Yeah, I’m a Fan of Conferences

It’s no secret that the Omega Christian Writers conference is happening next week. Preparations have been underway for months now (OK, for two years actually, since the last in-person conference) and now it’s almost time! Squeeee!

But what is so good about a writer’s conference?

I’ve written about the advantages of conference before: being with your tribe, getting tips and training on your writing craft, solidarity. These awesome bits are heightened by the fact that these yearly conferences only happen every two years now (in-person) with Zoom conferences every alternating year. Zoom is a great option for those unable to travel or afford the usual in-person costs, and it gives the conference committee a breather too.

But there’s nothing like spending a long weekend with your people. Late night chats, random conversations over a meal, asking new delegates, ‘So, what do you write about?’ and watching their faces light up. Priceless.

In particular, I’m looking forward to worshiping God together this year. I’ve missed my Sydney chapter—it’s also no secret that I moved from Sydney to Adelaide in 2025–and being able to praise the God who brought us together and who keeps us bonded is a special thing. I’m looking forward to browsing the bookstall—a number of my writer friends have published books in the past couple of years. I’m looking forward to the CALEB awards, of course, because I have an entry in that one!

Most of all, I’m looking forward to the ‘God appointments.’ You know the ones: you’re minding your own business, having a drink before the next workshop, and then someone approaches you and before you know it, you’re sharing life-changing stories through tears and praying for one another.

I’ve had some of those ‘appointments’ at past conferences, moments where I realise, ‘This is why I came to conference.’ In fact, one of the reasons I’m now writing fantasy stories is because at a conference in 2022, three people came up to me over the course of the weekend and specifically encouraged me to write them. I had been full of self-doubt over those fantasy stories, but God knew. He sent me the encouragement I needed.

I’m not exactly sure what I need from this year’s conference, if I’m honest. But I’m going with an open mind to learn, and an open heart to be challenged. Who knows, maybe I’ll be stretched in a new direction. Maybe I’ll feel affirmed in what I’m already doing. At the very least, I’ll have some amazing fellowship in a beautiful place with some truly superb people.

See you on the other side!

Have you been to a conference, Omega or otherwise? Do you find it helpful to share stories and struggles with others? If you’re going to the Omega conference next week, what are you looking forward to the most? Share your story. Let’s have a countercultural conversation.