**These fun events are free and open to all convention attendees. Please note that some events have limited seating. Food service is first come, first served.

Note that refreshments are offered in limited quantities, on a first come, first served basis.

WEDNESDAY

6:30 to 8:00pm in Exhibit Hall EX: Cocktails & Cozies (Hosted by Ellen Byron and Raquel V Reyes) – Grab a cocktail and mingle with some of today’s most popular cozy authors. Enjoy readings, book giveaways, and free swag. (Cash bar)

8:00 – 9:00pm in Macleod lobby: Sisters in Crime member reception (private event)

THURSDAY

7:00 to 9:00am in Macleod D: Author Speed Dating – Authors circulate tables of attendees to pitch their books. Fast-paced with 40 authors, short pitches, lots of fun. (Limited seating)

9:45 – 10:15am in Macleod A: Mark Greaney Book Signing

7:00-9:00pm in Exhibit Hall EX: Opening Ceremonies (sponsored by Berkley) Toastmaster PJ Vernon introduces the Guests of Honour and Special Guests. The winners of the Barry, Derringer, Shamus, and David Thompson awards are announced. Afterwards, join the Bouchercon Anthology Celebration for The Lines We Cross anthology and purchase your signed copy. (Cash bar and light snacks)

FRIDAY

7:00-9:00am in Exhibit Hall EX: Debut Author Breakfast (Sponsored by Louise Penny) – Free breakfast for the first 250 attendees. Quick introductions to newly published writers. (Limited seating)

9:45 – 10:15am in Macleod A: Kathy Reichs Book Signing

7:00-8:30pm in Macleod D: Author Fair (Sponsored by William Kent Krueger) –Meet indie and self-published authors and buy their books and/or get free swag. (Cash bar and light snacks)

9:00-10:00pm in MacLeod Lobby: Underrepresented Authors Reception (Hosted by Crime Writers of Color and Sponsored by SinC International) – Author Bingo returns! A fun and dynamic way to socialize and mingle with your favourite crime writers. Free food, a cash bar, and door prizes.

SATURDAY

9:00 – 9:45 in Macleod Lobby: Louise Penny Book Signing (limit 2 items)

11:30 – 1:00pm in Exhibit Hall EX: General Members Meeting – if you are registered for the convention, then you’re a member! You are invited to attend. Vote on future Bouchercon locations and items of business. This is your chance to have a say in the future of Bouchercon.

1:00-4:00pm in Exhibit Hall Lobby: Special Exhibit of the Steele Curry Mystery, Espionage and Thriller Collection (Sponsored by the University of Calgary) A curated selection of author Steele Curry’s collection of first edition books and mystery-related publications.

7:00-9:00pm in Exhibit Hall EX: Saturday Showcase (Sponsored by the Family of Steele Curry). This highly anticipated event, hosted by PJ Vernon, includes the Live Auction with Cathy Ace, immediately followed by the Anthony Awards Ceremony. (Cash bar and light snacks)

9:00-10:30pm in Exhibit Hall EX: Pub Night Trivia. Join the Crime Writers of Canada and Sisters in Crime Canada West as they host a mystery trivia competition. Prizes for the winning teams. (Cash bar and light snacks)

SUNDAY

11:30-12:30 in Exhibit Hall EX: Closing Ceremonies with the Guests of Honour Panel. Hear from our Guests of Honour in this panel moderated by Dave Poulsen, and also learn a bit about Washington for 2027!

Note that refreshments are offered in limited quantities, on a first come, first served basis.