Author & Vendor information
Important announcements and updates:
Loading Dock and IMPORTANT Parking information - PARKING NOW CLOSED - you will now need to arrange your own parking if you have not purchased parking with me.
Connect to Wi-fi: Arrow Hotel Password: Arrow488
Reminder to please keep explicit content discreet (e.g. no open display of sexual illustrations or items) I’ve had questions about people bringing in children under 3 (not recommended, but they are aware that they may run into mature content)
As of 29 Jan 2025: We have sold 271 tickets - let’s keep promoting the event: erabookevents2026.eventbrite.com
BRING CASH just in case ;-)
What’s included?
1 x Lanyard and ERA26 Memorabilia Tag
1 x 6ft / 1.8m Trestle Table
1 x Black Tablecloth
1 x Chair
1 x Welcome Gift
1 x Barista Coffee Token – Enjoy a coffee on us from the Arrow Café next door the venue
Snacks & Drinks – We will provide a little snack and water, you are more than welcome to bring your own snacks. Please keep it peanut-free (severe peanut allergy in our group). You can re-fill your water bottle at the ERA window.
Lunch – A small lunch will be delivered to your table
Roaming Photographer – Capturing the magic of the day, including candid shots of your setup and moments with attendees
optioNal Add-ons
Additional Assistant Pass – $18 each
Includes event access, a chair, and lunch for your assistant. FORM CLOSED.
On-Site Activities
FREE to attend any workshop or panel - subject to space (come after all the panel attendees have entered)
Parking
Please note: Parking is not included and is the responsibility of the attendee to purchase. PLEASE SEE Loading Dock and Parking Information. Plus, nearby options provided here.
Venue information
LOCATION
Arrow on Swanston Events
488 Swanston Road, Carlton VIC 3053
Note that this is not the Arrow Hotel, the venue is next door to the hotel. Please see images to help you find your way.
HOW TO GET HERE
By tram: Only 10 minutes away (!!) by tram from Flinder’s Station, Melbourne CBD. The tram stop is directly in front of the venue making it super easy to get to and from the city.
By car: Carlton can get extremely busy, so I recommend getting in early or booking parking ahead of time. Unfortunately, this venue does not come with parking perks. Parking options are as follows:
There are 2P street parking along Queensberry St.
Arrow On-Site Parking: I believe it is $25-30 Flat Rate 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM, on-site if you did not book with me.
No hotel reservation: Please purchase parking down below to book in your parking spot with me.
If you have a hotel reservation: you must message me your reservation number.
Other options (please double check these):
Greenco Parking, 17-21 Cardigan St: Weekends: $12 Flat Rate, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM, 5-min walk to venue
ALDI Wilson Parking, 501 Swanston St, entry from Franklin St: $50 day rate (not sure if there are weekend rates), 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM, 5-min walk to the venue
BUMP IN TIME:
From 8:00am - if you require early bump-in, you must e-mail me at hello@erabookevents.com first so I can have you down.
EVENT TIMES:
VIP Early Entry: 10:00 AM
General Admission Entry: 10:30 AM
Afternoon Ticket: 1:30 PM
BUMP OUT TIME:
Event ends at 4:00 PM.
Tables will be picked at 5:45 PM. You can continue to pack up after this time if needed, but please clear the tables so they can be picked up.
Final Venue mAp
Loading Dock and Parking
Make sure you are going to the Arrow on Swanston parking lot, NOT RMIT parking lot. This is also the loading dock. The correct one looks like this:
How to use the Loading Dock Lift
On-site Parking
This information was due Wednesday, 28 Jan. If you have not done the below, you will need to arrange your own parking.
If you have a reservation at Arrow on Swanston, please provide your reservation number to me ASAP - via DM, e-mail, or FB message. You DO NOT need to purchase further parking with me if you have a reservation, you purchase this direct with the hotel, I just need to let them know your reservation so you can stay until the end of the day (if you are checking out same day).
If you do not have a reservation but need on-site parking, it is $20 flat rate. Please purchase the parking product to book it in with me.
Event schedule
31 January 2026
Early bump-in. REGISTRATION FOR EARLY BUMP-IN CLOSED. Please do not come any earlier so we can set up the tables and chairs for you first. I have A Touch of Magic Designs, The Enamel Library, Miss T Creations, Lit Lines, B Nova Kardinalis, Zoe Jae, Demi Clorissa and Lex Logan
07:00am
08:00am
General bump-in. Please check in with one of the ERA team.
Group picture
09:30am
VIP Early Entry. (As of 22 Jan: 50/50 VIP, 30/30 VIP Plus)
10:00am
General Entry. (As of 22 Jan: 143/180)
Event photographer: Golden Wing Press arrives.
10:30am
10:45-11:45am
Panel: The Art of Storytelling with Serif & Somnia, Ashley Nobes, and Lila Raymond
Lunch will also be delivered to your table around this time (11:45am)
Workshop: Ready, Set, Book Launch with MG Hunt
12:00-1:00pm
Afternoon Only Entry. (As of 22 Jan: 22/40)
1:30pm
Panel: Diversity in Fantasy with Tigest Girma, Vanessa Len, and Maithree Wijesekara
2:00-3:00pm
Special Guest Author signing: Tigest Girma, Vanessa Len, and Maithree Wijesekara
Event photographer: Golden Wing Press leaves (3.30PM)
3:00-4:00pm
Final sale as we begin to usher people out.
3:50pm
Event ends. Please pack down efficiently for bump-out.
4:00pm
Tables will be picked up at this time.
5:45pm
FaQ & Contact
Is there wifi at the venue?
Yes, connect to Wi-fi: Arrow Hotel, Password: Arrow488
Please bring CASH - I have encouraged all attendees to bring cash just in case. Although venue has guaranteed our own wi-fi login, the venue is located in the Lower Ground floor so I’d be wary about it!
can I bring my own snacks and drinks and eat at my table?
Food and drinks are allowed - just keep your space tidy. If you need someone to watch your table, feel free to ask an ERA assistant (LIMITED) or a neighbouring table. We have passed on your dietary requirements and allergies to our caterer - we do recommend you bring your own meal if you have severe allergies (please).
Our little snack boxes are not customised, so please double check the ingredients.
Can I run a giveaway or special promotion at my table?
Yes! We love interactive tables. Just let us know in advance if you’d like us to help promote it.
Is this a kid-friendly event?
ERA is 16+ and all tables must keep explicit content discreet (e.g. no open display of sexual illustrations or items).
You’re welcome to sell mature content (after all, it’s a fantasy AND romance event!) – just use discretion.
Still have a question?
E-mail me directly at hello@erabookevents.com.