Nuts and Bolts

Schedule

Location

How to get there

Pricing

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Schedule of Events: 

Saturday, January 17th, 2026 

  • 8:00am: Doors open @ University Hall. Coffee & light pastries served. Book-browsing courtesy of Porter Square Books and our sponsors and exhibitors, book drive for More Than Words youth-run bookstore, other volunteer activities to be announced soon.

  • 9:00am-12:30pm: Morning Writing & Publishing Sessions

  • 12:30pm-1:45pm: Lunch Break & Optional Bonus Session. You may purchase a boxed lunch ($20), bring your own, or enjoy the many sushi, ramen, and other great eateries in the building and surrounding neighborhood.

  • 1:45-4:00pm: Afternoon Writing & Publishing Sessions

  • 4:15pm-5:00pm: Cocktail Hour @ the Lunder Arts Commons & Atrium next door to the main venue

  • 5:00-7:00pm: Dinner on your own

  • 7:00-11:00pm: “One For the Books” After-Party @ La Fabrica Restaurant & Nightclub. Doors open at 7:00pm, brief program at 8:00pm. Dancing & partying & general merriment to follow

Location: 

Lesley University Hall
1815 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02140

 

How to get there:

Public Transit: The conference venue is just a 1-minute walk from the Porter Square MBTA subway station on the Red Line (called “the T” by locals). We recommend using this! There are also several bus lines that stop at Porter Square; see MBTA.com to find the route best for you.

Driving: For those driving, you can park in the lot behind University Hall, and receive a special $11/day rate for TBR attendees. Navigate to 23 Roseland Street on Google Maps, and take a ticket from the kiosk when entering the lot. Then head inside to the TBR registration desk to pick up your conference materials. When you’re ready to pay for parking, go to the Public Safety desk in the lobby of University Hall, and show your TBR lanyard badge to receive your $11 special rate.

Pricing

TBR Conference

  • $289 for Early Bird tickets– register by November 15th, 2025

  • $339 for Regular Bird tickets– register by January 4th, 2025

  • $389 for Late Bird tickets– register by January 16th, 2025

Publishing Matchmaker

The Publishing Matchmaker program is for registered conference attendees only, and requires an additional fee of $195 per meeting. You may purchase as many meetings as you wish.

Scholarships

We are thrilled to offer a limited number of scholarships to TBR for 50% off the total purchase price. Please note that scholarships cannot be combined with other discount codes.

Please apply via this form by October 18th, 2025. You will hear back from us by October 25th, 2025.

The Writers’ Room of Boston is generously giving a free 1-month membership (valued at $150)  to any TBR attendee who donates $100 to our scholarship fund. They are also giving a free 3-month membership (valued at $450) to anyone who donates $200. This scholarship fund helps lower-income writers attend our conference.

Please consider donating; our scholarships are partially funded by your generous fellow conference-goers and sponsors!

One For the Books After-Party

After a day of learning and discussing and networking, we cut loose. Join us for a fabulous after-party of writers, authors, publishing folks, and more at La Fabrica, a Spanish Caribbean Restaurant & Nightclub in Central Square. Trust us: this is the sort of party you’re going to want to write about afterward.

Doors open at 7:00pm, with a brief program at 8:00pm. 

DJ-ing by local authors. Maybe a talent show. Dancing & partying & general merriment abound.

1 drink ticket included with each admission of $25 for conference-goers, $35 for party-only folks. Please note that no dinner will be served, so eat first! You’re also welcome to eat or grab a drink at La Fabrica’s restaurant before or after the party.

La Fabrica is a 3-minute walk from the Central Square MBTA station– this subway station is 2 stops south from the conference venue at Porter Square MBTA station. Parking is limited in the area but there are several public garages available.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

You may cancel your TBR ticket by Saturday, January 10th, 2025, and receive a full refund minus a $75 processing fee, or a full credit for future use. Starting January 11th, we cannot issue refunds or credits.

You may cancel agent meeting(s) by November 22nd, 2025, and receive a full refund or credit for future use. Starting November 23rd, we cannot issue agent meeting refunds or credits.

Weather

Yes, we know TBR is happening in January, and inclement weather is a risk. TBR is scheduled to take place rain, snow, or shine. Every effort will be made to hold the event as planned, regardless of weather conditions.

In the event that severe weather or other circumstances beyond the control of the organizers (including but not limited to natural disasters, government restrictions, or acts of God) make it unsafe or impossible to proceed with the event:

  • The event will be canceled.

  • Because this is a one-day event with no opportunity to reschedule, all ticket sales are non-refundable after January 11th, 2026.

  • If the event is canceled due to such circumstances, the organizers will not be liable for issuing refunds, reimbursements, or covering any additional expenses incurred by ticket holders (such as travel or accommodation).

By purchasing a ticket, attendees acknowledge and accept this no-refund policy in the case of weather-related or other force majeure cancellations.

Questions?

Reach out to us at hello@tbr.boston, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.