Conference Schedule

The ThrillerFest week is designed by authors, for authors. We have something for everyone, whether you’re an aspiring author, a fan, an industry professional, or an ITW author.

• FBI and ATF Day  Monday, May 4, 2026 – Join us for an intensive day of learning from FBI and ATF agents who will share information in their area of expertise. This insider’s view of the FBI will allow you to write an authentic portrayal of any FBI experts and agents in your novels. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to go behind the scenes.
• Master Class 1.0  Tuesday, May 5, 2026 – We kick off ThrillerFest week with Master Class for authors at all levels. Take your project to the next level with a small, full-day class taught by a bestselling author, including a critique of ten manuscript pages. Space is limited.
• CraftFest  Wednesday, May 6, 2026 and Thursday, May 7, 2026 – Hone your craft during hour-long lectures by experts and authors. Includes the Wednesday evening cocktail party and Wednesday’s CraftFest Lunch, with a to-be-announced VIP interview.
• QueryFest  By appointment only, Wednesday, May 6, 2026 through Friday, May 8, 2026 – Get advice and careful critiques of your query or first manuscript pages during 15-minute, one-on-one meetings with leading agents and editors.
• NEW! ConnectFest  By appointment only, Friday, May 8, 2026 and Saturday, May 9, 2026 – Do you have one burning question about your book, your writing life, promotion, or your path to publication? Are you trying to make a decision or choose a path or simply wish you could get advice and savvy answers from someone who knows their stuff? Sign up for our brand new ConnectFest, and you will get a one-on-one session with a top-notch author, agent, or editor in the ITW community. It may be the most valuable 15 minutes you’ve ever spent. *This is not a pitch or query review event; please sign up for PitchFest or QueryFest if you’re looking for those opportunities. Blurb or critique requests are not allowed, and experts will not review manuscripts in advance.
• NEW! Master Class 2.0  Thursday, May 7, 2026 – If you are an active ITW member and have published at least one novel of at least 80K words, consider joining our brand-new Master Class 2.0. Eager to meet the challenges of a growing career – to raise the bar, up your game, and grow in technique, imagination, and skill, maybe even change genres? In these four-hour limited-size intensive sessions, your 10-page manuscript will be analyzed and critiqued by one of the most experienced writing coaches in our community. Space is limited.
• PitchFest  Thursday May 7, 2026, 2pm to 5pm – Pitch your completed manuscript to top agents and editors in this “speed dating” event. 2025’s PitchFest had over 60 agents and editors.
• ThrillerFest  Friday, May 8, 2026 and Saturday, May 9, 2026 – Meet bestselling thriller authors and other industry experts starting with the Opening Night Cocktail Party on Thursday evening, and continuing with panels, interviews, and signings on Friday and Saturday. Includes the Friday Night Cocktail Party, and the Debut Author Breakfast on Saturday morning.
• The Thriller Awards Banquet  Saturday, May 9, 2026, evening – Socialize, feast, and cheer the presentation of the industry’s top honors, the Thriller Awards. Includes the Pre-Banquet Cocktail Party and the ThrillerMaster After Party.