The program committee of Biographers International Organization, acting on the recommendation of the site committee, just announced that the fourth annual Compleat Biographer Conference will be held from May 17 through May 19, 2013, in New York City. The committee is still hashing out details for the conference site and the panels to be offered, as well as pre- and post-conference events; Hurricane Sandy delayed finalizing the conference site selection.

BIO president James McGrath Morris had nothing but high praise for the decision, saying the New York location should make this conference the best yet. “The response to holding it in New York City has been overwhelmingly positive,” he said. “Editors and agents are lining up to join us. Our conference has a reputation as one of the finest gatherings of writers in the country, and they won’t miss out on attending the meeting when it’s held in their backyard.”

Morris added that biographers from as far away as South America plan to attend because of the ease of reaching the city. “I’m betting that for the first time we will have to limit attendance.”

The program committee is chaired by BIO vice president Brian Jay Jones. Serving with him are Barbara Burkhardt, Cathy Curtis, Greg Daugherty, Oline Eaton, Barbara Fisher, Ted Geltner, Beverly Gray, Will Swift, and Felicity Yost. BIO members should thank them for their hard work and begin planning for a fun and informative weekend in the Big Apple.

The site committee, which handles all logistical matters relating to the conference, is still looking for members. Drop Morris a note if you live around New York and would like to help out.