EVENING EVENTS

The Harlequin “Roaring Twenties” Cocktail Party
7.00-8.00pm: Friday, 12th August, 2011
First Floor, Hilton on the Park, Melbourne

Prohibition is definitely not in force as our 20th conference kicks off -- and kicks up its heels -- with the "Roaring 20's" themed cocktail party. Channel your inner Chanel, go gangster, Garbo or Gatsby, flapper or Phryne Fisher, or perhaps you see yourself as one of Britain's 'Bright Young Things.' Whilst fancy dress isn’t compulsory, even a touch of costuming – a boa, beads, cloche hat or headband – can add to the ambience and provide a conversational ice-breaker. And there will be conversation a-plenty as writers shed their introvert ways to catch up with old friends, make new ones, and rub shoulders with their favourite authors.

Registration:
If you've registered for conference (Saturday and Sunday), the cocktail party is included. If you're not attending conference, you can still purchase a ticket through the registration process. Guest tickets are also available. Price: $60.00 includes drinks, canapés and scintillating company.

20th ANNIVERSARY AWARDS DINNER
7.00-10.30pm: Saturday, 13th August, 2011
Grand Ballroom, Hilton on the Park, Melbourne

Saturday night's glittering Awards Dinner celebrates our 20th anniversary and the successes of RWA members in the past year. Your ticket price, which includes a three-course dinner and drinks, is not included with conference registration. Tickets can be purchased during the registration process for yourself and a guest if required. Price: members $90; non-members $110.

Awards presented include:
The Harlequin Mills & Boon High Five Contest 2011
The 2011 STALI Contest
The 2011 Selling Synopsis Contest
The 2011 First Kiss Contest
The 2011 Little Gems Contest
The 2011 Valerie Parv Award
The 2011 Emerald Awards
The 2011 Romance in the Media Award
The 2011 Lynne Wilding Award
The 2011 Romantic Book of the Year (RBY) Awards

OTHER EVENTS:
Held on Thursday night, the eList dinner has become a first-night conference institution. The venue is usually within walking distance of the conference hotel, the meal affordable, the mood informal and (dare we say) loud. Look for details on the RomAus loop in July.

Details of other events, including a Pre-Conference tour on Thursday afternoon and orientation sessions for First Timers, will be posted on the Extras page.