RAGT: an annual gathering
The next annual Reader & Author Get Together
will be held June 5-8, 2024
One Big Fundraiser
Overall, the RAGT is a fan-friendly event meant for readers, and open to everyone, readers, authors, and industry alike, in different ratios! However, in the process, the event also raises funds for many local causes. The incredible raffles garner thousands, and each year Lori Foster puts out a novella with proceeds earmarked for direct donation. Combined, the event and the novella go to benefit very worthwhile local charities.
There have been many benefit books over the years. And after each event, Lori is thrilled to turn over a big check.
Main Activities
The ballroom is always open for socializing with readers and authors alike. Think of it as a giant tea party with other book lovers! It’s where conference meals will be served, with raffle baskets lining the walls and where raffle winners are announced. Sponsored parties for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night take place in the ballroom. It is truly the heart of the Get Together, yet the boardrooms are only a few steps away, on the same floor, with a wide range of fun activities provided. Add in two multi-author book fairs, one on Friday and one on Saturday, in the atrium just outside the ballroom, and there’s something for everyone!
Boardrooms
Every year RAGT’s boardrooms are a big hit! Seven boardrooms, put on by sponsoring publishers and authors, are used for breakout workshops and presentations throughout Friday and Saturday. They serve the dual purpose of entertaining and enlightening. Expect lots of promo, author information, games and more!
There is always up-to-date info about boardrooms over on the Boardrooms Section on the Sponsors page. Whether there are Boardrooms still available for you to sponsor, or if boardroom themes have been set, that’s the place to check.
Book Fairs
There will be two book signings during the event: one on Friday afternoon and one on Saturday afternoon, each from 3:00 to 5:00.
See the Bookfairs page for all the details →
Find out who is signing on Friday →
Find out who is signing on Saturday →
Most authors will participate in ONE signing only, but RAGT coordinators reserve the right to assign author signing days to better accommodate readers and to balance the two signings.
Both book fairs are open to the public and admission to the fair itself is free — for every other part of RAGT you must be fully registered.
If you are a reader/fan coming in for the signing, mark your calendars for the date, note the hotel address, and be sure to Like the RAGT page on Facebook for any last minute changes in time. Exact times for the signings will be announced on the event schedule page, and of course, on Facebook.
The Event Hotel
RAGT24 will be held at the Holiday Inn, Cincinnati Airport in Erlanger, Kentucky. Information about booking your room, directions, and more can be found on the Hotel Info page.
Meals During the Event
Part of the fun of RAGT is that everyone eats together, turning meals into fun gatherings with new or old friends, authors and readers alike. Beginning with the annual welcoming party on Thursday night, RAGT attendees enjoy Friday and Saturday breakfasts, lunches, and dinners — and each meal and party offers a sponsorship opportunity.
Depending upon how close to the event we are, the Meals & Parties schedule will either be full and descriptive, or clearly indicating where you can step in and sponsor if you want! If you’re interested in sponsoring a meal/party, please contact Lori.
Wednesday Party
Sponsored by Gracie Guy and Wendi Zwaduk
SINGO EARLY BIRD PARTY
Gracie Guy and Wendi Zwaduk invite you to play SINGO! It’s a lot like Bingo except instead of calling out numbers, our guest DJ will play snippets of songs and you’ll cover the titles on play cards. We’ll have some singalongs, dance contests and lots of prizes to win. And don’t tell anybody, but this year you’ll be enjoying this RAGT24 early bird kickoff even more with the yummy surprise we have planned!
Thursday Evening Party
Sponsored by Summer Hanford and Barbara Devlin.
Friday Breakfast
MENU:
*Subject to change based on availability.
Friday Lunch
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*Subject to change based on availability.
Friday Dinner
Sponsored by Irene Lawless
MENU:
*Subject to change based on availability.
Friday Party
Sponsored by Jessica Lemmon and Jules Bennett
Sweet Treats Dance Party
Join Jessica Lemmon and Jules Bennett for a Sweet Treats Dance Party! Jessica & Jules encourage you to dress as your favorite sweet treat, whether it’s a candy bar or a cupcake, or you can surprise us with a unique costume! There will be giveaways, a DJ, plenty of dancing and a cash bar.
Saturday Breakfast
Sponsored by Sam Cheever and Sarah Williams
MENU:
*Subject to change based on availability.
Saturday Lunch
Sponsored by PJ Fiala, TJ Logan and Val Clarizio
MENU:
*Subject to change based on availability.
Saturday Dinner
Pizza Party!
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Pizza
*Subject to change based on availability.
Saturday Evening Party
Sponsored by Jenn Stark & Toni Blake
7th Annual Booklovers’ Bingo & Pajama Party
The party’s not over yet! Join us for the 7th Annual Booklovers’ Bingo Bash for fun, laughter, and a whole lot of bouncing balls! Players wearing PJs (Family Friendly Only!) are welcome with special prizes awarded, along with giveaways and prizes for Bingo winners. We hope to see you there!
Thanks to these #RAGT23 sponsors:
Raffles
Raffles go on all weekend long and are always a big hit. The proceeds are given to CancerFree KIDS.
If you are interested in donating to the raffle, please note that the Raffle Coordinators have some guidelines in place to ensure that your generosity makes it to the right place.
Goody Bags
The always-fabulous RAGT Goody Bags are definitely something to look forward to. Over 475 bags, provided by Monette Michaels, Paige Tyler & Maddy Barone are stuffed full of fun stuff, including FREE BOOKS, and handed out to all attendees.
If you are interested in donating goodies for the event, you must first please review our current policy for contributing materials for the Goody Bags!
Real-Time Updates
Don’t miss important announcements! Our Facebook Group, Twitter, & this site… Details are always being added. There’s a whole page dedicated to registration. And now, you can also sign up for the Twitter feed that will give specific info for current and upcoming RAGT events.
Costs
Registration fees haven’t changed in a very long time, but because other costs have risen, we must include a slight increase in registration. Please be aware of those changes.
Authors & Industry – $170
(Authors, publishers, publicists, agents, author assistants)
Readers – $150
(Readers, bloggers, husbands)
. . . . . . .
PLEASE NOTE:
No one can register until their respective official registration openings:
Preregistration (by invitation only) for sponsors is always early January
General registration (for everyone else) is always early March
Precise registration dates will always be boldly displayed on the home page and various other parts of the site as soon as the dates are confirmed. If it isn’t posted, we don’t know yet. To be notified, be sure to be on either/both the Twitter feed and the Facebook page — signup links to each are on the home page and pretty much every page on this site. Thanks!
Books to Anticipate
More Info for 2024
The next annual Reader & Author Get Together
will be held June 5-8, 2024
RAGT24 will be held at the Holiday Inn, Cincinnati Airport in Erlanger, Kentucky.