831 Stories Hosts Inaugural RomCon in Brooklyn
The romance-focused event brought together readers and authors for a day of panels and networking in Industry City.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Romance
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831 Stories hosted its first annual RomCon this Saturday at Industry City in Brooklyn. The inaugural gathering brought together 300 attendees to celebrate romance literature.
Why it matters
Founders Claire Mazur and Erica Cerulo created the event to foster optimism about dating and remind readers that romance remains a fun and relevant topic. Partnering with Hinge, the organizers aimed to cultivate a sense of community centered around shared interests in love and relationships.
The inaugural event drew 300 attendees to Industry City for a series of panels and author interactions. The gathering was supported by brand partners including Hinge, The Ripped Bodice, and Warby Parker.
The players
Claire Mazur
She is a co-founder of 831 Stories, which she established in 2024 to celebrate romance narratives.
Erica Cerulo
She co-founded the media company 831 Stories alongside Claire Mazur.
Sarah MacLean
She is a notable romance author who is preparing to release her 22nd book.
Hinge
This dating application served as the presenting partner for the RomCon event.
The details
The event featured sessions with prominent authors such as Nikki Payne, Tressie McMillan Cottom, and Casey McQuiston. Attendees spent the day engaging with vendors and participating in discussions designed to explore the nuances of romance and modern dating.
Timeline
The inaugural RomCon took place on Saturday morning, October 24, 2026.
Founders Claire Mazur and Erica Cerulo established 831 Stories in 2024.
Spotify introduced audiobooks to its platform in 2022.
Author Sarah MacLean is scheduled to release her 22nd book in February 2027.
Culture Shift
RomCon follows the established pattern of genre-specific literary conventions that bridge the gap between digital communities and physical engagement. This shift mirrors how niche cultural movements move from online affinity groups into tangible, localized events.
Attendees can utilize the connections made at Industry City to engage further with local vendors and authors. The event format encourages readers to integrate these networking opportunities into their own reading habits and literary social circles.
The takeaway
Organizers hope the event leaves attendees with a more positive outlook on modern dating and love. Readers can implement this optimism in their own lives by engaging with literature that celebrates and examines the realities of contemporary relationships.
What happens next
Author Sarah MacLean is scheduled to release her 22nd book in February 2027.
Further reading
For more trends in the genre, explore the latest updates in Romance.
Source note: This article includes information reported by British Vogue.
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