FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Hotel Website - Google Map -
Is there a special hotel package for conference attendees?
The hotel rates for the 2009 conference were $118 for one room per night (single or double occupancy), $138 per night for three people sharing a room, or $158 per night for four people sharing a room. We help people who want to share a room find each other via a conference email list. Any changes of rates for 2010 will be posted when they become available.

The Sheraton will have rooms available for the conference. Make your reservations directly by calling 1-800-808-9497 after conference registration begins in early May. Request the "Willamette Writers Conference Attendee Rate."

Our overflow hotels suggestions are:

Hampton Inn (503) 288-2423 (This hotel is next door to the Sheraton)

Holiday Inn PDX-503-256-5000

Embassy Suites PDX-503-460-3000

Alderwood Inn 503. 255.8700

Red Lion 503.255.6722

How do I get to Sheraton Airport Hotel?

The Sheraton Airport Hotel is located near the Portland Airport, on 8235 NE Airport Way (the road that runs into the airport terminal). You can click on this link to go to Google Maps for more detailed instructions. Use the plus/minus symbol to create a larger view of the map.

Registration
How do I register for the conference?
You can register one of three ways: online, starting in late April or early May 2010, by mail or fax when you receive a conference brochure in the mail.

You may use the registration form found in the back of our conference pamphlet or download one from the website when they become available in April 2010.
Mail the completed registration form to:
Willamette Writers
9045 SW Barbur Blvd Ste 5A
Portland, OR 97219
Our fax number is: 503-452-0372
You may contact us with questions at: wilwrite@willamettewriters.com or 503-452-1592.

Can I register at the conference?
Yes. Please see us at the registration desk and we will be happy to help you.

Where do I go once I arrive?
There will be one registration area that handles:
1. All Attendees and workshop presenters - in the registration area just outside the Mount Hood Ballroom. Follow signs. Enter through main hotel doors.
2. Agents, editors, film people and conference volunteers - follow signs outside the Mount Hood Ballroom. Enter through the main hotel doors.
If you are pre-registered, you can pick up your conference packet that includes your schedule (if you signed up for consults, groups, or manuscript critiques), badge, meal tickets, and general information. If you are not registered, you can register and pay to attend the conference.
Lines for picking up registration packets are divided alphabetically to permit us to serve you faster. If payment is still due, you will be asked to make payment. If you find any problems with your registration, go to the marble counter.

Parking
Where do I park?
Parking is available around the Sheraton, including numbered parking spaces. Parking is free. People can park in the Sheraton or Hampton Inn lots because they are owned by the same company.

Consult / Pitch Appointments
Can I purchase consult/pitch appointments during the conference?
Yes, but it is subject to availability. Please go to the Consult desk. Someone will be happy to help you. You must be registered to attend the conference at least one day to sign up for pitches, and your pitches will be scheduled on the day you are registered to attend.

You may purchase additional Group Meetings in the consult area.

There is ONE check-in area for Consults next to the Consult Desk.

What should I do if I need to change an appointment?
Go to the consult desk. Please note that the Consult Desk is open for changes and problems on Thursday evening, August 6th, from 6 to 9 p.m. Sales will open on Friday morning at 9:30 a.m.

If I need to cancel an appointment, will my money be refunded in full?
If you should find your schedule conflicted during the conference (such as a double-booking), please talk to someone in the consult area and we'll do everything we can to sell that appointment to someone else and reschedule you for another time.

Where do I go to check in for my appointment?

There is ONE check-in area for Consults next to the Consult Desk. The Consult staff will direct you where to wait, then will escort you to your meeting.

Because of the traffic flow, it will be important to enter and leave in a quiet and timely fashion.

Books and Signings
Can I buy books at the conference?
Yes, please shop Barnes and Nobles Booksellers on site as they continue to be a hearty supporter of this conference as well as of the Books for Kids and Young Willamette Writers Programs, contributing funds to help these programs serve youth through Willamette Writers.

Where is the Barnes and Noble book store located?
In the Cascade Foyer near the registration area.

Will books by signing authors be available?
Yes.

When and where will the signings be held?
Authors will be signing daily. Scheduled signings will be posted in the Cascade Foyer. Authors may sign at their discretion during other times.

Special Events
What special events will take place at this year's conference?

FREE "Pitch with the Pros" Film and Fiction Pitch Practice
Thursday, August 5th, from 7 pm - 9 pm

Reception
Friday, August 6th, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Writers & Actors Lab
Friday, August 6th, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Gala Awards Banquet & Keynote
Saturday, August 7th, 6:30 p.m. Mt Hood Ballroom. No host bar 5:30 p.m. Mt Hood Foyer.

The Lonely Scribe Silent Auction
Begins Thursday evening; ends Sunday at 1 pm.

*Please click on the "Events" in the navigation for full details.

Free On-Site Help
9-12 & 1:30 - 4:00 Fri/Sat; 9-12 Sun
Manuscript ER and Pitch Practice
Garden Foyer
Free 15-minute sessions. First come, first served.
Sign up sheet available.

Can I purchase tickets to these events at the conference?
Yes. Tickets will be available at the registration desk. Don't forget to invite your family and friends to the evening events. Banquet tickets on-site are subject to availability, and may not be available if you wait until the evening of the event to purchase a ticket. We may be able to buy back tickets from those unable to attend and re-sell them.

Meals
What meals are covered by my conference registration?
A breakfast buffet will be served from 7:30-8:45 daily, with seating in the Mount Hood Ballroom.

Lunch will be a seated meal from 12-1:15 on Friday and Saturday, and from 12:15-1 on Sunday in the Mount Hood Ballroom. Lunch does not require a ticket. All registered attendees will receive lunch. If have registered for vegetarian lunches, you'll provided the appropriate meal on the days that lunches are pre-plated.

Morning and afternoon breaks will feature coffee, tea, lemonade, iced tea and water, which are complimentary. You may purchase soda or mixed drinks independently. Should you wish to purchase additional meals, they will be available in the hotel restaurant.

What will be served?
Your registration includes breakfast, lunch, coffee service, and afternoon snacks. Please tell us if you will be joining us for these meals so we can order the right amount of food. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, but you must tell us when you register.

Morning breaks include coffee, teas, and cocoa.

Afternoon breaks include cookies, lemonade, coffee and teas.

Lunches

- Friday: Deli Sandwich Buffet

- Saturday: Asian Salad Buffet – Cabbage/romaine salad w/ cilantro, water chestnuts. Sweet & sour chicken, tofu, vegetables, steamed brown rice, rolls.

- Sunday: Pork or Chicken Carnitas, vegetable fajitas, black beans and Spanish rice. With Cabbage slaw and Jiciama Salad.

Past conference chair Salli Slaughter and attendee Kirk Russell in the buffet line.

Photo Nancy Hill.

Special Needs
Who do I speak to if I have special needs?
If you register on-line, please enter the information in the appropriate spot. You may contact the Willamette Writers office at 503-452-1592, or email wilwrite@willamettewriters.com, or come to the registration desk. Please be sure that you let us know in advance if you need special accommodation.

General
What if I have a question or problem prior to the conference?
The conference website is the best location for information. Be sure we have your email address to receive current updates. You may also email the office at wilwrite@willamettewriters.com or call 503-452-1592. Due to the high-call volume prior to the conference, online alternatives work best.

Attending Workshops
You can attend any workshop on the schedule; you don't need to pre-register or sign up. Classes are only limited by room size, so come early. If you're attending a workshop that you decide isn't for you, you can get up and leave and go to another workshop. Please try to disturb other participants and little as possible as you leave, and fill out and leave the feed-back form. If you know you have a consult scheduled during a workshop, please sit toward the door so your exit doesn't disturb others.

Manuscript ER
We have a number of local editors available to offer writing advice to attendees. Free 15-minute sessions, first come, first served. Charity Hogge offers advice here to Caren Cote.