FAQ For Attendees:
WHO IS BOUCHERCON FOR?
Bouchercon is a reader’s convention for anyone who loves mysteries. Each year, we attract fans of crime fiction, published authors, aspiring writers, librarians, large and small publishers, editors, agents, and booksellers.
WHAT HAPPENS AT A BOUCHERCON CONVENTION?
Bouchercon consists of panel discussions, presentations, and other programming on a wide variety of topics designed to allow lots of interaction among readers and writers. Topics can be humorous or serious, informational or entertaining, and most often are a little bit of everything. This is an excellent opportunity to get to know your favourite writers and learn about new authors starting out in the genre you love.
If you’ve discovered some new authors, make sure to visit events hosted by publishers and booksellers and try to snag a free copy of their book! The convention will host author signing sessions, an on-site bookstore, award ceremonies, charity auctions, author speed dating sessions, the Debut Author Breakfast, and Cocktails and Cozies, along with other special events. There will be lots of opportunities to mingle and enjoy each other’s company.
HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE?
Register to attend and plan to soak up as much information as you can. And remember to come a few days early and stay late! There are many exciting options for excursions before and after the convention, which you can book to extend your stay and enjoy our city.
We also welcome anyone who’s interested in volunteering before and during the event or any individual, group, or organization interested in sponsoring a portion of the festivities. Please reach out to our Local Organizing Committee for more information.
HOW WILL BOUCHERCON 2026 BE DIFFERENT?
You may have noticed a few new spellings on our website and in our promotional material. We’re honouring the Canadian spelling, so don’t accuse us of typos, we just do a few things different up here.
Since this year’s convention takes place in Canada, please note the information in the Visiting Calgary portion of the website for information specific to our location. If you’re travelling from another country, please take special note of the sections on attaining a passport or passport certificate, using Canadian currency, and using cell phones in a foreign country.
HOW DO I SUBMIT MY BOOK FOR AN ANTHONY AWARD?
The Anthony Award nominations are submitted online by attendees who registered for Bouchercon 2025 and/or are registered for Bouchercon 2026. Books are nominated by the membership and voted on by the membership
HOW DO I VOLUNTEER?
Bouchercon is planned and run by volunteers. We can’t do it without you! When you complete your online or mail-in registration, check the “yes” box for volunteering and we’ll connect with you in 2026. It’s a great way to meet new people and gives you an insider’s look at what it takes to plan a convention of this magnitude.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?
Canadians are known for their politeness. Please be courteous to the panelists, presenters, attendees, and the volunteers organizing the event and enjoy your visit!
Note the Bouchercon Code of Conduct for more details.