From March 10–13, 2027, the city of Milwaukee, WI, will host the Annual Convention: an unmissable opportunity for NEHS students who are passionate about literature, writing, and the English language. Picture yourself spending several days immersed in a vibrant community of fellow students, acclaimed authors, and literary scholars from across the country and beyond. This convention is more than just a gathering—it’s a celebration of creativity, culture, and intellectual growth.
At the 2027 Convention, students will experience a wide range of engaging discussions, exploring topics from contemporary literary trends to the craft of creative writing. Inspiring keynote speakers, all leaders in the literary world, will share their journeys, offering encouragement and insight to aspiring writers and scholars.
The convention’s hands-on workshops are designed for a variety of interests and skill levels, giving NEHS students the chance to actively engage with poetry, fiction, drama, nonfiction, literary analysis, and more. No matter their passion, students will leave with valuable tools, fresh perspectives, and renewed confidence in their abilities.
NEHS will continue to highlight student excellence through the Convention Presentation Award (information for 2027 will be made available in summer 2026). This unique opportunity allows high school members to take the stage and showcase their work to an international audience through a funded opportunity to attend the convention: a wonderful way to be recognized and celebrated for academic and creative achievements.
Of course, no trip to Milwaukee would be complete without experiencing its rich culture, lakefront beauty, and renowned food scene. Beyond the academic programming, students can enjoy exciting social events and explore one of the Midwest’s most welcoming cities.
For high school students eager to connect, create, and celebrate all things English, the 2027 Annual Convention in Milwaukee is the place to be.
Past Convention Photos and Testimonials
NEHS students from around the world have attended the Annual Convention. Here’s what they had to say about it:
The Sigma Tau Delta Convention was an extraordinary experience that deeply enriched me and my partner’s passion for literature and writing. Attending inspiring workshops and panels, engaging with accomplished authors, and making lifelong connections via networking provided me invaluable insights in literature, creativity, as well as professional growth. (Khandakar, Upper Darby High School, PA)
On just the first day of the convention, I was deeply inspired. The workshops after, one with poet Cameron Barnett and another with flash fiction author Sherrie Flick, left impressions on me as well, giving me a lot to work with when it came to understanding my creative processes. The LitFest sessions exposed me to ideas and works I may not have had the chance to read otherwise. The keynote speech by Benjamin Alire Sáenz was an excellently told story, and it really made me decide to pick up a copy of his beloved work. (Aya, International School of Kigali, Rwanda)
Personally, this was my first time attending a convention, along with presenting in one. Attending was not only about being there, but it was also about facing fears and pushing boundaries for myself. I spent months analyzing the text One of Ours by Willa Cather; and it couldn’t have been more worth it. I felt accomplished in what I had done and the feedback I received. I got to engage in meaningful literary conversations and learn from the authors that inspired me. (Ariana, Colegio Catolico Notre Dame, Puerto Rico)
Walking into the convention, I had no idea what to expect with this being our school’s first year in attendance. I feel as though I took the most from listening to all of the presentations over the three days. While listening to my peers present their projects, I was able to pick out some techniques that I think will make me a stronger presenter and public speaker. (Angelina, Archbishop Ryan High School, PA)
2027 Keynote Speakers and Workshop Highlights
2027 Convention Keynote Speakers
Angie Cruz is a New York–born Dominicana whose work explores identity, migration, and family. She is the author of several acclaimed books, including Soledad, Let It Rain Coffee, Dominicana—a major book club pick inspired by her mother’s immigration story—and How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water, along with the picture book Angelica and La Güira. Her novels have earned numerous honors, including the Alex Award and recognition from The New York Times and The Washington Post. A former visual arts student who later studied literature and writing at SUNY Binghamton and New York University, Cruz has also received prestigious fellowships and literary prizes for her work. She currently teaches at Columbia University and co-founded the literary journal Aster(ix).
Devoney Looser is a Regents Professor of English at Arizona State University and a Guggenheim Fellow and NEH Public Scholar. She is the author or editor of twelve books, including the bestselling Wild for Austen and other works exploring Jane Austen and women writers’ literary influence. Her essays have appeared in major outlets like The Atlantic and The New York Times, and she has discussed Austen on CNN. A Minnesota native, Looser now lives in the desert, where she teaches the history of the novel—and, in her spare time, skates in roller derby under the name “Stone Cold Jane Austen.”
LitFest and Workshop Speakers
TBD
Key Information for NEHS Student Groups Wishing to Attend the 2027 Convention
Convention Details
Dates: March 10-13, 2027
Convention location: Baird Center
Convention registration fee: TBD (includes Wednesday- Saturday activities).
Registration dates: TBD
Other Convention Activities
The full range of activities, paper presentations, workshops, keynotes, and social activities that will be offered at the 2027 Convention is yet to be confirmed. This page will update with further information as it becomes available.
Convention T-Shirts
A limited quantity of 2027 NEHS Convention T-shirts will be available for sale at the convention. T-shirts may be purchased at the Shop English pop-up store.
Accommodation Information
Hotel:
The official Convention hotel is the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee Hotel, located at 333 W Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203.
Discounted king and double rooms are available through the Convention Room Block for $169.00 per night + tax. Up to four students can be accommodated in one double room. The Convention Room Block will remain open until full.
There is no obligation for NEHS student groups to stay at the convention hotel. Other hotels available in the area include the SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites, and DoubleTree by Hilton hotels.
Food/Drink:
A range of food options are available within a 15-minute walk of the hotel. Hyatt Regency Hotel restaurants will be available throughout the convention.
Travel and Transportation Information
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (9 miles):
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, Jet Blue, Southwest, Sun Country Airlines, and United offer flights into Milwaukee.
Milwaukee County Public Transportation‘s Green Line provides public transport between the airport and downtown throughout the day. The cost of a ticket is no more than $3.00 per person.
Milwaukee AMTRAK Station (0.4 mile):
AMTRAK provides 14 trains daily (Monday – Saturday) between Chicago and Milwaukee. 12 trains run on Sundays. Many AMTRAK routes serve Chicago.
Tourist Information
Activities that can be undertaken near to the hotel include the Milwaukee Theater District, Milwaukee Art Museum, America’s Black Holocaust Museum, Mitchell Park Domes, the Pabst Mansion, and the Milwaukee Public Museum.
More tourist information can be found at Visit Milwaukee.
Fundraising Suggestions
NEHS works closely with Double Good to support NEHS chapter fundraising efforts. We have found Double Good to be an easy partner for students and Chapter Advisors to work with. Find out more about how Double Good can help you fundraise for your trip to the 2027 Convention.
Future Conventions
March 10 – 13, 2027: Milwaukee, WI
March 19 – 22, 2028: Anaheim, CA
March 14 – 17, 2029: Minneapolis, MN
