The Sun Valley Writers' Conference is bringing some of the country's brightest minds and most influential authors, innovators, scientific experts, playwrights, poets, and policymakers to Sun Valley from Thursday, July 17, through Tuesday, July 23.
This year, celebrating its 30th Anniversary, the Conference has experienced record-setting sales. Full Conference Passes, including the half-price Next Generation Passes for those 35 and under, sold out in less than 15 minutes back in February. Pavilion Talk single event tickets, which went on sale June 5, sold out in just 10 minutes.
But there are plenty of free offerings still available.
Those who were not able to secure passes and tickets, can enjoy free Pavilion lawn talks, free at-home livestreaming, free talks for local students and teachers and a free Community Speaker Series, as well as free online audio and video recordings in the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference digital media library.
There is also a brand-new offering this year—a Live Watch Party at The Argyros in Ketchum. Watch Party Passes are $30 for three days, on sale now.
FREE Pavilion Lawn Talks
SVWC has opened up select Pavilion Talks for free seating on the lawn of the Sun Valley Pavilion. Bring a picnic, blanket, a low-back chair and a fan to watch presentations broadcast live to the large jumbotron on the Pavilion lawn.
Attendees are invited to browse the book tent for books by each author and join them for book signings following the talk.
For a complete schedule and more details, visit svwc.com/free-lawn-talks.
FREE Community Speaker Series
SVWC is partnering with The Community Library to host free lectures for the local community throughout the year, with two speakers bookending this year’s Sun Valley Writers’ Conference —Judy Blume on July 17 and John Vaillant on July 23.
Both talks will be held at 5:30pm at The Community Library. In-person registration is full for both talks, but you can join the waitlist or livestream the talks from home. Click on https://vimeo.com/event/4439064 to see Judy Blume. Click on https://vimeo.com/event/4439073 to listen to John Vaillant.
FREE Livestreaming
Can’t join in person? No problem—you can livestream select talks from SVWC from anywhere in the world. You don’t have to leave your home to enjoy presentations by some of the country’s—and the world’s—best writers and thinkers. Free virtual talks will take place July 20-22, 2024. Registration is required. For more details and information, including talks available for livestreaming and how to register, visit svwc.com/livestream. Check back regularly as they add new talks.
FREE Digital Content
Did you know that SVWC has a free digital media library on their website? Everything from Beyond the Page podcasts and SVWC audio and video recordings to some of the most popular Pavilion Talks throughout the years. You can experience all the best of SVWC at your leisure—anytime, anywhere. Explore the entire digital media library at svwc.com/media.
FREE for Local Students, Teachers, and Library Staff
SVWC invites local Wood River Valley students, teachers, and library staff to attend Pavilion Talks for free! There is limited seating inside the Sun Valley Pavilion. If talks are at capacity, they may not be able to accommodate everyone, but you are welcome to enjoy the talks from the lawn. Check in at the Bookstore Tent’s Info Desk on the Sun Valley Pavilion Lawn 30 minutes prior to each talk to check availability and get your pass. Please bring proof of identification in the form of a school or library ID.
$ Live Watch Party at The Argyros
Join SVWC for a Live Watch Party July 20-22 to celebrate their 30th Anniversary! They will livestream exclusive content from the 2024 Conference straight to The Argyros theater—including several talks that are not available for at-home livestreaming, lawn talks, or single event tickets. They will also have books available for purchase, SVWC gift items, special guest appearances, drinks, music, and more. Join them for this fun and festive celebration in downtown Ketchum! Watch Party Passes are $30 for 3 days to celebrate their 30th Anniversary, on sale now. For details and information, including available talks and how to purchase passes, visit svwc.com/watchparty.
Organizers will have extra water stations around campus, as well as fans and misters inside each tent, what with temperatures expected to approach 90 degrees.
“We are reminding everyone to dress accordingly, bring a sun hat and sun protection, stay hydrated, and contact our on-site EMT’s if they are feeling overheated,” added Kate Haase Elgee, marketing and communications manager. “There is also the option for people to watch indoors, either via free livestream or at The Argyros’ Live Watch Party for select events, rather than brave the heat.”
Learn more at https://svwc.com/.