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2025 Austin SCBWI Mini MFA Conference

Sep 27, 2025

Joe C Thompson Conference Center, 2405 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712

Calling Texas & beyond writers and illustrators! Early bird starts June 15th, 2025. Mark your calendars! Why Mini MFA? The Austin chapter is offering a focused, craft-driven experience designed to help writers and illustrators polish their skills. Think of it as a "Mini MFA" degree to help jump-start your journey into the world of children's book writing and illustration.

EARLY BIRD OPENS JUNE 15TH

Join us September 27th, 2025 in downtown Austin, Texas for the 2025 Austin SCBWI Mini-MFA Fall Conference to learn your craft, get feedback on your work, and meet and make friends with fellow children’s book writers and illustrators.

  • 2 fabulous keynotes from an art director and an editor
  • 8 breakout sessions on writing, illustrating, and professional development 
  • 8 workshop/intensives on picture books, novels, and illustration
  • Over 60 spots for critiques, pitches, portfolio reviews
  • Participate in portfolio showcase
  • Enter into mentorship awards & writers contests
  • Parking & lunch INCLUDED!!
  • Access to Guest-List only Friday night INDUSTRY MIXER
  • Lots of SCBWI swag & giveaways!
  • Book signing with faculty & creatives
  • Exclusive PAL opportunities

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

🍹 Access to Friday's Guest-List Only industry mixer!

🎤 Keynotes, Breakouts, Workshops, and Panels, oh my!

🌮 Yummy lunch! (Dietary friendly) Coffee, Tea, Water all-day!

🚗 Free parking in a private, secure lot! (In Austin? Unheard of!)

🧢 Exclusive SCBWI merch provided with conference pass

🎒 Full Saturday of networking and learning with your besties!

📝 Pitches, critiques, feedback, contests, portfolio reviews!

🎟️ Discounted rate for the November Publishing Bootcamp!

💼 Pre-and Post-Conference Opportunities & Events

MORE INFORMATION:

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EARLY BIRD

Why register for Early Bird? Ends July 15th!

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FACULTY

Meet the agents, editors, art director, illustrators, and authors on the 2025 staff!

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FOR PALS

Learn about opportunities for PAL (published and listed) members to connect and share your work.

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PRICING & POLICIES

Pricing dates & schedule, additional policies.

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EXTRAS & BONUS EVENTS

Bonus events, pre- and post-conference opportunities, great discounts.

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FRIDAY INDUSTRY MIXER

Mingle with local talented creatives on Friday before the conference. Guest-list only.

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SCHEDULE

View all of the dates and events at the 2025 conference.

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FAQ

The answers to all of your questions!

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FEEDBACK

Manuscript & Portfolio Critiques, Pitches, & First Pages

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WRITER CONTESTS, PORTFOLIO SHOWCASE, MENTORSHIP AWARDS

Make the most of your conference! Enter into the contests.

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SCHOLARSHIPS

Apply by May 15th

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HOTELS & TRAVEL

When to arrive, where to reside!

WHEN

Friday, Sept 26th, 2025 6:30 - 9:30 pm CST (Industry Mixer)

Saturday, Sept 27th, 2025 8:00 am-5:00 pm CST (Conference Day) Available Seats: 150

WHERE

Joe C Thompson Conference Center, 2405 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712 (In-person ONLY)

HOW

Register using the green button above!

You may revisit the conference registration page as often as you like to add more items to your registration AS LONG AS SPOTS REMAIN. Please note critiques and pitches tend to sell out quickly, so you run the risk of not securing your spot if you wait too long. Visit the Dates & Deadlines to Remember page for details about when certain items must be secured.


REGISTER NOW >>


Questions about this event? Contact [email protected]