Charlotte, NC
January 29 -31, 2026
Charlotte, NC
January
29 -31, 2026
Charlotte, NC | January 29 -31, 2026
We’re gathering for our 8th annual Writer’s Conference in beautiful Charlotte, NC on January 29-31, 2026, and we’d love you to join us! Experience three unforgettable days designed to awaken your words, strengthen your voice, and surround you with a community who believes in the power of story.
Across the weekend, you’ll hear best selling authors and keynote voices, learn from workshop presenters who will help refine your craft, and step into quiet writing rooms where inspiration becomes practice. Thursday night we’ll pause for Celebrate Your Story—a joyful evening where we recognize the milestones of our Hope*Books authors and invite everyone in the room to see what’s possible for their own writing journey.
This is more than another event. It’s a gathering designed to move your writing forward.
Meet the Voices Who Will Inspire You
Our conference is about connection, learning, and shared stories. Each of these guests brings wisdom, energy, and heart to the stage. We can’t wait for you to meet them.
Keynote Speakers
Ann Voskamp
Author, Blogger, Speaker
Ruth Chou Simons
Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur, Artist
Guest Speakers
Dr. Brian Dixon
CEO Hope*Media Network
Dr. Zoe Shaw
Creative Director - hope*writers
Liz Caffman
Director of Partnerships & Community -hope*books
You belong in the room!
This is a call to the brave. The hopeful. The heart-beating storytellers who know there’s a book inside but haven’t made it real yet.
The Hope*Story Conference is not just an event—it’s a declaration.
A declaration that your story matters.
A declaration that you’re done sitting on the sidelines
A declaration that 2026 is your year.
Moments from Past Conferences
Enjoy a glimpse into the past seven years of inspiring moments, deep connections, and powerful stories that have encouraged writers in every season.
A Weekend to Move Your Writing Forward
In three intentional days, you’ll gain practical teaching and gentle, thoughtful guidance to help you take your next step as a writer. You’ll leave with clarity about your unique voice and audience, tools to quiet writer’s block and silence the fear of hitting “publish,” and a clear, doable plan for navigating what comes next in your writing journey.
Conference Schedule
The full list of presenters will be shared with attendees as the event approaches. In the meantime, here’s a general overview of the conference schedule:
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29
6:30 PM – Doors open early for VIP
7:00 PM – Red Carpet Arrival
7:15 PM – Celebrate the Story
8:45 PM – After Party
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30
8:00 AM – Doors Open (coffee provided)
9:00 AM – Welcome Session
10:15 AM – Break
10:30 AM – Morning Workshops
11:15 AM – Break
11:30 AM – Mid-Morning Workshops
12:15 PM – Lunch "On The Lawn" (food trucks will be available)
2:00 PM – Keynote: Ruth Chou Simons
3:00 PM – Break
3:15 PM – Afternoon Workshops
4:00 PM – Break
4:15 PM – Final Session
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31
8:00 AM – Doors Open (coffee provided)
9:00 AM – Welcome Session
9:45 AM – Break
10:30 AM – Morning Workshops
11:15 AM – Break
11:30 AM – Mid-Morning Workshops
12:15 PM – Lunch on Your Own
2:00 PM – Keynote: Ruth Chou Simons
Please note: Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Details
All the details you need about the conference location and hotels.
A Weekend That Changes Everything
Step into a weekend designed to awaken the writer in you. From keynote moments that stir your soul to practical workshops that equip your pen, every session is crafted to move you closer to the story you were born to tell. This isn’t just a schedule—it’s a sacred turning point.
The Revelry at Camp North End – Where Innovation Meets Elegance
The Revelry at Camp North End offers a dynamic setting in one of Charlotte’s most creative districts. With its modern design and artistic vibe, this spacious venue provides the perfect atmosphere for connection, inspiration, and big ideas to come to life.
Location
We're meeting at the Elevation Lake Norman Campus, just 35 minutes from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Elevation Lake Norman
8325 Copley Dr
Cornelius, NC 28031
Conference Prices
General
Admission
Writer's
Table
Writer's
Suite
$397
$497
Features
General Admission
Writer's Table
Writer's Suite
(SOLD OUT)
Reserved Seating
N/A
☑
☑
Thursday NIGHT AWARDS
Preferred Seating
N/A
☑
☑
Q&A with Ann Voskamp
N/A
☑
☑
Photo with Ann Voskamp
N/A
N/A
☑
Lounge Access
N/A
N/A
☑
Swag Items
N/A
ONE ITEM
FULL BAG
About The Area
Get the scoop on our conference location—explore the venue, nearby attractions, and cozy hotels to make your stay unforgettable!
Food, shopping and more
The Revelry at Camp North End – Where Innovation Meets Elegance
The Revelry at Camp North End offers a dynamic setting in one of Charlotte’s most creative districts. With its modern design and artistic vibe, this spacious venue provides the perfect atmosphere for connection, inspiration, and big ideas to come to life.
Birkdale Village
(1 mile from event location)
Located in the heart of Huntersville, NC, Birkdale Village is a lively destination where shopping, dining, and entertainment come together in a walkable, open-air setting. With charming streetscapes, inviting green spaces, and year-round events, it’s more than a place to shop — it’s a place to gather, relax, and enjoy the community.
Birkdale Village is home to over 60 retail shops, 10 restaurants, and a 16-screen theater.
Learn more at: birkdalevillage.com | @birkdalevillagenc
Accommodations
Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte Lake Norman
Four Points by Sheraton Charlotte - Lake Norman
Things to Know
You've got questions and we've got answers.
Ask us questions
Do I have to be a member of hope*writers to attend the conference?
The hope*story conference is open to anyone! Of course we’d love to have you join our community at hopewriters.com, but it isn’t a prerequisite for attending.
Are my meals included?
Meals are on your own at local restaurants, except for Friday, when we’ve brought in some of our favorite food trucks to serve lunch. You’ll have plenty of delicious options to choose from! Food truck meals aren’t included, but most vendors accept both cash and cards.
Tell me more about the location.
The hope*story conference is graciously hosted at Elevation Lake Norman in North Carolina, located at 8325 Copley Dr, Cornelius, NC 28031. There will be theater seating, quiet introvert spaces, workshop rooms, restroom facilities, spacious parking, green space, and upscale shopping close by at Birkdale Village. We will have light refreshments, water, and coffee, but if you have any dietary restrictions, we recommend that you bring your own refreshments.
What about cancellations and refunds?
Once you purchase your ticket, we won’t be able to offer a refund. Purchases and registrations are final so make sure you check your calendar and your budget before purchasing. Again, there are no refunds and no transfers.
Vendors and sponsor opportunities
Please contact liz@hopemedianetwork.com with the subject line (conference sponsor) for a list of remaining opportunities.
Lodging and travel
The hope*story conference will be located at the Elevation Lake Norman campus. This is about a 35 minute drive from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. We are not responsible for your transportation to and from the hope*story conference. You might consider flying to Charlotte, booking a hotel in the area, and renting a car. Others might choose to find a local friend and carpool. Any way you get here is fine. We can’t wait to see you! The conference will not take place at a hotel, so there is no discounted room rate available.
Are there scholarships available?
Unfortunately, scholarships are not available for this conference.
Are you accepting speaker applications?
Thank you so much for your interest. We will not be accepting any speaker applications for this conference.
Will there be breakout sessions?
Yes!
What about childcare and guests?
This conference is designed to give you uninterrupted focus on your writing journey. For that reason, childcare is not provided and sessions are limited to registered attendees. If your spouse would like to participate, they can purchase a ticket and join you in the sessions.
I’m just getting started. Is this for me?
We’re so glad you’re here! The hope*story conference is for you if you a) want to come and b) are ready to invest both time and money for three days to focus on planning and growing your writing career. We believe that you have a message to share and an audience to serve. The hope*story conference is our best effort to offer to you what we wish we had when we first got started.
hope*story conference
hope*story conference
Charlotte, NC
Charlotte, NC
January 29 -31, 2026
January 29 -31, 2026
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