An on-site workshop gives the writer a chance to create or polish a work with the guidance of an expert author or editor and feedback of fellow classmates. A workshop can be just one session in the conference schedule, or it can take up multiple sessions over the course of a few days. Writers focus on one type of genre in the workshop such as short story, poetry, essay or memoir. The instructor's suggestions give the writer an immediate response regarding grammar, structure, plot and other concerns in the work. This experience gives writers new tools and methods to improve their writing and increase their odds of publication.
A pitch session is an opportunity for the writer to pitch, or sell, an idea to an agent or editor. Normally, a pitch session is only five to ten minutes, and the agent may hear dozens of pitches in one day. If the agent or editor likes the idea, he or she will ask the writer to follow up with a full manuscript. Most pitches are for book ideas, although some conferences schedule magazine editors to take article pitches. Pitches are scheduled before the conference begins, although there is usually a waiting list in case someone cancels an appointment. A successful pitch can result in a book contract or agent representation. These sessions are usually covered by the cost of registration. They are a valuable part of attending any writing conference.
Evening banquets are scheduled events and can range from informal barbecues to formal awards dinners. Speakers, special guests and attendees mingle at the banquet, providing the perfect atmosphere for networking. Seating may be assigned or random; some conferences spread out agents, editors and authors to different tables so more writers have the chance to talk with a seasoned professional. Banquet tickets are usually sold separately, in addition to the cost of the convention registration.
Writing contests are featured at many conventions. Some conferences may host just a few contests, while others have a dozen or more. Contest deadlines are weeks before the convention takes place, in order to give the organizers time to judge entries and select winners. A few spur-of-the-moment contests may take place during the conference. These often involve short entries such as flash fiction of less than 200 words or a short piece based on a provided writing prompt. Contest awards usually involve cash or certificates and are presented during a luncheon or banquet. Rules differ between organizations, so check with the conference beforehand about extra fees and deadlines.