TWO WEEKS!

Greetings, fellow authors, artists, publishers, promoters, and attendees!

We’re almost there!

With just two weeks to go and only FIVE booths remaining, we are incredibly close to having a completely full house for this year’s event.

And because we’d really like to fill those last five spots, we’ve decided to make things a little more tempting:

The remaining booths are now 50% OFF!

That means the original $150 booth price is now just $75.

So, what does that mean for you?

1. If you’ve been thinking about getting a booth, now is definitely the time.
We’re down to the final five, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.

2. Know someone who might be interested? Send them our way!
Maybe they’re an artist, illustrator, bookmark maker, crafter, or have another type of booth that would be a good fit for an authors convention. (Within reason, of course. You know who you are. 😉) We’d love to have them join us and help make this an even more amazing weekend.

And one more little favor…

If you’re already planning to attend—whether you’re a vendor, author, publisher, artist, or simply someone who loves books—we’d really appreciate it if you would help us spread the word.

And we don’t just mean sharing the event to your own profile. If you have a moment, visit the event on our Facebook page and use that handy little Invite button. It may seem like a small thing, but those few clicks can make a big difference.

More attendees means more people discovering your books, artwork, booths, and businesses. It means more potential readers, more conversations, more networking, more aspiring authors sitting in on panels, and perhaps even a few opportunities to connect with publishers and industry professionals.

And for those of you with day jobs—as most of us do—we understand that finding time for the fun stuff can be challenging.

So, the next time you step away from your desk because a client is testing the limits of your patience, or you’re taking your lunch break, take 30 seconds and invite a few people to the event.

Think of it as a perfectly legitimate work break. We promise. We won’t tell your boss. 😉

Find a couple of friends who love to read, enjoy discovering new authors, or simply like talking about books with other book-loving people.

What’s one more book, right?

We can’t wait to see all of you Saturday and Sunday, September 5th & 6th!

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM both days

Emidio & Sons Banquet Center
48 E Bath Rd
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223

Thank you to everyone who has already signed up, shared the event, supported the convention, or simply told a friend about us.

We’re almost there. Let’s fill those last five booths and make this one heck of a weekend!

DIRK MANNING AT Akron Authors Con???

Distinguished guests, vendors, and spectators!

It is my pleasure to announce that we have somehow managed to bring on board, for one day only, the amazingly talented, all around great person, and celebrated author of several graphic novels, and a bout about writing for graphic novels, and a teleplay for a web series – The one and only Dirk Manning!

Dirk Manning is the writer/creator of comic series such as the supernatural noir TALES OF MR. RHEE and the genre-bending horror anthology NIGHTMARE WORLD. More of Dirk’s comic work includes the official graphic novel adaptation of the classic lost horror film LONDON AFTER MIDNIGHT (with the estate of Lon Chaney), RSVP: E.S.P.(with  New York Times #1 bestselling author Josh Malerman), BUTTS IN SEATS: THE TONY SCHIAVONE STORY (a #1 Best-Selling Graphic Novel on Amazon), HOMESTEAD, (Ringo Award Finalist for Best Original Graphic Novel in 2025), BURIED BUT NOT DEAD (Ringo Award finalist for Best Original Graphic Novel in 2021), TWIZTID HAUNTED HIGH-ONS (Ringo Award finalist for Best Humor Comic in 2020 and 2022), HOPE, THE ADVENTURES OF CTHULHU JR. AND FRIENDS, and ARN ANDERSON: MY LIFE AS THE ENFORCER among others. Dirk was an early adapter in using crowdfunding to launch his comics and graphic novels, with his works having raised over half a million dollars and counting in pre-sales on Kickstarter alone. Dirk is also the author of the inspirational/how-to column turned book series WRITE OR WRONG: A WRITER’S GUIDE TO CREATING COMICS and has contributed several short stories to the RPG game series CLOCKWORK: DOMINION for Reliquary Game Studios. His screenplay writing credits include the YouTube horror series BLACKBOX TV episode “The Hunger” (directed by Drew Daywalt and featuring Bonnie Aarons and Jon Gries).

When not at his desk writing, touring the comic convention circuit, sampling his way across the best ice cream shops in the world, or proudly serving as Publisher at Source Point Press helping usher in a new era of creator-owned graphic novels in the genres of horror, speculative fiction, and pulp from a variety of cutting-edge creators, Dirk can be found online at www.DirkManning.com and on most social media platforms as @dirkmanning.

He does not wear a top hat and scarf in real life.

It’s Getting Closer!

Good Afternoon, Fellow Authors, Attendees, and Vendors!

As we get closer to the date, I’m being reminded that our hotel deadline to get your rooms booked is coming due.

Friday, the 14th is the final day to reserve your room for the the convention. If you are coming from out of town and don’t want to commute, now is the time to reserve your room. Having said that,

We are pleased to announce that we have partnered with Staybridge Suites hotel in Stow, Ohio, just a few minutes away from the venue!

Vendors! Vendors! VENDORS!

Hello Fellow Authors and Vendors!
We are quickly filling up!
We only have twenty-eight (28) twenty-seven (27) spots left!

You read that right! We only have twenty-eight (28) twenty-seven (27) spots left to fill in order to have a full house! And we need your help to do it. If you’re an author, a publisher, a promotor, or even a literary agent looking for new clients, Now’s your chance. Come to the Akron Authors Con. We’d absolutely love to have you. Get your space while you still can!

It’s been asked if we’re going to publish a list of vendors that are going to be in attendance for this first year convention. And we are finally ready to make that list public.

Please navigate to our vendor’s listing page to get a sneak peak at everyone that will be in attendance, thus far!

Keep in mind that this is your opportunity to have a look at your placement in relation to other vendors – and if you’re an attendee, this gives you an opportunity to seek out your favorite vendor(s) so you can make a bee-line right to them. What a cool time to be attending the premier of the Akron Authors Con!

Next, once it’s finalized, we will put out the map to the convention, so not only can you know who’s who , but where they’re at, and where you can go an check out panels, presentations and workshops!

Shortly thereafter, we are going to be updating the schedule for all panels and workshops.

As always, we appreciate your support and we look forward to seeing you there!

Recent Reports

Greetings one and all. Mark, here. I would personally like to address the recent allegations of our use of AI to create our logo.

After careful investigation, we found that the images were stock images purchased from Adobe by our artist. See screenshots from Adobe Stock. We did find one that was generated by AI, a font – purchased prior to Adobe Stock changing their disclosure and labeling policy. At the time, our artist did not know that the font was not created by a human. Everything used to create the image was selected as stock photos, purchased directly from Adobe, and our talented convention artist, Rhiannon Massaro, has the receipts.

We will reiterate once more – we do not encourage the use of AI. However, we also do not encourage intolerance. We understand the aversion to AI usage – taking away from real artists and creators. We apologize for the unfortunate misunderstanding, but we take things like this very seriously and can safely say that our integrity and commitment to you is a top priority. We will NEVER knowingly or intentionally misguide, misdirect, mislead, or misinform you.

Our goal is to create an event that is enjoyable for everyone. Period.

Having said that, I want to address one more thing. To all of you keeping us honest – we appreciate you. However, what we would appreciate more is for you to ask questions before assuming the worst. We could have addressed the issue and avoided a lot of unnecessary hassle, frustration, and hardship on our artist and staff. Please consider this in the future.

Sincerely,

Mark Bogner

Con Staff and ⅓ Chairperson.

Your Story Deserves a Stage

Your Story Deserves a Stage — Exhibit at the Akron Authors Con

You’ve written the book. You’ve built the catalog. You’ve done the late nights, the edits, the cover revisions, the social posts that got twelve likes (thanks, Mom).

Now it’s time to put your work in front of the people who actually want it.

The Akron Authors Convention is Ohio’s next major literary gathering — and we’re actively looking for authors, publishers, literary agents, artists, and publicists to join us as exhibitors and vendors. This is your room. Your readers are already buying tickets.

What Is the Akron Authors Con?

We’re a two-day celebration of storytelling, creativity, and the publishing world in all its forms — indie, traditional, and everything in between. Think book signings, panels, workshops, networking, and a whole lot of enthusiasm for the written word.

Held at Emidio and Sons Banquet Hall and Event Center in Cuyahoga Falls (just north of Akron), the convention brings together readers, writers, and industry professionals from across the Midwest in one energized space.

Our Author Guest of Honor this year is the acclaimed Benjamin Wallace — known for the wildly popular Duck & Cover Adventures series, the Dads Vs series, and a whole shelf’s worth of humor, sci-fi, and adventure titles. In other words, the bar is set, and it’s a good one.

Why Exhibit With Us?

Here’s the honest pitch:

For Authors — whether you’re indie published, hybrid, or traditionally signed — this is a direct line to readers who showed up specifically to discover new books and meet the people who wrote them. No algorithms. No competing with cat videos. Just you, your books, and people who are genuinely excited to be there.

For Publishers, Agents, and Publicists — the Akron Authors Con is positioning itself as a premier regional event in the Midwest literary calendar. Getting in early means visibility, relationships, and the opportunity to shape what this convention becomes. The authors and talent you’re looking for? They’ll be in the room.

Beyond the booth, exhibitors get access to:

• Panels and workshops — participate as a speaker or sit in on programming designed for writers at every stage
• Networking opportunities — connect with fellow creatives, industry professionals, and a community that genuinely supports each other
• A growing regional audience — Akron and Northeast Ohio have a vibrant, book-loving community, and this event is built to grow

The Details

📅 Date: September 5–6, 2026
📍 Venue: Emidio and Sons Banquet Hall & Event Center — 48 E Bath Rd Suite 101, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
🏨 Hotel Partner: Staybridge Suites, Stow, Ohio — discounted rates available (mention Akron Authors Convention when booking)

Exhibitor space is limited, and applications are open now. The earlier you’re in, the better your placement options.

Ready to Claim Your Table?

This is the part where we tell you: space fills up. We’d love to have you, and we mean that genuinely — not in the “limited time offer” sense, but in the “we’re building something real here and want the right people in the room” sense.

👉 Apply as an Exhibitor or Vendor →

Questions? Reach out through our contact page — we’re real people and we actually respond.

The Akron Authors Convention — Where Authors, Artists, and Publishers Come Together to Create a Day for Readers, Writers, and Fans.

Press Release: 02/25/2026

AKRON, Ohio – Feb. 25, 2026 — Akron Authors Convention Announces Open Call for Authors, Artists, and Publishing Professionals for Ohio’s Next Major Literary Event

Akron, Ohio — The Akron Authors Convention is proud to announce that exhibitor and vendor applications are now officially open for its upcoming literary event, positioning itself as Ohio’s next major gathering dedicated to storytelling, publishing, and creative collaboration.

Organizers are actively recruiting authors, artists, literary agents, publishers, and publicists to participate as vendors and exhibitors. The convention aims to create a dynamic space where creatives and industry professionals can connect directly with readers, network with peers, and showcase their work to a growing regional audience.

Highlighting the event, acclaimed author Benjamin Wallace has been named the Author Guest of Honor. Wallace is widely known for his popular Duck and Cover Series, as well as the fan-favorite Dads Vs Series, along with numerous other works spanning humor, science fiction, and adventure. His appearance underscores the convention’s mission to bring recognized voices in publishing together with emerging talent.

“The Akron Authors Convention is designed to celebrate creativity at every level,” said event organizers. “We want to build a welcoming environment where writers, artists, and publishing professionals can grow their audiences, collaborate, and inspire the next generation of storytellers.”

The convention will feature exhibitor booths, author meet-and-greets, networking opportunities, and programming focused on both independent and traditional publishing pathways. Organizers encourage early applications from professionals looking to expand visibility and connect with readers throughout the Midwest.

Interested vendors and exhibitors are encouraged to apply now as space is limited.

For vendor information, exhibitor opportunities, or general inquiries, please contact:
The Akron Authors Convention at https://akronauthorscon.com
or emailing, in**@*************on.com

Authors Guest of Honor!

BENJAMIN WALLACE!
Akron Authors Con – Author Guest of Honor!

It’s All Over! Everyone can go home now, the internet has been won, today!  That’s right. We have officially won the internet today, with this very important announcement.

Author Benjamin Wallace IS Akron Authors Con’s Author Guest of Honor.

Benjamin Wallace’s Duck & Cover Adventures series has captivated readers with its blend of adventure, humor, and heart — earning him a dedicated following and critical praise across genres. His engaging storytelling and dynamic character work make him a standout figure in today’s literary community.

You really ought to check out his stuff at benjaminwallacebooks.com – and see ALL of the awesome series(es) he’s published. Everything from the Dads Vs series to Junkers to Shattered Alliance an The Bulletproof Adventures of Damian Stockwell.

(Yeah, he’s got other books, too. But, that’s a whole other story.
See what we did there?
Sorry. Please don’t unsubscribe. It won’t happen again…. today)

You can check out our official press release, here to read more.

And, you can check out Benjamin Wallace on
Facebook:@BenjaminWallaceBooks
Instagram: @BenjaminWallaceAuthor
TikTok:@benjaminwallacebooks
Twitter (x):@BooksBenjamin

For more information please reach out here, on our general contact form.

Pre-Registration is Now Open

That’s RIGHT!
Early Admissions Is Open!

You know, when you really think about it – sometimes it’s best just get it out of the way, and not have it looming over your head for the next several months.

But, Mark. What happens if I forget that I bought my admissions, early? It’s all good, we will remind you when it comes closer to the event that you already have your discounted admission paid for – and all you’d have to do is show your receipt at the event, and get your wristband. Easy Peasy.

What are some benefits of pre-registering, you ask?

• Well, I already mentioned the convenience of not having to pay at the door
• Which, by the way, paying online would save you some money by pre-registering.
• The line moves quicker for VIPs such as yourself.
• We’d thank you, profusely.

Having said all that, check out this page to inquire about pricing.

One of the cool things I’ve noticed while running conventions, is that satisfaction of helping people out – whether it’s letting them know about things like early admissions and pre-registrations, or opening up a world where people can experience new and cool things – like this event.

I love the thrill and excitement of starting a new convention (as well as running existing ones) and spreading the word. It’s a great feeling all the way around.

As an attendee, a vendor, a panelist, or even a volunteer. I hope you feel that excitement too – as we move forward in preparation for the upcoming event in September.

Need A Place To Stay?

Need A Place To Stay During For
The Weekend Of The Event?

We are pleased to announce that we have partnered with Staybridge Suites hotel in Stow, Ohio, just a few minutes away from the venue!