We are excited to announce the app for the Sigma Tau Delta 2025 Convention, powered by Guidebook, is now available. With this resource, you have access to the most up-to-date information as well as networking tools. You can get started by visiting the web version of the app and tapping “Download the app” to access the guide on your iOS or Android device. Or, you can scan the QR code and navigate directly to the app.

Please use this passphrase: englishconvention2025

Our app has the most up-to-the minute convention information and allows you to create your own personal schedule, connect with other convention attendees, and post photos and status updates to share your thoughts and experiences with others.

The Second Way: What to Pack

Be sure to pack “business attire” for your own presentation. For the Convention Awards & Closing, members are encouraged to wear Society colors. And while you’re packing, plan to show your school spirit with school apparel for Wednesday evening’s events.

The Third Way: Prepare for the Concurrent Sessions

The 2025 Convention Program will be available shortly. The digital program will include important information about the convention and highlights some of the events you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss. Also make sure to double-check the presentation schedule. The schedule is posted on the Schedule page of the website and in the forthcoming Program, but for the most up-to-date version of the concurrent sessions, you’ll want to refer to either the mobile or web versions of the Convention App. The registration desk at convention, as well as the app and website, will post an errata sheet with any last-minute changes to the program. If you are a presenter, moderator, or chair, check the website for helpful tips and best practices. Presenters, before you pack that printed copy of your work in your carry-on luggage, practice reading in front of people you trust to tell you whether you are speaking clearly—and to be sure your presentation comes in under your 15-minute time limit!

The Fourth Way: Learn about Special Convention Events

The 2025 Convention begins on Wednesday with our Opening Ceremony with Pittsburgh Literary History & Local Authors. Convention Co-Chairs Leigh Dillard, Shannin Schroeder, and Kevin Stemmler welcome attendees to the Sigma Tau Delta 2025 Convention! They will introduce representatives from City of Asylum who will speak about providing sanctuary to writers and artists in exile. Readings by local authors Diana Khoi Nguyen and Clare Beams will also highlight the evening. The night concludes with the Rectangle Reading. Come meet your fellow convention-goers and interact in a dynamic setting that perfectly opens our 2025 Convention.

Thursday morning opens with the Student Leadership Workshop. Have you ever wanted to learn how to write an effective cover letter? Start to build your own character or story world? Write collage poetry? These and many more activities will be featured at the Student Leadership workshop! Join student leaders from each of the six regions as they guide you through the process of writing poetry, crafting a cover letter, effectively editing stories, and much more. Choose topics that are of interest to you and rotate stations to leave the workshop with tangible, creative, inspired work in hand! Thursday also features Alumni and Chapter Advisor workshops as well as a robust series of Professional Development Workshops for students, alumni, and faculty.

Keynote Speakers Natalie Diaz, Cynthia Kadohata, and Benjamin Alire Sáenz will be speaking and signing books on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, respectively. In addition to our Keynote Speakers, the 2025 Convention Co-Chairs are excited to launch a new feature for Pittsburgh called LitFest, modeled on popular literary festivals that celebrate writers and literary work. The 2025 Convention will feature two LitFest mini-sessions added to the Friday and Saturday programming to give convention-goers additional opportunities to engage with a variety of authors and professional topics. Some participants in our lineup include Sigma Tau Delta alumni, to further celebrate our convention theme “one of ours.” Other LitFest presenters feature established Pittsburgh writers and professionals with backgrounds in English.

Thursday and Friday evenings also feature special late-night events. Back by popular demand this year (but moving to a new night on Thursday!), Student Leadership is again hosting their Trivia Night! Leave the stress of presentations and travel at the door and come show off your literary prowess. Compete alongside (or against!) friends and chapter members for Sigma Tau Delta swag and other great prizes. Questions will cover a wide array of genres and time periods—and might even test your Sigma Tau Delta knowledge! Friday evening, attendees can choose between an Open Mic or Movie Night. Attendees are invited to share their short, original creations at Open Mic Night. Bring your best poetry, flash fiction, and other short pieces to perform for the friendliest audience you will ever find. If Open Mic isn’t your speed, check our Movie Night for a screening of the film adaptation of Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s novel Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, featuring an introduction from Sáenz where he discusses how his literary vision was adapted for film and a signing before the film. And don’t miss the capstone event of this year’s convention, the Convention Awards & Closing Ceremony on Saturday, a celebration of your and your peers’ success.

The Fifth Way: What to Do When You Arrive

When you arrive next week at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown, make your way to convention Registration. The registration desk will be located in the Kings Landing on the second floor. Registering gives you important materials for navigating through convention, including your name badge and a ticket to pick up the convention T-shirt you may have ordered and any other events you pre-registered for. Convention registration is open

Wednesday     3:00-9:00
Thursday         7:30-4:30
Friday              7:30-4:30
Saturday         7:30-10:30

The first event, the Opening Ceremony, will be in Ballroom 1-2 on level 2 on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. and is an excellent introduction to convention.