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We can’t wait to welcome you to Bouchercon 2026 this fall and show you all we have to offer.
What To Do Before:
Practice Pronunciation
First things first, how the heck do you pronounce Bouchercon? We’re here to make sure you speak confidently when you tell your friends about your plans.
Remember: Boucher rhymes with voucher. Con is short for convention.
Travel Reminders
Make sure you’re ready to visit Canada by reading through the information in the Visiting Calgary portion of our website, with emphasis on sections concerning passports, Canadian currency, and using your cell phone.
Book a Hotel Room
Calgary offers three hotels with special rates for Bouchercon attendees: the Hyatt Regency, the Marriott Downtown, and the Fairmont Palliser. All three are ready to welcome you, and a skywalk connects them to the convention centre, so you’ll be protected from the elements.
Hotel information can be found here. Make sure you check each hotel for their cancellation policies before booking, each one differs and they’re booking up quickly!
Follow Along
Follow us on social media (@Bouchercon on Facebook and @BoucherconWorldMystery on Instagram) and make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter. You don’t want to miss out on anything, and we share valuable information, tips, and fun facts about Calgary, our Guests of Honour, and this year’s Bouchercon.
Make a Plan
There will be over 1,300 attendees at Bouchercon 2026, multiple rooms hosting panels, presentations, speakers, special events happening throughout, and excitement around every corner. It can be overwhelming, so go in with a plan. The schedule is available here and will be finalized in August. Make a loose plan so you don’t miss out on any favourites and make sure to join us at Bouchercon 101 for an overview of all convention activities.
Pro Tip: Plan to attend one presentation or panel outside your usual genres, favourite authors, or presenters you know. This is a great chance to expand your interests and be exposed to something new!
Pro Tip: Download the event app before you arrive. This is a great way to identify the hourly panels and events you want to attend.
Programming
Programming starts on Wednesday at 1:45 pm and continues in up to 7 different rooms concurrently (Wednesday 1:45 – 5:00pm, Thursday to Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm, Sunday 9:00am – 12:15pm).
Programming consists of panel discussions, presentations, Guests of Honour spotlight interviews, and author signings. The hourly programming offers a wide variety of topics and genres, and it’s designed to allow lots of interaction among readers and writers. The hardest task for attendees is choosing which panels to attend!
Pro Tip: There are storytellers in each room. If your plan falls through and you need to pivot, go visit a different room and be open to learning something new.
Special Events
Special events are included in your registration!
Twenty on Twenty (Thursday to Saturday)
Check out these snippets of entertainment when you need a break from the longer events. These may include mini-presentations, book launches, and author talks held in a more informal setting.
Cocktails & Cozies (Wednesday evening)
If you’re a fan of cozies, you’ll want to attend this event that includes readings from some fabulous authors and lots of book giveaways!
Speed Dating (Thursday morning)
A great way to meet authors and find out about their latest books! Fans sit at round tables of 10, and the authors move from table to table to pitch their books. Many authors will offer inexpensive “swag” items like bookmarks.
Opening Ceremonies (Thursday evening)
A must-see kickoff to Bouchercon2026. Music, the Guests of Honour parade with Calgary’s white (cowboy) hat ceremony, and author award presentations.
Anthology launch (Thursday evening)
Stick around after the opening ceremonies to celebrate the launch of the Lines We Cross Bouchercon2026 Anthology. Meet the authors and judges, and get your book signed! All proceeds from the anthology go to our selected charity, the Further Education Society of Alberta (FESA).
Debut Authors Breakfast (Friday morning)
You’ll want to line-up early for this fan favourite! After breakfast, debut authors have one minute to tell attendees about their novel.
Author Fair (Friday evening)
Meet indie, self-published or small press authors and buy their books and/or get free swag!
Crime Writers of Colour Event (Friday evening)
Come together to celebrate underrepresented voices at this casual event. You might find your next favourite author here!
Saturday Evening Showcase
Celebrate with sparkle and glam! This full evening of fun starts with a bit of entertainment and the live auction, followed by the 40th Anthony Awards. The evening wraps with an interactive trivia night hosted by Crime Writers of Canada and Sisters in Crime Canada West.
Closing ceremonies (mid-day Sunday)
A moderated panel discussion with all the Guests of Honour and Toastmaster! A fun way to wrap the convention weekend.
Book Any Additional Tours
Anderson Vacations has provided guided excursions for attendees to experience some of the highlights of Alberta before or after the convention. Tours must be booked before August 10.
Click here for more information.
Vertigo Theatre is hosting a special performance of THE LODGER for Bouchercon delegates, family, and friends on Tuesday, October 20. Inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s famous silent thriller of the same name, renowned Canadian novelist Susie Moloney and award-winning playwright Vern Thiessen reanimate this classic suspense into a modern and stunning world premiere.
Click here for more information.
Calgary Literary History Walking Tour - Shaun Hunter has added an additional tour option based on interest. This tour will take place on Wednesday, October 21 from 1-2:30 pm.
Click here for more information and to register.
The Explore More Pass
Unlock 25+ exclusive deals on Calgary's top attractions, restaurants, and more with this FREE digital pass.
Click here to sign up.
Consider Volunteering
Consider volunteering for an hour or two or ten! It is a great way to meet new people or get a behind the scenes look at the areas of the convention you find most interesting. Volunteer early with set up, help at the check-in desk or be a timekeeper at a panel and get a front row seat! Only registered attendees are eligible to be volunteers. Volunteer sign-up will open in August. Check out the details here.
Make a Reading List
Plan your summer reading list with Bouchercon 2026 in mind. Read the Anthony Award Nominees in advance so you’re ready to vote. You can check out the ballot here and even download a printable list to keep track of your favourites.
Pro Tip: Share your progress on social media using #BoucherconReads
Take a look at the Guests of Honour and the Attending Authors and read some of their work. This is your chance to meet some of the best authors in the mystery genre and maybe even ask them some questions. You don’t want to miss out because you didn’t get to their book until after the convention.
This is the best homework you’ll ever get. Happy reading!
What To Do When You Arrive
Registration
Registration opens at 9AM on Wednesday and runs until noon on Saturday. Sign in and pick up your nametag and tote bag.
Pro Tip: If you prefer an analog experience and didn’t download the app, you’ll find a souvenir program in your tote bag.
Specialty Rooms
Book Bazaar. Every convention attendee will receive tokens for free books at the Book Bazaar. Pick from your favourite authors and try a few new-to-you mystery writers.
While you are in the Book Bazaar, check out the silent and live auctions and take home some of amazing items while supporting FESA, our Bouchercon 2026 charity. Grab a coffee in the Hospitality Suite and meet new authors and publishers Thursday to Saturday mornings.
Visit the Book Room to buy books from your favourite authors and browse the antiquarian booksellers and merchandise tables.
Following every panel and presentation, authors will move to the Book Room to sign books for you! Be sure to stop by and say hello.
Anthony Awards
Your convention registration is your membership to Bouchercon. With this membership, you will be invited to vote for the Anthony Awards. The Anthonys are named for Anthony Boucher (as in Bouchercon) and are given to celebrate excellence in the mystery/crime/thriller genres for works published in the previous year.
Voting will only happen during Bouchercon. At the beginning of the convention, you will receive an email at the address you provided to registration. The email will provide you with a link to vote on the awards.
Things to keep in mind:
- Voting can only be done electronically, using the link provided. Your link is unique to you and cannot be shared.
- You can only vote for one work in each category. There is no ranking. However, you do not need to vote in every category if you do not want to.
- You cannot change your vote once you have submitted it.
- Your ballot will only be counted if you attend the convention in person. If you do not pick up your name badge at registration before the voting deadline, your vote will not be counted.
- The deadline to submit your vote is 2:00 pm on Saturday, Oct. 24.
Share Your Experience
Make sure to share your pictures on social media and use #Bouchercon2026 so everyone can find them and share in the fun! This will help you connect with people from Bouchercon 2026 and maybe help you make plans to meet up again in Washington, for Bouchercon 2027!
Bonus Tips
In addition to the programming and special events, hang out with new or old friends at the Thomsons Kitchen and Bar in the Hyatt, or check out the plethora of eateries and pubs within walking distance of the convention.
Don’t get starstruck. You will see authors you love milling in the lobby, sitting next to you at a presentation, or buying coffee. Be kind and courteous and feel free to let them know you’re a fan.
Hydrate! Eat! Take care of yourself. This is a long convention, and it is jam-packed full of amazing events. Remember to schedule in some downtime or you’ll burn out early.
Prepare to ship books home or leave room in your luggage for hefty book collections.
For more tips and information, check out the website here.
We look forward to seeing you in Calgary!
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