Each year, KSPS hosts a poetry conference open to both members and nonmembers, bringing together poets of all levels to learn, share, and connect. The conference features panels, workshops, readings, and a keynote address, offering a rich opportunity to engage with the poetry community. Members enjoy exclusive perks, including an exclusive membership meeting and early bird registration, making it an even more rewarding experience. Join us for inspiration, insight, and connection!
Thank You for Joining Us for the 2025 KSPS Conference
The 2025 KSPS Conference has officially wrapped, and we’re thrilled by the incredible turnout and enthusiasm that carried us through an inspiring weekend of poetry, craft, and community. Poets from across Kentucky and beyond gathered both in person at Joseph-Beth Booksellers and the Lexington Writers Room, and online via Zoom, making this year’s conference one of our most well-attended and engaged events to date.
Saturday’s in-person programming kicked off with a lively meet-and-greet and welcome session, followed by the launch of the Fall issue of Pegasus. Attendees spent the afternoon immersed in the Kentucky Book Festival’s vibrant atmosphere before reconvening for a keynote conversation with Silas House and Kathleen Driskell that drew a full, attentive audience. The day concluded with a celebratory reception, open mic, and mini book fair—creating space for poets to share work, connect with peers, and support one another’s creative projects.
Sunday’s online sessions continued that momentum, offering a full slate of well-attended workshops led by Lynell Edwards, Letonia Jones, Marianne Worthington, and Tom C. Hunley. The day also featured a members-only business meeting, poetry readings by Shauna M. Morgan, Lennie Hay, and Matthew S. Parsons, and a closing contest winners reading and open mic that showcased the depth and diversity of voices within our community.
We’re deeply grateful to our presenters, partners, sponsors, volunteers, and—most of all—our poets, whose participation and generosity made the 2025 KSPS Conference such a meaningful success. We’re already looking ahead with excitement to what comes next.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Details for the 2026 KSPS Conference will be announced in the coming months. Start your membership today to be the first to know about dates, registration, and upcoming conference news, and enjoy access to a rich writing community.
Kentucky State Poetry Society is grateful to the following organizations for their sponsorship and/or partnership for our 2025 conference!
“I’ve come away with a lot of ideas and inspiration from the craft seminars and can’t wait to put them into practice. I also appreciated the opportunity to share my work at the open mic, I’m so impressed by the talent of KSPS poets.”
— Bill Brymer, 2025 Conference Attendee
“It felt like coming together with family… I feel like the conference refueled my writing energy, which, as a high school teacher, I desperately need (often).”
— Jan LaPerle, 2025 Conference Attendee
“I attended my first Kentucky State Poetry Society conference this year and feel that my world has expanded very positively.”
— Bud Ratliff, 2025 Conference Attendee
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