Traditionally, once a year, Kiss of Death (KOD) holds an in-person gathering where members can meet each other, network and learn from each other’s numerous talents. The KOD Annual Conference as it has come to be known, includes a workshop or tour of some of the host city’s facilities and enterprises related to our writing. Past tours have included visits with Law Enforcement, firefighters, explosive experts, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and U.S. Coast Guard facilities. The Daphne Awards Ceremony/Death by Chocolate Party is the final event of the Conference.
Though totally separate, the Conference takes place just prior to and/or during the RWA Annual Conference usually in the same host city and host hotel.
In 2025, Kiss of Death is hosting two events.
Our Annual Conference will be held during the RWA Annual Conference block of July 16-19, 2025 in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. We are planning a Joint Event with the FFP RWA Chapter. Our Annual Death by Chocolate Party and Daphne du Maurier Awards Ceremony will be held in Conjunction with FFP’s The Gathering and Prism Awards.
The second event is a Writer’s Retreat, this year it is on a cruise ship, in October.
Kiss of Death Conference Information: Exact Dates and Times TBD will be held during July 16-19, 2025 RWA Conference. Registration is now open.
Death By Chocolate & The Gathering: DATE TBA
When: Death by Chocolate and the Awards Ceremony will be held in conjunction with FFP’s The Gathering and Prism Awards at the RWA Conference Hotel. Date TBA
Where: Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada
How Much:
$50.00 for Kiss of Death/FFP Members, $60.00 for RWA Members, $75 for Guests (limit 2).
Daphne & Prism Finalists will receive a discount.
What’s Included: Death by Chocolate & The Gathering Reception, Daphne du Maurier and Prism Awards Ceremonies & More.
Get your tickets here: https://rwakissofdeath.org/product/death-by-chocolate-daphne-du-maurier-awards-2025/
Terms and Conditions
By Registering for Kiss of Death conference events including Death by Chocolate & The Gathering, you agree to the following terms:
Registration will be open until June 30, 2025.
Refunds will be permitted until June 30, 2025 with an administration fee of $10 per registration.
Refunds from June 30 – July 4th, 2025 will be accessed a cancellation fee of $15 per registration in addition to the administration fee of $10 per registration (Total $25/registration)
No refunds will be given after July 4th, 2025.
Conference and Contest chairs may make exceptions for emergencies, but the administration fee would still apply.
Event is capacity controlled and registration may be closed early or extended at the discretion of the Conference Chair.
There is a limit of 2 guests per member (no discount for guests.)
Coupon codes are limited to one per order, member coupons, RWA coupons and Daphne Finalist Coupons will be provided when registration opens.
Coupon codes must be entered on the website form for discount to be received. If you have a problem applying the coupon code, please review the FAQs. Still having an issue? Do not submit your order–discounts will NOT be applied AFTER the order is placed! Please email kod144treasurer@gmail.com and ask for help. Responses may take 24 hours.
All other questions may be directed to the President and Board via PresidentKOD@gmail.com
Writer’s Retreat Cruise Information:
Dates: October 4-11, 2025
Where: Norwegian Bliss Cruise Ship, Roundtrip from Seattle, Washington, to Alaska.
Registration fee: $500/Writer $250/Non-Writer Companion Social Events Ticket + Cruise Fare (paid directly to cruise line)
Late Registration Requests must be sent to kod144treasurer@gmail.com
Featuring:
An Intimate Writing retreat with hands on workshops, aboard a beautiful cruise ship exploring Alaska.
Business Planning for Authors with Jacki Renée
Craft Workshops with IGW’s Tobi Doyle and S.G. Redling
Writer’s Life workshops with Krysta Lynne
Plenty of downtime to explore the beautiful ports as part of our retreat goals of Relaxing your body, mind and spirit, Refreshing your Writing Game, and Renewing your Writing Energy.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
This year we are offering members and writing businesses the opportunity to help sponsor our events. Sponsorship questions should be directed to the treasurer at KOD144treasurer@gmail.com
To facilitate this we created a donation button on PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LMEZLFTRT2P2G.
It offers the following preset options are $5, $10, $20 but sponsors may enter any amount. Donors also have the option to cover the PayPal fees.
Donors are asked to specify where there funds are allocated:
- Any Program
- Perseverance Fund
- Retreat Scholarship Fund
- DBC/Awards
- Writer’s Retreat
Donors will receive (based upon donation amount)
- Kiss Tier: $20 Minimum Commitment [for the purchase of chocolate]: Inclusion of Website/Logo on the Sponsor Page on the Kiss of Death Website.
- Rose Tier: $50 Minimum Commitment : A 2×4 (or ¼ page) logo/website ad in the Programs for Death by Chocolate, and the Writer’s Retreat. at least 1 Sponsor Social Media Post on Kiss of Death social media. + Kiss Tier
- Skull Tier: $100 Minimum Commitment : A 4×4 (½ page) logo/website ad in the programs for Death by Chocolate and the Writer’s Retreat, At least 2 Sponsor Social Media Posts on Kiss of Death social media, Inclusion of website (logo depends on space availability) on handouts for expo at RWA2025. + Kiss Tier
- Coffin Tier: $150 Minimum Commitment : A Social Media Spotlight which will include A Guest Post from the Sponsor: This can include website, book cover, Interview, and more. No Buy Links (rules are rules) however, Kiss of Death will provide a drawing prize (reader or writer) for one lucky participant who comments on the post *US Shipping only, must comment to win.* + Kiss and Skull Tiers
- THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 SPONSORS!
