SCBWI AZ Regional Conference 2026

Do not miss this fabulous event! Space is limited!

Our theme is "Beyond the Page," where we'll focus on collaborating and connecting with other writers, elevating our craft, and educating creators about the next steps into publication and beyond. Writing and illustrating are so much more than just the words and images on the page.

That is why we have developed a full day of keynotes and breakout sessions with professional faculty, as well as our wonderful PALs. Take advantage of the professional critique and submission opportunities.

Enter your artwork into the illustrator’s showcase, purchase members' books, and bring your own books to sell through our bookseller.

But most of all, meet fellow creators and build community during this day-long celebration of children’s literature.

Whether you join the event in person or virtually, you will receive access to recordings of all the sessions and can view them for 30 days after the event. That means you won’t need to worry about missing any content!

The day includes:

• 15 breakout sessions on writing, illustrating, and publishing
• industry panel discussion
• author panel discussion
• manuscript and portfolio critiques
• illustrator showcase (in-person for members only)
• book sales opportunities (in-person for members only)
• book signings (in-person only)
• boxed lunch included (in-person attendees only)
• prize giveaways and more!

IN-PERSON CONFERENCE COST - Participation at the conference venue with access to the recordings of all the sessions for 30-days after the event.

Early Bird Member Cost (Before August 1, 2026) - $235.00

Early Bird Nonmember Cost (Before August 1, 2026) - $285.00

Regular Member Cost (Beginning August 1, 2026) - $285.00

Regular Nonmember Cost  (Beginning August 1, 2026) - $335.00

VIRTUAL CONFERENCE COST - Virtual participation with access to the recordings of all the sessions for 30-days after the event.

Early Bird Member Cost (Before August 1, 2026) - $145.00

Early Bird Nonmember Cost (Before August 1, 2026) - $195.00

Regular Member Cost (Beginning August 1, 2026) - $195.00

Regular Nonmember Cost (Beginning August 1, 2026) - $245.00

CRITIQUE COST

Written-Only Critique - $65.00

Written Critique with 20-Minute Zoom Meeting after the Event - $90.00

By signing up for this event, the registrant acknowledges 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.

Refund Policy:

SCBWI is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. SCBWI Regions are managed by unpaid volunteers. Region funds support programs that benefit SCBWI members.

As part of the event planning process, the Arizona Leadership Team must sign contracts with venues, speakers, critiquers, vendors, and others who will be providing services during a regional activity. Registration fees collected for an event must cover the cost of these contracts; therefore, refunds are the exception rather than the rule. In the rare case a refund is granted, it will always be less any credit card processing fees and any other processing expenses.

Requests to refund registration fees for in-person activities will be decided on a case-by-case basis. By registering for an event, you acknowledge that you have read and accept the event’s refund policy.

• Attendees requesting a refund by the end of early registration (August 1, 2026) will receive their full registration fee less $25 to cover fees and other incidental expenses associated with planning for our conference.
• Attendees requesting a refund by October 14, 2026 (one month before the conference date) will receive a refund of 50% of their registration fee.
• No refunds will be granted on or after October 14, 2025.
• Please note that critiques (either written only or written with Zoom consultations), are contracted in advance with our faculty and thus cannot be refunded.

If you have any questions regarding our refund policy, please email Tanja Bauerle, Regional Advisor of SCBWI Arizona: [email protected] .

SCBWI POLICIES

You must be 18 years of age or older to attend SCBWI events, including the SCBWI Arizona Regional Conference. By attending the conference, you agree to all SCBWI policies, including the non-discrimination/anti-harassment policy, policy prohibiting recording or distribution of conference materials and other policies outlined here, as well as its policy to maintain a firearms and weapons-free environment for the safety of all attendees and volunteers.

PROFESSIONALISM POLICY

Whether you are dealing with faculty, other attendees, or conference volunteers, raised voices, rude or unkind words, or behavior otherwise deemed inappropriate or abusive will not be tolerated. If you are asked to leave the conference, refunds will not be issued. Remember, too, when dealing with Arizona committee members and officers that this conference is run entirely by people who volunteer their time! The Regional Advisors have the right to refuse admittance to anyone whose behavior is disruptive to the event, attendees or faculty.

FOOD POLICY

While we make every attempt to accommodate food sensitivities, please understand that we cannot ensure every participant’s dietary preferences and food sensitivities for every meal. If you have serious allergies/sensitivities or strict food preferences, please bring supplementary food with you. Thank you for understanding. 

PHOTO POLICY

The SCBWI Arizona team will be taking photos during the conference. By attending the conference, you understand that you may appear in photos and videos that will be posted to the SCBWI Arizona's social media channels, website and newsletter, as well as the social media channels, etc. of conference attendees.

Furthermore, you acknowledge that you have read, understand and are willing to adhere to our SCBWI policies outlined here: https://www.scbwi.org/faq/global/scbwi-policies.