Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Looking for general information about the San Miguel Writers’ Conference? You’re in the right place. This page answers common questions about registration, volunteering, our writing contest, and more.
Already registered for the 2026 Conference?
Visit our Attendee Guide for detailed information about schedules, badge pick-up, app access, what to pack, and more.
General Questions
How do I sign up for your mailing list?
You can sign up here to receive email updates about the conference, early ticket access, and more.
I’d like to volunteer for the Conference. Whom do I contact?
We select our volunteers 6–12 months in advance. To learn more and for the link to the application form visit this page.
I’d like to teach or speak at the Conference. Whom do I contact?
Applications for the 2027 Conference are now closed. To apply for 2028, return to our website in March 2027.
How do I become a Patron or make a donation?
Thank you for your interest! Learn more about our Patron and Donation Opportunities here.
How can my business sponsor the Conference?
Please contact us through our Contact Form to explore sponsorship opportunities.
How can my literary or educational institution partner with the Conference?
To discuss potential partnerships or collaborations, please contact us at this address.
Who can I contact with general questions?
Please reach out through our Contact Form, and someone from our team will respond shortly.
Writing Contest & Scholarships
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes. Through our annual writing contest, three writers will be awarded a “The Works” Package for the 2026 Conference. Learn more here.
How do I enter the writing contest?
Submit your entry by September 15, 2026 (Midnight CDT) through our contest portal here.
Registration & Tickets
I can’t find a ticket or event I’m looking for. What should I do?
Some events, like the Keynote Round Tables, are only available as part of a package purchase. If something seems missing, please contact us through our online Contact Form.
Do you have a waitlist?
Yes, we do have a waitlist and in most cases people who are on it get the tickets they want. Please contact us through our online Contact Form.
Are tickets or packages transferable?
Please refer to our Refund & Transfer Policy for full details.
What’s your refund policy?
Visit our Refund & Transfer Policy for information on ticket and package refunds.
Do you offer group discounts?
We currently do not offer a discounted rate for groups. However, we do offer an Early Bard discount on packages purchased when we first launch our registration. If the Early Bard discount period has passed and you have a group interested in coming together, please contact us through our online Contact Form and we can discuss options.
If you’ve already purchased tickets and are looking for more detailed information, such as how to change your schedule and updating your personal information, please visit our Attendee Guide.
Travel & Safety
Note: The San Miguel Writers’ Conference is not responsible for booking shuttle services and/or air travel on guests’ behalf.
What are my transport options to San Miguel?
Note: The San Miguel Writers’ Conference is not responsible for booking shuttle services and/or air travel on guests’ behalf.
Getting to San Miguel is easy with several convenient travel options:
Airports:
San Miguel is served by two nearby airports, each about two hours away via shuttle:
- León/Guanajuato (BJX)
- Querétaro (QRO)
Both have frequent connections from U.S. cities like Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Atlanta, San Diego, and Tijuana.
Traveling from California?
Volaris Airlines offers nonstop flights from Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, and Sacramento—often the most direct and affordable option. Viva Aerobús is another budget-friendly airline serving U.S.-Mexico routes.
From Mexico City (MEX):
If you’re flying into Mexico City, you can reach San Miguel by:
- Luxury bus (approx. 4 hours): Primera Plus and ETN bus lines operate direct service. Buy tickets online or at the Central Norte bus station. It’s safe and easy to take an Uber or taxi from the airport to the station.
- Private shuttle: You can also pre-arrange a direct airport transfer to San Miguel (see below).
Airport Shuttles:
Reliable transportation from all three airports (León, Querétaro, and Mexico City) is available through BajioGo. Book online or contact them at +1 (202) 609-9905 (also available via WhatsApp). You’ll need your flight info and lodging address when booking. For tips on using the shuttle, check out our Attendee Guide.
Where should I stay?
During registration, you will have the option of booking accommodations at our campus hotel, Hotel Real de Minas. You will be offered special rates that include breakfast.
Is it safe to travel to San Miguel?
Yes. San Miguel de Allende, one of the most quaint and charming towns in Mexico, is a number one tourist destination. But is it safe? News reports of crime in Mexico have many travelers wary of flying south. However, Mexico is a large country and many of these reported crimes take place in cities far from San Miguel.
Crime On A National Level
Mexico has thirty-one states and a total land area of 761,606 square miles (about three times the size of Texas). To drive from Juárez, Mexico in the north (near the Texan border) to Tapachula, Mexico in the south (near the Guatemalan border) takes over a day and a half (1,792 miles – 2884 km). With such a large country it is expected there would be a proportionate amount of crime. However, a close study of official statistics shows that most of Mexico has a modest crime rate. On average, the murder rate is 2 murders per 100,000 in most states. That’s about the same as Evansville, Indiana or Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. In Mexico City, the average is 8 per 100,000, which is low for the most populated city in the western world.
Crime On A Local Level
In spite of the recent news reports about increases in violence in Mexico, a holiday in San Miguel de Allende is safer than vacationing in some parts of the U.S. Risk in one part of a country should not preclude travel within the whole country. A news report about a murder in Manhattan wouldn’t stop most from visiting the Hamptons, which is less than two hours away from New York City. A report about a murder in Juarez, which is about 18 hours from San Miguel de Allende, shouldn’t stop tourists from coming down here.
San Miguel, where over 8,000 Canadian, British, and Americans live, is a great distance from the cartel wars and highway robberies. It is safe to travel from the airports (Leon, Queretaro, Mexico City) to San Miguel either by car, shuttle, or bus. It is safe to take day trips throughout the state of Guanajuato. Walking the streets of San Miguel during the day and in the evenings is safe. (If you feel uncomfortable in the evenings, there are taxis that can be taken for under US$4) San Miguel has a population of approximately 140,000 people, so there is some crime here (mostly pickpocketing, purse snatching, and vandalism.) However, if visitors use the same precautions that they would at home or traveling anywhere in the world, they should be fine.
If you’ve already purchased your ticket, be sure to check out our Attendee Guide for detailed information about the conference experience. Still have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out through our Contact Form – we’re happy to help!