The Sigma Tau Delta 2025 Convention will be held March 19 – 22, 2025, at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown in Pittsburgh, PA. Every spring, Sigma Tau Delta holds its annual convention, a unique event that allows hundreds of members and Chapter Advisors from around the United States and beyond to gather in one locale, share experiences and expertise, be recognized for their achievements, and participate in the official proceedings of the Society. The convention also provides opportunities to discover new ideas in English and English-related disciplines, while interacting with speakers, presenters, and texts that members might not otherwise encounter.
Convention Registration
Everyone attending the convention, including presenters and roundtable participants, must register for the convention. Convention registration is now open!
Presenters are required to register by January 17 to be placed in the program schedule. Presenters are students and alumni who have been accepted to present a paper, host a Research in the Round table, or have been accepted as a participant on a roundtable.
Consult the Convention Schedule for additional details, but this year we are replacing the Awards Luncheon with food for all registered attendees throughout the event, including one buffet breakfast, one boxed lunch, and multiple coffee/tea and snacks breaks. The registration fee is comprehensive and includes all food and processing fees.
General Registration
January 6 – March 18
$120 for all participants
On-Site Registration
March 19 – March 22
$150 for all participants
Cancellation Fee
There is a $25 cancellation fee per registrant for registration, these fees are non-refundable.
Convention T-shirt
2025 Convention T-shirts will be available for pre-order during registration through February 20, 2025. Pre-ordered T-shirts must be picked up at the Shop English pop-up store March 19-21. Only a limited quantity of T-shirts will be available for sale at the convention.
Styles and Sizes
The convention T-shirt will be offered in an olive green Glidan Softstyle short sleeve with a removable tag and is available in sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, and 4XL – $12.
Note: The Glidan brand runs a bit small, so consider sizing up.
Volunteer as a Faculty Moderator or Student Chair
Presenting a paper or on a roundtable panel are not the only ways to participate in the convention. Faculty and student members alike can also have their names listed in the program as participants when the volunteer to moderate or chair a session.
Student Chairs play a major role in facilitating each paper session, introducing the session topic, the presenters, and the titles of their individual papers. A few words about each presenter—year or class rank, university affiliation, and academic interests—can also make each session friendlier and more relaxed. Students active in a Sigma Tau Delta or Sigma Kappa Delta chapter and Sigma Tau Delta alumni members may sign-up to chair a session. Please complete the Chair Sign-up form by January 17 to be considered for one of these crucial roles at convention.
While a Chair will introduce each session and its participants, Faculty Moderators are responsible for facilitating the Q & A at the end of the sessions. The Faculty Moderators’ tasks look very much like the work they do in the classroom: fostering discussion that leads to deeper understanding of the works. Moderators allow convention attendees—both those in the audience and the presenters, whom they should encourage to ask questions of each other—to dictate the direction of the discussion. All attending Chapter Advisors are expected to participate as a moderator. If you are a Chapter Advisor or faculty member who will be attending convention, please complete the Moderator Sign-up Form by January 17.
Hotel Reservations
The Sigma Tau Delta Hotel Group Registration
Sigma Tau Delta’s special pre-tax group rate is $159/night for Single or Double bed rooms (single, double, triple, and quad occupancy).
These special rates will be available until February 15, 2025, or until the room block is full, whichever occurs first.
Save Money! Share a Room!
Sharing a room is a great way to save money and make lasting friendships.
For assistance finding roommates, please complete the Convention Roommate Request Form.
We must receive your request by February 14, 2025. Sigma Tau Delta is not responsible for roommate compatibility. Attendees are responsible for their own reservations and expenses. We strongly recommend that roommates work out expense details in advance.
Launch of the Literary Festival
This year’s convention will kick off with a unique twist: the launch of a LitFest 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.
LitFest Activities
The LitFest 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 Sigma Tau Delta 2025 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.
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 Alire Sáenz, who will also participate in the Awards Ceremony. These sessions promise to enrich attendees’ understanding of literary craft and cultural narratives.
Learn more about the 2025 Convention Speakers.
Professional Development Focus
The 2025 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.
Opportunities for Engagement
The convention is a hub of activity, offering various events and sessions. You can participate in roundtables, workshops, and the LitFest, 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.
Remember, whether you are presenting or attending, the Sigma Tau Delta 2025 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 Sigma Tau Delta 2025 Convention. We can’t wait to see you there!
Fundraising
While fundraising is a necessary activity for almost every Sigma Tau Delta chapter—and although attending convention may not be the only (or even primary) use of your fundraising energies—the opportunity to attend and present at the convention can generate renewed enthusiasm and creativity for fundraising. Attendees also return home with exciting new ideas and resources for projects and activities that will bring in money for your chapter next year.
Visit the Funding page of the convention website for suggestions from our Student Leaders and convention planners for obtaining funding for convention travel.
More from Footnotes: January 14, 2025
Sigma Tau Delta 2025 Centennial Journals Now Available
Sigma Tau Delta Journal Internships
Summer Program Scholarships
My Summer with Penguin Press
Add Comment