CONFERENCE SCENE
1 Biographers International Conference
Sponsored by the Biographers International Organization (BIO) and the Leon Levy Center for Biography, this event brings together some of the finest practitioners of the craft of biography to help guide, mentor, encourage, and advise attendees on a wide variety of topics relating to the writing, researching, and selling of biography.
May 14–16, 2021. Virtual. $49 members; $99 nonmembers. “Now in its 12th year, this annual event is perfect for biographers—both inexperienced and seasoned—from across the nation and around the world,” says executive director Michael Gately. “Agents, editors, and other readers of biography are also welcome.” This is the only annual conference aimed at 200 attended in person. David Levering Lewis, recipient of the 2021 BIO Award, will be the keynote speaker. Other presenters include Blake Bailey, Kai Bird, David W. Blight, Claudia Dreifus, and many other prominent biographers. The event highlight is the presentation of the Plutarch Award for best biography of the year, and of the BIO Award—BIO’s highest honor—for advancing the art and craft of biography. Other events include a reading by authors of new biographies, and an informal plenary session with David W. Blight and another distinguished biographer in conversation with one another. Featuring panels on the art and craft of biography, such as interviewing, writing about writers, and obituary writing. Other panels of interest include a comparative study of James Baldwin by a biographer, a cultural historian, and a filmmaker. They expect to retain most of the events planned for their postponed 2020 event and to open registration by the first of February. Gately suggests studying the program ahead of time and choosing the panel topics of greatest interest to you. Most panels and plenary events will take place during the day on Saturday and Sunday. .
