Podcast Program Director and Host Matthew Félix introduced himself, sharing his three books and how he got into podcasting and his new role with the San Francisco Writers Conference podcast.

Matthew provided an overview of the podcast relaunch, including the following changes: longer episodes (one hour); availability on major podcast platforms; video on the conference YouTube channel; a new name, still TBD.

Matthew introduced conference director Laurie McLean and spoke briefly with her about her trajectory as a literary agent and her history with the conference.

Laurie shared the conference goings-on for 2021 – even though the conference itself did not take place this year – including: ongoing Zoom classes in collaboration with the Mechanics’ Institute; Pub Quiz with Andy Jones in March; Poetry Open Mic in April; Agent Pitch-a-Thon in May.

Operations Manager Lissa Provost provided additional details about the Pub Quiz and Poetry Open Mic. She also shared information about this year’s new conference writing contest, which includes an anthology.

Asked about 2022, Laurie explained that the conference will take place, hopefully in person but – if for some reason that is not possible – definitely online.