Pre-Conference Opportunities
Get ready for the conference with these summer learning opportunities.
Portfolio Myth Buster Pre-Conference Webinar with Nicole Tugeau, June 18, ($15 for member conference attendees, $30 for non-member conference attendees)
Are you an artist in need of a refresh and update to your portfolio? Are you an illustrator prepping a portfolio to bring to our conference? This webinar is for you and available for a discount to conference attendees. Be sure to select the webinar option during the online registration process.
The webinar will be held June 18, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Central time/7:30 p.m. Eastern time via Zoom. It will be recorded and a link to the recording will be available for viewing for 30 days to those who select the webinar option during conference registration. If you register for the conference after the June 18 webinar has taken place, you will still receive the link to view the webinar for up to 30 days.
Nicole Tugeau, agent-owner of T2 Art & Literary Agency, will help you break free from dated portfolio rules and expectations, and break out a portfolio that connects. This interactive discussion will be based on Nicole's experience agenting artists in a competitive marketplace: children's publishing.
NOTE: This webinar does NOT include a portfolio critique, nor will Nicole be providing feedback on individual portfolios during this webinar.
To register for the webinar at the discounted price, select the webinar option during the online conference registration process. Do NOT register for it through the Midsouth website’s Events page. If you do, you’ll pay full price (and possibly risk signing up/paying for it twice!!)
Once you register, the link to join this webinar will appear in your SCBWI Member Home under My Events.
Pitch Perfect Webinar, July 19, (FREE if you register for a Pitch Critique before the July 1 early bird deadline)
Saturday, July 19, 3 p.m. Central time/4 p.m. Eastern Time via Zoom
If you’ve registered for a Pitch Critique before July 1, plan to join Regional Advisor Laura Ayo in this one-hour webinar as she shares the makings of a solid pitch. You’ll find out how a pitch is different from a query letter and what it should and shouldn’t include. You’ll also learn what to expect at the conference during your pitch session with an industry professional. Note: This webinar will NOT be recorded or made available for viewing after the webinar. NOTE: Pitches are for STORY only, not illustrations.
Pitch Practice Virtual Roundtable, August 30, (FREE if you register for a Pitch Critique before the July 1 early bird deadline)
Saturday, August 30, 3 p.m. Central time/4 p.m. Eastern Time via Zoom
In July, you learned the makings of a solid pitch. Since then, you’ve developed your own. Now boost your confidence by practicing your pitch with Regional Advisor Laura Ayo and your fellow conference attendees in a low-key, friendly environment. During this one-hour virtual roundtable, you’ll have a chance to read your pitch, have it timed and hear the pitches of fellow attendees. Please note that this meetup is designed to help you become comfortable with delivering your pitch so you’re ready when it’s time to do it officially in front of the industry professional at the conference. While you may get feedback from fellow attendees, this discussion should not be considered an official critique of your pitch. NOTE: Pitches are for STORY only, not illustrations.
NOTE: You can register for a paid pitch critique even if you cannot attend one or either of the webinars. The webinars are optional and designed to help you be ready to pitch before the conference.