Conference Schedule

*Session topics will be announced by the end of February.

*Schedule is subject to change.

Friday Evening, April 17, 2026 

6:15 Welcome – Introductions and Opening Remarks 

6:30 My Publishing Story #1: Ginger Reno, author of Find Her and Spirit Shadow, shares her publishing story.

6:45 Keynote: Karen Boss, Editor, Charlesbridge

How to Keep On Keepin’ On: Fifteen Tips for Staying the Creative Course

How do you write and polish and submit and receive declines—however nice they may be—and then keep doing it? Wat about when you sell one manuscript but have trouble placing the next one and still need to draw energy from yourself and others? What makes you stay creative when you’re just... tired? How do you keep on keepin’ on? Here’s some advice!

7:45 Speaker Panel: Publishing Industry Insights & Faculty Wishlists

Saturday, April 18, 2026

9:00 Welcome – Introductions and Opening Remarks

9:15 My Publishing Story #2: Charlotte Glaze, author of Storm Trucks, shares her publishing story.

9:30 General Session Presentation/Keynote: Darcy Pattison, Mim’s House Books.

10:30 My Publishing Story #3: Kara Mitchell, author of Catching Kindness, shares her publishing story.

10:45 General Session Presentation/Keynote: Joann Hill, Creative Director, Disney Hyperion

11:20 Jerry Bennett, U.S. Illustrator Coordinator, SCBWI

11:30 Gaye Sanders, Anna Myers Scholarship 

1:20 My Publishing Story #4: Jennifer Anyong, author of the forthcoming The Ghost Who Saved Halloween, shares her publishing story.

1:30 General Session Presentation/Keynote: Charlotte Wenger, Literary Agent, Prospect Agency

Don’t Shy Away: Tackling Tough Topics in Picture Books

Stories that address emotional development and provide opportunities for children to talk about feelings are so important. And stories themselves often carry an emotional punch by not shying away from experiences and feelings that can be difficult to process or discuss. They tackle situations that can spark complex emotions but also fruitful conversations. In this keynote, I explore why it’s important that we publish more picture books that deal with tough topics, highlight a few examples, and provide some tips to consider when writing stories for children that involve controversial or heavy themes.

2:30 Breakout Craft Intensives #1

Karen Boss – Fiction, Nonfiction & Everything In-Between

Let’s talk categories! And let’s also discuss how important research is, no matter what kind of book you’re working on. Back matter, too! This seemingly simple topic is actually fairly nuanced. This session will include quick writing activities related to your own work(s) in progress.

3:30 Breakout Craft Intensives #2

Darcy Pattison – Indie Publishing

4:30 My Publishing Story #5: a published author shares their publishing story

4:45 Closing Remarks - Final Door Prizes.