What to Expect

The Sun Valley Writers’ Conference (SVWC) takes place over three days in the small and stunning mountain town of Sun Valley, Idaho. Each summer, some of the country’s—and the world’s—best writers and thinkers, including journalists, playwrights, policymakers, poets, and filmmakers, descend on the outdoor Sun Valley Resort & Pavilion. Past presenters include Salman Rushdie, Congressman John Lewis, Stephen King, Tom Brokaw, Margaret Atwood, and many others.

It’s no wonder E. L. Doctorow has called SVWC “the best summer camp” he’s ever been to.

“Unquestionably the best writers’ conference I have ever attended.”

– Rebecca Donner, 2022 Presenter

WHO ATTENDS

This is a Conference for curious minds—booklovers, readers, thinkers, and writers. For lovers of the written word and its craft. For both literary buffs and casual book nerds. And for those who want to hear from the best minds in science, media, humor, politics, poetry, the environment, world events, and more.

To get a sense of the types of talks, peruse a list of our past presenters over the last 30 years or browse our digital media library of archived talks.

WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE

Over the course of three days, you’ll experience a jam-packed schedule of talks, readings, interviews, and sometimes performances or demonstrations. Each year, our literary committee curates a mix of compelling voices, both established and emerging, covering today’s top issues and the best in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.

Some of the larger Pavilion talks are available to attend by purchasing single event tickets and/or broadcast free to the lawn for our local community. The smaller, more intimate Breakout Sessions are reserved for full pass attendees and require sign-ups in advance, as there is limited space. After each talk, there is an audience Q&A followed by book signings by the author in the bookstore tent.

Each day, a buffet lunch is served on the grounds of the Pavilion Lawn. Relax under the umbrellas and mingle with fellow attendees, catch up on your reading, or grab something to go. Keep an eye on the schedule for coffee pop-ups, cocktail hours, and opening and closing receptions.

In between talks, you can browse our on-site bookstore tent—full of books by presenting authors and a selection of Sun Valley Writers’ Conference gift items like bags, hats, and water bottles. You can also stroll the charming and easily walkable Sun Valley Resort village, with its own lodging, dining, retail stores, and coffee shops.

For information about and access to private donor events, including dinners and coffee talks with the authors, please inquire about becoming a donor.

WHEN IT HAPPENS

SVWC is an annual event, held each summer (typically in July) for three to four days. Passes go on sale in February on our website. For more pass information, visit our Pass Page.

If you are a passholder unable to attend in-person for any reason, we also have options for livestreaming events or watching them later in our digital media library.

WHERE IT HAPPENS

SVWC takes place at the Sun Valley Resort & Pavilion in the small and stunning mountain town of Sun Valley, Idaho, each year.

For more information about what makes Sun Valley so magical, visit our Sun Valley Info & Activities page.

WHY WE DO IT

The Sun Valley Writers’ Conference strives to bring together readers, writers, and artists of diverse age, background, and experience to be informed, enlightened, challenged, and inspired by a world-class literary program in the great outdoors. To learn more, visit our About Us page.

SVWC is a nonprofit event. If you’re interested in donating, please take a moment to learn more about supporting us.

Explore the Conference