Have questions about the 2026 Austin SCBWI Writers and Illustrators Craft Conference?
Where is the conference being held?
Joe C Thompson Conference Center, 2405 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712 (In-person ONLY)
Is there an anti-harassment policy for the conference?
Yes! SCBWI has an anti-harassment policy that ALL attendees, volunteers, and faculty must agree to before they can attend. You can read it here. Additionally, if you have any issues during the conference, please see Austin's Regional Advisor, Anna Alsup, or any volunteer for assistance.
I’m coming from out of town. Where should I stay?
Hotel recommendation TBD
How much does the conference cost?
Is food included at the in-person conference?
Yes! Lunch is included on Saturday. There will be dietary-friendly options at the self-serve station available at the lunches, but if you have very specific dietary needs, you may eat lunch elsewhere. Coffee, tea, & water are provided all day. Breakfast is NOT provided either day.
Will the conference be recorded?
YES, recordings cost a little extra. This is because it takes a lot of effort to record.
What are my payment options?
You may pay via credit card.
I’m registered. How can I access my registration?
After you have logged into SCBWI website, you can access your registration details by clicking on the MEMBER HOME button in the top right corner, then clicking My Events in the menu on the left side of the page. A list with all the upcoming SCBWI events that you have registered for will appear. Choose the Conference to view your registration details.
I’m registered. How can I add to or change my registration?
You can change or add to your registration on the general registration page.
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How do the 1-1 virtual critiques work?
You get 10 minutes with the faculty, 1-1, via Zoom to discuss a 10 page MS or PB sample that has been given for review. Feedback is discussed during session. See more details here >>
How do 1-1 virtual portfolio reviews work?
You get 10 minutes with the faculty, 1-1, via Zoom. See more details here >>
How does an 1-1 virtual agent pitch/consultation work?
You get 10 minutes with the faculty, 1-1, via Zoom. See more details here >>
How do the online written-only critiques work?
You may be registered for the conference to sign up for an online written-only critique. There will be NO meeting. You will receive your critique via email. The deadline to submit your pages is Sept 30th, 2026. Please read our Manuscript Critique Submission Guidelines for information on how to submit.
I’m an illustrator. How can I have my portfolio in the Portfolio Showcase and be included in the judging?
To be included in the Portfolio Showcase, you must sign up for it when you register for the conference (must be attending in-person). There is a small fee. When you sign up, you are automatically entered into the judging for the showcase contest. If you do NOT want to be included in the judging, please email [email protected] to let us know.
I’m published. How can I get my book in the conference bookstore?
Our bookstore this year is limited to our in-person faculty and PAL panelists only.
Are weapons allowed at the conference?
It is the policy of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators to maintain an environment that is safe for all persons. To achieve this objective, it is the SCBWI’s policy to maintain a firearms and weapons free environment at all of our events and prohibit the possession of firearms and weapons regardless of any license or permit that an individual may have which would otherwise authorize the individual to carry firearms or weapons. Weapons are defined as anything that is intended to cause harm to another person.
Can I blog about and/or record parts of the conference?
By registering for this conference, you acknowledge that audio taping, videotaping and/or transmitting or aiding in any of the foregoing of any part of the conference (including, but not limited to, presentations, individual sessions, and networking events) is prohibited. Additionally, the material in all handouts and presentations is copyrighted and may not be reprinted, blogged, written, orally transmitted, and/or reproduced without written permission of the copyright holder only. If you are found in violation of the above, SCBWI reserves the right to remove you from the conference and bar you from attending future conferences.
This does not answer all my questions. Who can I ask for more information?
If you have any other questions, please email Austin's SCBWI Regional Advisor, Anna Alsup, at [email protected].
REGISTER NOW>>
We look forward to seeing you in September!