Bouchercon 2026 Update: June 2026

In This Issue

• Panels

• Meet the Guests of Honour – P.J. Vernon

• Sponsorship

• Advertising

• Anthology Announcement

• Anthony Awards Updates

• Pre and Post Tours

• Vertigo Theatre Ticket Sales are Live

• Volunteers

• Spread The Word

• Registration 

• Passport Reminders

• Hotels

• Stay Connected

• Future Bouchercons

Welcome

Bouchercon 2026 is getting closer and we want to make sure you don’t miss out on anything. Please keep an eye on the website, our social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram, and this newsletter to make sure you have all the most up-to-date news and don’t miss any deadlines or opportunities.

If you’re booking travel arrangements, check out the General Convention Schedule here and plan to extend your stay to see more of Alberta with some of our pre and post tours.

Panels

As mentioned in the May newsletter, today (June 1) is the last day to express interest in participating in a panel. If you volunteered to be a panelist, moderator, or both, you should have received a follow-up questionnaire. The deadline for returning the completed questionnaire is June 6. The deadline for attending authors to submit their bios and photos for the program book is June 30. If you have questions, contact Panels2026@bouchercon.com.

Meet the Guests of Honour: P.J. Vernon

P. J. Vernon was born in South Carolina. His latest novel, Bath Haus, praised as a “twisted, pulse pounding cat-versus-mouse thriller” by the L.A. Times, was nominated for a 34th annual Lambda Literary Award. He writes, loves and lives on Treaty 7 territory (Calgary) in Canada with his husband and two wily dogs. 

His new novel, Open Flame, releases in 2027.

We are thrilled to have him join us at Bouchercon 2026 as the Toastmaster.

For more information, visit his website here.

 

Sponsorship

We are looking for corporate and community support to help us welcome mystery and crime-writing fans and professionals from around the world. From the excitement of the Opening Ceremonies to the highly anticipated Anthony Awards evening, from swag bags to author speed-dating, there are countless ways to get involved in five days of programming and events.

Sponsor the thrill, sponsor the mystery, sponsor the connection!

Check out our sponsorship page here or contact us at Sponsorship2026@bouchercon.com for more details. 

Advertising

The Bouchercon souvenir program will go home with approximately 1,500 mystery lovers from around the world and provides you with a unique opportunity to highlight your books or brand to a targeted community.

You can’t afford to miss out.

The deadline to reserve your advertising is July 7, 2026, and can be done via our website here.

We are delighted to congratulate and extend our thanks to the authors whose stories have been selected for inclusion in the Bouchercon Calgary 2026 Anthology, THE LINES WE CROSS. Your creativity, dedication, and passion have brought these stories to life, and we are honoured to showcase your work.​

Though we wish we could include every remarkable story, practical limits of space and editorial balance require us to make difficult decisions. Please know that every submission was read, every author’s work was discussed and considered, and every contribution is valued.​

​Look for a link to purchase online or stop and check out the Anthology in person this October. All funds raised from the sale of THE LINES WE CROSS will be donated to the Further Education Society of Alberta.

Anthony Awards

The Anthony Awards Nominees have been finalized, and we thank everyone who participated for taking the time to vote. 

The five works in each category with the most nominations made up the final ballot. Visit the website here for a printable pdf so you can keep track of the nominees’ works you’ve read in advance of the final vote during the convention. Be sure to attend the Anthony Awards ceremony on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

Pre and Post Tours

Book soon to secure your tours! Anderson Tours has provided guided excursions for attendees to experience some of the highlights of Alberta before or after the convention. Plan to visit the Badlands, the Rocky Mountains, or Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.

Bookings that have very low, or no reservations will be cancelled on July 21, so if you’re eyeing something special, book now and tell your friends. The remaining tours will continue to accept bookings until August 10.

Vertigo Theatre Tickets are Live

Vertigo Theatre will be hosting a special showing of THE LODGER on Tuesday, October 20 for Bouchercon attendees and tickets are now available. 

Photo by Fifth Wall Media

Click here to purchase tickets and secure your spot at the show.

Volunteers

Volunteer support is essential in delivering a fabulous convention for everyone and we would love to have your help. Check out our volunteer web page for details on how you can get involved, the time commitment, skilled required, and more.

Sign-ups for volunteer shifts will begin in late August.

Spread the Word

If you’re attending Bouchercon 2026 in Calgary, let everyone know! We’ve created a few social media badges for you to use. Feel free to take a screenshot of the ones that apply to you, share on your own social media accounts and spread the excitement! Don’t forget to tag #Bouchercon2026!



Registration

Bouchercon 2026 registration is available here. When you register, please use an email address that you regularly check. Look for convention information and important updates in the coming months so be sure to make these emails addresses trusted senders: bouchercon@bouchercon.ccsend.com, support@exposent.com, and registration2026@bouchercon.com. Remember that previous years' convention emails are no longer active or monitored.

Please Note: Convention registration and payment can only be completed through the Bouchercon 2026 website. We will never send a link for registration payment via email, PayPal, Zelle, etc. Payments are to Bouchercon Inc., in U.S. dollars.

Travel Reminders

You need a passport to travel to Canada from outside the country and approval can take time. Make sure you’re ready.

For more information specific to travel within Canada, please note the information in the Visiting Calgary portion of our website, with emphasis on sections concerning passports, Canadian currency, and using your cell phone.

Hotels

All three of the hotels are filling fast, so please book soon to avoid disappointment. As a reminder:

Hyatt Regency 

·       Rates begin at $229 CAD per night

·       50 metres / 1 minute walk indoors to the convention centre

·       Dining options include Bakers Café and Thompsons Kitchen & Bar

Marriott Downtown

·       Rates begin at $209 CAD per night

·       100 metres / 2 minute walk indoors to the convention centre

·       Dining options include Starbucks and ONE18 Empire

Fairmont Palliser

·       Rates begin at $259 CAD per night

·       300 metres / 5 minute walk indoors to the convention centre

·       Dining options include Hawthorn Dining Room & Bar

Stay Connected

For more updates, follow us on social media or check out our website. Keep checking for updates as more information will be forthcoming on a regular basis and increase as the convention draws closer.

To see our past newsletters for Bouchercon 2026, click here.

We look forward to seeing you in Calgary!

Future Bouchercons

Bouchercon 2027 – Washington, D.C.

Mystery Most Monumental – Sept. 1-5, 2027

Registration is open! Click here to register today.

Bouchercon 2028 – Indianapolis, Indiana

Secrets and Suspense in Speed City – Aug. 30 -Sept. 3, 2028

Website Coming Soon

Bouchercon 2029 – Miami, Florida

Vice City Verdicts – Aug. 22-26, 2029

Website Coming Soon