The Readers Take Denver event in Colorado has come under fire on social media after disappointing attendees and being dubbed the “Fyre Festival of books.” The conference, which was supposed to be a four-day reader’s paradise with popular authors and signed books, was instead marred by long lines, security issues, and missing pre-ordered books. Attendees, including self-described “RTD survivor” Kelli Meyer, expressed frustration at the lackluster organization of the event and compared it to a Disney experience without the thrill of a ride.
Organizer Lisa Renee Jones, an author with over 100 books to her name, attempted to create a bigger and better conference in 2024 after successfully hosting a smaller version in 2023. However, the event was a disaster, causing such outrage that plans for a 2025 event have already been canceled. Author Rebecca Yarros issued an apology on behalf of other authors for the mistreatment experienced by attendees, acknowledging the numerous problems that plagued the conference, from long lines during registration to security issues at night events.
Attendees paid between $300 and $375 to participate in the conference, expecting meet-and-greets, panels, book signings, and more without long wait times. A timed ticketing system using WhatsApp was supposed to alleviate queueing issues, but instead, attendees faced violence and chaos. TikTokers Cass and Well Read Nurse shared their negative experiences, with Cass even sporting a black eye after being thrown to the ground by the unruly crowds. Well Read Nurse recounted being mistreated during a medical emergency and witnessed other horrific experiences between attendees, vendors, authors, and staff at the conference.
Jones acknowledged reports of violence, which she referred to as “bumpy bumps,” and claimed that security was promptly involved in any incidents. However, attendees felt that the aggression was not adequately under control, leading to further chaos at the event. Despite reports of violence and disappointment, Jones shared that many attendees praised the event and brought her to tears with their positive feedback. Jones did not provide further comment on the events at the conference.
The organizing team behind Readers Take Denver has already canceled plans for a 2025 event, but did not offer a reason for the sudden decision. Attendees who had already purchased tickets were informed that all subsequent charges for payment plans had been suspended, and their tickets had been canceled. The announcement of the cancellation came amid a deluge of social media criticism and negative reviews from attendees who felt let down by the promises made by the conference organizers. Overall, the event that was meant to be a celebration of books and authors turned into a chaotic and disappointing experience for many who had looked forward to it.
