The Midsouth region of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators is excited to bring back the Annual SCBWI Midsouth Conference! Let’s Create a Scene together in Nashville! Whether you’re just starting out on your creative journey or have extensive experience in the world of books, this conference provides opportunities to dig deep into your craft, get feedback on your work, learn from six industry professionals and three award-winning authors, and spend the weekend reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones as we talk shop about the things we all love: kidlit and books!
The schedule includes:
● 9 breakout sessions on writing, illustrating and publishing
● 5 intensive workshops to help you take your work to the next level
● the always popular First Pages feedback sessions
● an industry panel discussion
● manuscript and portfolio critiques, pitches, a portfolio showcase and contests
● an autograph party with your favorite creatives
● and the Create a Scene Bash with food, drinks, kidlit trivia, awards, prize giveaways and more!
Registration is scheduled to open on May 3, 2025, at 2 p.m. Central time/ 3 p.m. Eastern time. When registration opens, the previously greyed-out inactive “Register For Event” button on the Conference Event page will become green and active for you to click on to start making your selections. After you have made all your choices, scroll to the bottom of the screen to click on the green “Purchase” button at the bottom of the page and follow the directions for payment to complete your registration. You are not registered (i.e. your selections will not be saved) until you make your payment.
Please note that SCBWI members enjoy significant savings and that some conference options, including paid critiques and contests, are open to members only. If you’re not a member, JOIN TODAY and save!
When & Where
Date/Time
09/13/20225 - 09/14/2025
Available seats 150
Location
Southwestern Conference Center
2451 Atrium Way, Nashville, TN 37214
The 2025 Create a Scene Conference has a new location and a new schedule! It will be held at the Southwestern Conference Center near the airport in Nashville the weekend of September 13-14. Registration closes on August 23 unless we sell out before that date.
Feedback: Critiques, Portfolio Reviews, Pitches and First Pages
Hear what agents, editors, our art director and peers have to say about your work.
Dates & Deadlines to Remember
Mark your calendars so you turn your work in on time and don’t miss out.
For Writers
Having your manuscript, first page or pitch reviewed at the conference? Everything you need to know to put your best foot forward.
For Illustrators
Bringing a portfolio to the showcase or having your dummy book reviewed? Everything you need to know to make a great impression.
Pricing
Early Bird Tuition (prior to July 1)
SCBWI member, full conference $190
Non-member, full conference $240
Tuition after July 1:
SCBWI member, full conference $210
Non-member, full conference $260
Important! Before you begin registration, please read:
- To get member pricing for the conference, make sure you’re logged into your SCBWI Member Home with the email address you used in purchasing your membership. If you have more than one email address and you don’t log into your SCBWI Member Home with the email address connected to your membership, you will be charged non-member pricing to attend the conference and you will not be able to register for member-only options. If you do not know which email to use, please find the most recent Midsouth communication in your inbox and check which email address it was sent to.
- Registration is not optimized for mobile devices.
- Please have your selections and payment information ready before starting registration. If you browse away from the registration page, you may have to start over.
- Please note that the “Read More” links do not open in a new window. If you want to keep your registration page open AND open additional pages, we suggest having separate tabs open in your browser to toggle between for easier viewing.
- You will be asked to read and acknowledge SCBWI’s and the Midsouth’s policies, including our conference refund policy, before completing registration. You must be aged 18 or older to register for and attend the Midsouth Conference. To review the policies, click HERE.
- After entering your event registration information, you must select your ticket to display the fall conference options that go with your ticket.
- After registration is completed, members should double-check their choices by logging in to your SCBWI Member Home HERE and then selecting “My Events” from the menu. While registration is still active, you can also log in to your SCBWI account, click on the Conference Event page HERE and click on the green “Register for Event” button. The registration form will show you your selections and allow you to add more options if they are still available.
- Non-members will not have this option, so make notes as you register to remind yourself of your selections.
- If the conference sells out early, or you don’t get a spot for a paid critique or paid pitch before they sell out, you may join our waitlist by completing this Waitlist Form. NOTE: Only SCBWI members with an active, valid Premium membership will be considered for additional spots should they become available.
REGISTER NOW!