Hello 2027 Authors!
Please consider this website a one-stop shop for relevant information for Writers on the River 2027. Information will be updated as frequently as needed.
We can’t wait to see you in July!
The Healing With Words Team
writersontheriveril@gmail.com
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
Table deposits are due 11/06/26 at 7pm CT or you will forfeit your table!
EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday July 9, 202712-6pm: Author Check In (plus swag and raffle basket drop if applicable)3-5pm: Author Mixer for you + one assistant (popcorn bar, soda, tea, and water provided + a fun time)Please note: we cannot guarantee room set up on Friday, but if available, we will open the room to authors to setup.Saturday July 10, 20276-8am: Complimentary hotel breakfast (if you are staying at the Embassy, w/ hotel voucher given at check in)8-10am: Author Setup (authors MUST be registered and checked in before 9am to make way for reader registration)10:05-10:35am: Thistle Farms presentation10:45am: Author Group Photo & Prize Drawing11:00am: Lunch11:50am: Early ADA/VIP Entry12–1pm: VIP Admission1–4pm: General Admission (Do NOT break down before 4pm)4:15pm: Raffle Drawing7:30-11pm: After-Party — DJ, photo booth, taco & potato bar, dessert & cash bar
EVENT HOTEL INFO
Embassy Suites by Hilton East Peoria – 100 Conference Center Drive, East Peoria, IL 61611
Room block includes 2 room suites with King or two Queen beds at the contracted rate of $145/night + taxes and fees. Rooms are limited and will sell out.
Please reserve your room by clicking here.
Venue info:
– Complimentary Wi-Fi
– Free event parking
– Signing on ground floor
– Free breakfast (with hotel stay)
Signing Authors Receive:
– Light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages at Friday night mixer for you plus one assistant.
– 6′ or 8′ foot table (or half per sign-up option) with table covering + 2 chairs on Saturday
– Catered lunch on Saturday for you plus one assistant.
– Afterparty entry with taco and mashed potato bar, non-alcoholic beverages, and dessert for you plus one assistant.
SPONSORSHIPS
Our 2027 sponsorship form is open and filling fast. Sponsorships range from $50 to $1,000 and no amount is too small. You can reserve your space with a $50 deposit. Remainder invoices will be sent on a rolling basis going forward with final payments due in March.
If you’re interested, check out the opportunities by clicking here.
ADA COMPLIANCE
On behalf of Writers On The River, hosted by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Healing With Words, we would like to clearly reaffirm our commitment to providing an ADA-compliant, safe, and welcoming environment for all attendees which includes: readers, authors, vendors, volunteers, and guests with disabilities. Please let us know if you need any accommodation by reaching out via email to writersontheriveril@gmail.com
As confirmed by our venue, Embassy Suites by Hilton East Peoria Riverfront Hotel & Conference Center, the property is ADA compliant and provides:
Wheelchair-accessible entrances and public areas
Accessible guest rooms
Elevator access to all levels
Accessible restrooms
Wide corridors and clear egress pathways
Designated accessible parking
In addition, our event utilizes spacing tools to maintain appropriate service perimeters between tables. Standard layout practice includes approximately 2.5 feet between tables.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Authors are provided two general admission tickets free of charge to distribute or giveaway. Please provide us the names of your ticket holders before May 14, 2027 by completing this form.
We LOVE a good raffle basket! If you’re planning to contribute a basket to the raffle in 2027, please drop it off to the raffle room (behind registration) when you register. IL law requires you to attach a list of items in the basket and an estimated dollar amount. Don’t worry, you can also do this on site!
We also love SWAG.
If you would like to donate swag to include in our VIP bags, please send 225 items to:
Angie Johnson
303 West Smith Street
Wyoming, IL 61491
or
Kate Hawthorne
PO Box 491
Goshen, KY 40026