The 2025 Sigma Tau Delta Convention promises to be an exhilarating gathering for literature enthusiasts, offering numerous opportunities for learning, networking, and showcasing creative work. Join us as we explore the various offerings at this year’s convention, including keynotes, workshops, and the chance to present your work.
The Beauty of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, a city known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, will serve as the backdrop for the 2025 Sigma Tau Delta Convention. The picturesque view from Mount Washington showcases the three rivers converging, creating a stunning tableau that captures the essence of this remarkable city.
The convention will be held at the Wyndham Grand, strategically located at the point where the rivers meet. This venue offers not only comfort but also easy access to the city’s attractions, making it an ideal spot for attendees to relax and network.
Launch of the Literary Festival
This year’s convention will kick off with a unique twist: the launch of a Literary Festival on Wednesday night. This event will feature local Pittsburgh writers Claire Beams and Diana Khoi Nguyen, who will perform and sign their works.
The festival aims to celebrate literature and foster connections within the literary community. It sets the tone for an engaging and inspiring convention experience.
Keynote Speakers and Workshops
Throughout the convention, attendees will be treated to a series of keynote speeches from notable authors. Among them is Natalie Diaz, the common reader author, who will deliver an inspiring talk and facilitate a workshop.
Other distinguished speakers include Cynthia Kadohata, who will be presenting on Friday, followed by Benjamin O’Leary, who will also participate in the award ceremony. These sessions promise to enrich attendees’ understanding of literary craft and cultural narratives.
Professional Development Focus
This convention places a strong emphasis on professional development for students, alumni, and faculty. This year, there will be a dedicated focus on workshops and sessions that cater to the professional growth of attendees.
The aim is to provide attendees with the tools and insights necessary to advance their literary careers. Participants can expect to engage in meaningful discussions and gain valuable knowledge from experienced professionals.
Lit Fest Activities
The Literary Festival will offer a variety of engaging activities and will not compete with student presentation sessions. Attendees can choose from several workshops led by talented authors, including Sherrie Flick, who will guide participants in flash fiction writing.
Additionally, Cynthia Kadohata will offer insights into writing for children’s literature, catering to a diverse audience of aspiring writers and literature lovers.
This blend of keynote speeches, workshops, and networking opportunities ensures that the 2025 Sigma Tau Delta Convention will be an enriching experience for all participants. As we gear up for this exciting event, remember to mark your calendars and prepare to immerse yourself in the world of literature and creativity.
Why Attend the Convention?
Attending the 2025 Sigma Tau Delta Convention is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the literary community. This gathering serves not only as a platform for showcasing your work but also as a space for personal and professional growth.
You’ll have the chance to present your creative work, whether it’s an academic paper, a nonfiction essay, or a creative piece. This experience is invaluable for those looking to enhance their resumes for graduate school or writing programs.
Moreover, the convention allows attendees to engage with peers from around the world, hear about their work, and gain insights into different literary perspectives. Many first-time attendees have expressed that they found their community here, a place where they truly belong.
Opportunities for Engagement
The convention is a hub of activity, offering various events and sessions. You can participate in roundtables, workshops, and the Literary Festival, which features renowned authors and facilitates meaningful discussions.
Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to meet faculty, board members, and central office staff, putting faces to the names behind the emails. This personal connection can enrich your experience and foster lasting relationships.
Don’t miss out on the new book club element introduced this year. This initiative aims to create a sense of belonging for all members, whether attending in person or remotely.
Who Can Submit Work?
If you’re a member of Sigma Tau Delta, Sigma Kappa Delta, or an alumnus of either group, you’re eligible to submit your work for presentation. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your talents and gain recognition within the literary community.
Even if your work isn’t selected, you’re still encouraged to attend. The convention needs moderators and attendees who can contribute to the vibrant discussions and workshops planned.
Types of Submissions
Students can submit either a critical essay or a creative piece. Each submission provides a chance to present your unique voice and perspective on literature. The range of topics is broad, allowing for diverse academic interests.
Additionally, if you choose to engage with the common reader, Natalie Diaz’s When My Brother Was an Aztec, you can submit an extra piece that critiques or draws inspiration from her work.
Submission Guidelines and Tips
When preparing your submission, keep in mind the importance of adhering to guidelines. Each submission has specific requirements, including a strict 2000-word limit for essays, excluding citations. This limit is crucial for maintaining fairness in the review process.
Start your submission process early to avoid last-minute stress. Involve your chapter advisor for revisions and support in refining your work to meet the word count and formatting requirements.
Choose a compelling title that resonates with potential readers. Remember, your title is your first impression, so make it concise and engaging.
Lastly, ensure that your submission is anonymous. Do not include any identifying information, as this helps maintain the integrity of the judging process.
Awards and Recognition
The convention offers several awards for outstanding submissions. This recognition can significantly enhance your academic and professional profile, making it easier to pursue future opportunities.
As we prepare for the convention, consider how you can make the most of this enriching experience. Whether through submitting your work, attending workshops, or networking with like-minded individuals, the 2025 Sigma Tau Delta Convention is set to be an unforgettable event.
Special Awards and New Initiatives
The 2025 Sigma Tau Delta Convention is not just about showcasing literary talent; it’s also an opportunity to recognize excellence through various awards. This year, we are excited to announce several new awards, including the prestigious LULAC Award, dedicated to honoring works that reflect Hispanic and Latino heritage.
Additionally, the Willa Cather Foundation has partnered with Sigma Tau Delta to create an award for works focusing on our spotlight author, Willa Cather. This initiative will not only provide cash prizes but also give top submissions the chance to be published in the renowned Willa Cather Review, a significant opportunity for aspiring writers.
Moreover, we continue to honor outstanding contributions through various awards, including the Beth DeMeo Poetry Award, named after a beloved former board member, which focuses on poetry writing.
We are also proud to highlight the Stemmler/Dennis LGBT& Award, which aims to recognize critical and creative works that address LGBT themes. This year, thanks to a partnership with Lambda Literary, winners will have the opportunity to attend an emerging LGBT writers retreat at no cost, further enhancing their literary journey.
Roundtable Discussions and Research in the Round
The convention offers unique platforms for engagement beyond traditional presentations. Roundtable discussions allow attendees to explore topics collaboratively, fostering a sense of community and shared learning. Participants are encouraged to bring their ideas and engage in meaningful conversations.
Research in the Round presents a dynamic format akin to speed dating for academics, where attendees can rotate between tables, engaging in brief, focused discussions. This format promotes lively interaction and the exchange of ideas in a fast-paced environment.
Submission Process Overview
For those looking to present at the convention, the submission process has been streamlined for ease. You’ll begin by confirming your membership status through a dedicated portal, ensuring all submissions are from active members.
The submission deadline is October 30th, and it’s important to start early to navigate the guidelines effectively. Each submission requires a long and short abstract, and you can save your progress for later completion.
Registration Details and Fees
Registration for the convention is essential. The registration fee does include a buffet breakfast, one boxed lunch and refreshments served between some sessions. This fee ensures that all attendees have access to refreshments throughout the event, enhancing the overall experience.
Registration opens in January, and early registration is encouraged to secure your spot at this exciting literary event. The Wyndham Grand in Pittsburgh serves as the venue, providing a welcoming environment for all attendees.
Valuable Opportunity
It’s a valuable opportunity to engage directly with organizers and fellow attendees. Remember, whether you are presenting or attending, the 2025 Sigma Tau Delta Convention promises to be an enriching experience filled with learning, networking, and the celebration of literature. Prepare to immerse yourself in this vibrant community, share your work, and gain insights from peers and established authors alike.
Join us as we celebrate the power of words at the 2025 Sigma Tau Delta Convention. We can’t wait to see you there!