The National Storytelling Network's Pacific Region gathering, Talk Story Conference, will be held in Honolulu July 16-20, drawing storytellers from around the country to learn about Hawaiian culture, attend workshops in storytelling techniques, consider how storytelling can serve as a tool for learning and change, attend private coaching sessions, hear an address on Thai and Lao storytelling traditions and, of course, tell each other stories.

After-conference sessions will include field trips on O'ahu and Maui.

Tuition packages vary, from about $350 for off-islanders (including all meals and workshops) to $263 for students and librarians. The fee for kama'aina is $288.

Information: nsntalkstoryconference.com; or e-mail storyteller Jeff Gere at jeffgere@lava.com