Conference on Hiatus
After eight years, Powell River Writers Conference is taking a one year hiatus. When the executive met at the AGM May 11, the future of this valuable event seemed dim but thanks to a group of creative thinkers, it is simply taking a break to re-invent itself.
I retired as president,and head organizer, as did my husband Dave from being treasurer. The new board consists of: President Jennifer Salisbury, VP Donna Koleszar, Treasurer Heidi Sullivan, Secretary Gwen Enquist, Memberhip Barb Rees,Member at large for writing grants, Bud Gilham, Member at large looking for creative means to continue the conference in 2013, Hannah Main Van-der Kamp.
Although the conference email will remain active, please direct further correspondence to Jennifer: jennifer@platinumbusinessdevelopment.com
In the interim, the new board are actively seeking a partner organization or festival to work with or be under their umbrella. More hands make lighter work and make for bigger exposure and contacts. PRWC will apply for grants to hire an event organizer. Possibly the whole layout of the conference needs to be restructured.
It was agreed that bigger isn’t necessarily better. Many comments have been made over the years from writers saying how much they’d enjoyed the intimacy of a small event where they have ample opportunity to talk with the presenters and others. Jennifer called it “The Biggest Little Writers Conference.” Maybe we’ve been stressing out too much about it getting bigger, but as a small conference it still has the same costs so if it stays small we need to cut down on expenses.
Change is good. Together Powell River Writers Conference will resurface in 2013 an even more vibrant event. Please send us your ideas and feedback. Thank you for all your support over the years. THank you to our patrons Sylvia Taylor and Anthony Dalton for believing in us.
It was my pleasure to found it, and serve for these eight years. I know my writing has benefited greatly from all the professionals who’ve attended , plus I’ve made a ton of writer friends.
” Freshed washed air follows a storm and the promise of a rainbow lights our hearts.” A Barbism
Barb Rees/past president
