We are heartbroken to announce the cancellation of the 2020 Sun Valley Writers’ Conference. 

The wrenching uncertainties caused by the spread of COVID-19 make it impossible for us to safely confirm the travel, logistics, and participation of all those who were so looking forward to joining us this summer—our superb group of writers, donors, attendees, staff, and volunteers. We have agonized over whether to delay or cancel. But it appears that the arc of full recovery will reach beyond our ability to effectively plan for July.

It is hard to imagine that anything can replace the joy that we share together during our magical four days in Sun Valley. Thankfully, we still retain the wise, surprising, and inspirational voices of our writers. So we will now adapt and pivot to bring those voices to an even wider digital audience, in an array of imaginative ways, during the coming weeks and months. 

We know this will have an impact on our community near and far and we are so sorry to have to make this difficult decision. But without a doubt, the Conference has a long life, both behind us and ahead of us. We are already making plans for next year’s Conference in beautiful Sun Valley, July 17-20, 2021.

For four days, SVWC writers and readers laugh and learn, hike and talk, and stretch the limits of their imagination. The days are filled with books, ideas, stimulation and fun. Extraordinary writers and thinkers talk with an engaged audience about their work, the world, and discuss why literature matters.

The SVWC anniversary video celebrates our last 25 years of looking at the world through a literary lens. Enjoy viewing a slice of our history!