not only do authors display their books in eye-catching arrangements with plenty of thematic sparkle, but offer creative swag and amazing deals on books as well. You have an opportunity to meet your favorite authors, hear inspiring 
keynote speakers and participate in wacky activities that will most certainly, tickle your funny bone. Besides all of this, there are always contests and drawings that readers can sign up for to win books, prizes or gift cards. At my table if you signed up for my website you had an opportunity to win one of five Starbucks gift cards. So a big thank you to Amber, Ashalyn, Erica and Dani. I’m still waiting on winner #5.
The Cost
Readers who come can expect to pay around $35. If you get a VIP pass the ticket is considerably more but comes with access to early admittance and other events with the authors. Everyone gets a goodie bag with some swag and a flash drive loaded with books. How cool is that! Each author is given six free tickets to offer their fans. People came to this PennedCon from as far away as Hawaii. I met a couple of girls from Pennsylvania who won a ticket. They made a weekend of it by taking the train, seeing some great St. Louis landmarks, besides attending this book event.
Other costs to consider if you aren’t a local:
- Parking at the hotel ($10-$12/day)
- Hotel reservations
- Travel
- Food
- St. Louis landmarks – St. Louis Zoo, The Arch, Botanical Gardens, Union Station, Art Museum, Forest Park
This is a terrific trip or day out for you and friends, family or book club. Next year’s event is already on the books, September 20-22, 2018.
In the meantime, plan on attending OZARK INDIE BOOKFEST in Springfield, Missouri in a little over a week, October 19-22. The University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center still may have rooms available. The proceeds from the event will go to benefit Companions for Heroes & Loving Paws Rescue. And yes! I’ll be there waiting to meet you. I will have more goodies, swag and gift cards.
2 Responses
I had a great time at Penned Con the past two years. It’s so fun meeting readers who’ve read your books. It amazes me how many autographs I signed on various souvenirs. Definitely a fun time for all.
Love hearing about your experience.