5 Ways to Manage Conference Sanity

By Lisa Jordan @lisajordan

Yesterday I bought my airline ticket to Memphis for the 2026 ACFW conference, and I remembered my first ACFW in 2005—flying alone and walking into a hotel full of strangers. 

That initial conference was everything I’d hoped for and more. I formed friendships, realized how much I still had to learn about the writing industry, and leaned into the knowledge that God had called me to write.

Conferences aren’t required for publication, but they offer valuable face-to-face opportunities with writers and industry professionals. They require investments of time, dedication, and money. Even though they are beneficial, they can feel overwhelming, so I have five ways to manage conference sanity. 

1. Be a blessing

Conferences are exciting. Online friends become real-life hugs, conversations fly fast, and everyone hopes to hear, “Send it to me.” But unmet expectations can also lead to discouragement. 

Other writers blessed me with encouragement, prayer, and kindness at my first conference. Since then, I’ve prayed before every conference that God would use me to bless someone else, whether that’s a stranger, another writer, or a hotel staff member.

A simple smile and kind attitude go a long way. Volunteer if you can—it serves the conference and creates natural connection points. And because emotions run high at conferences, grace matters. Be respectful to everyone, especially hotel staff and conference organizers. Your attitude will be remembered long after the event ends.

2. Pace yourself

Conferences are expensive, and we want to make the most of them. But know your limits. Take a short walk before the day of sitting and learning begins. Wear comfortable shoes because sore feet will dull your fun. Make time for quiet moments with the Lord. That time centers your heart and helps you stay grounded.

Also, don’t overschedule yourself. Early on, I wanted to do everything, but I learned exhaustion steals joy. Make healthy food choices, drink plenty of water, and get enough sleep. Yes, it’s tempting to stay up late talking with friends, but dragging through the next day isn’t worth it.

Writers conferences are best navigated with grace, gratitude, healthy limits, and open hands to whatever God wants to do.

3. Trust the outcome

Before a conference, you may carry a swirl of emotions. Afterward, you may leave with requests, feedback, and a lot to process.

If an editor or agent requests material, celebrate! Then pause. Review any critique feedback or workshop takeaways before hitting send. Don’t rush your work just because you’re excited.

When your manuscript is ready, pray over it and submit it according to the editor’s or agent’s guidelines. Double-check names, email addresses, and subject lines, and mention where you met. Then be patient. Publishing professionals return home to overflowing inboxes and ongoing client work. Trust the outcome. Surrender it to the Lord and be willing to accept His answer.

4. Unpack your emotions

Sometimes unpacking emotionally takes longer than emptying your suitcase. Maybe you didn’t get a request. Maybe a pitch didn’t go well. Maybe you keep replaying something awkward in your head. Let it go. Mistakes are not the end of your writing journey. Take time to process your feelings, ask why you’re feeling them, and bring them to God. It’s okay to feel the feelings, but don’t live in them. Let Him realign your heart so you can keep moving forward in your calling.

5. Show your gratitude

Following up after a conference matters. Use those business cards and jot down where you met someone and what you talked about. Send a brief follow-up email or thank-you note, especially to editors, agents, mentors, or writers who invested time in you. Keep it professional and gracious. A thank-you note isn’t a pitch—it’s appreciation. But those small gestures help build authentic relationships, and you never know what may grow from them.

Conferences can be life-changing, bringing growth, learning, and lasting friendships. Attend with an open, gracious heart, trust God with the outcome, and remember Who called you to write. 

Lisa Jordan is an award-winning, PW-bestselling author for Love Inspired, an author and line director for Sunrise Publishing’s Hometown Hearts imprint, and the operations manager for Novel Academy, My Book Therapy’s online writing school. Happily married to her real-life hero for thirty-six years, she and her husband have two sons. Find Lisa on her website at https://lisajordanbooks.com/.