EXTRAS & BONUS EVENTS

Kick off the weekend with a special evening designed for connection! Our Industry Mixer brings together PAL members, invited publishing guests, conference faculty, and regional SCBWI volunteers for a casual, celebratory networking event. Enjoy light refreshments as you mingle with editors, agents, and fellow creators in a relaxed setting that encourages conversation and community. This guest-list-only event is a chance to build authentic industry relationships, reconnect with peers, and toast your publishing milestones.

Warm up before the big day with two great options to sharpen your pitch and boost your confidence: Pitch Practice Webinar ($20–$30): A relaxed, guided workshop to help you craft and polish your pitch. Pitch Roundtables: Small group settings where you’ll practice your pitch live and get feedback from experienced moderators. These early sessions are a perfect way to get comfortable and start networking ahead of time.

All attendees get exclusive SCBWI merch and conference swag. Stick around for door prizes at the end for a chance to win a free 2026 conference pass!

A fun Instagram contest on Aug 1st-8th, where if you share, tag, and follow @SCBWIAustinTx on Instagram, you're entered to win a free critique! Must share the #I'mAttending photo.

Whether you’re an illustrator or author, you’ll have a chance to connect with mentors and experienced professionals in the SCBWI community. Illustrator Mentorship spots (feedback + career advice from working illustrators) Writer Mentorships (for writers looking for one-on-one guidance)

See the special options for PAL attendees!

[Early bird only - closed] This virtual bootcamp dives into what comes after: agents, submissions, deals, and everything in between. Learn from top-tier faculty about how to take your manuscript from polished draft to published book. Early bird conference attendees get this virtual intensive for half price—an unbeatable deal!