Regional In-Person Events

February 28, 2026: "Stick to one style!" "Only show one style in your portfolio, otherwise art directors and editors won't know what they're going to get." Like many illustrators, you may have heard this advice ad verbatim. But is it really true? In this talk, which will take place in-person and on Zoom, children's book illustrator Charlie Mylie will dive deep into visual "style". Mylie will share a theory of how style is created, what it means, and what we can do with it as artists. Also, he will pop the hood on some of his books to show in practical detail how style is functioning as a tool for meaning making. Mylie believes that we define style; style does not define us. Bio: Charlie Mylie is an author and illustrator of several children's books. He makes his art in many styles from his singular home in Kansas City, KS. Charlie's wife and son are his first critics and biggest advocates. This event will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 1-2 pm. It will be in-person at Park University in Parkville, MO and also be broadcasted on Zoom. A recording will be made available for viewing for 30 days after the event.

March 7, 2026: Time to Manuscript up. Put your boots on the trail, or more appropriately, pen to paper. Join us for an all-day in-person Book Camp with senior editor Anna Parsons from Simon & Schuster as she discusses the elements it takes to go From Pitch to Offer. All registered participants can submit a one-page pitch, query, or the first 250 words of a project for live, on-the-spot, feedback. (See event details for more information.) Saturday, March 7, 2026 in Omaha.

March 14, 2026: Join us for a one day hands-on workshop for illustrators, picture book writers, graphic novelists and and author-illustrators on March 14, 2026 at the Laguna College of Art and Design. Featuring workshop leaders Raissa Figueroa and Joey Spiotto; and off-site critiquers Christy Ewers and Melissa Manlove.

April 17-19, 2026: Who’s ready to take a step back from everyday life and focus on their writing for 2 solid days! Who wants to fill their creative soul with nature and children’s book talk? If I’m describing you, take time for yourself to dive into a manuscript or two in the bucolic setting of Conception Abbey (37174 State Hwy VV, Conception, MO 64433). This year we are excited to announce that Ruqayyah Daud of Little Brown Books for Young Readers will be our guest editor. Come get feedback from both a seasoned editor and fellow writers. Join us Friday, April 17 to Sunday, April 19, 2026 for 2 full days of digging deeper into your works in progress! KSMO-SCBWI offers this retreat for all writing levels. The fee is all-inclusive and covers two editor presentations, peer critiques, lodging, and food.

April 24-26, 2026: Take a walk with Goldilocks as we stumble through the woods and into The Barn at the Highlights Foundation. Find just the right chair for working on craft. Enjoy just the right food for networking with fellow creators. And stay in just the right cabin for a creative retreat to remember. Whether you're just getting started or you're Published and Listed (PAL), gain valuable tools for the journey ahead and perspective on finding the path that's just right for you.

Registration closes September 25, 2026: Engaging Stories! Readers must have a compelling reason to start—and continue—engaging with your story. Engaging Stories is designed to provide takeaways and insightful creative strategies and techniques from acclaimed authors, illustrators, author-illustrators, agents, and editors. Join us at the SCBWI Wisconsin 2026 Engaging Stories webinar series and in-person conference. Webinars take place on the following dates: Feb.17, March 10, April 14, May 2, June 9, Aug. 9. In-person conference is October 8-10, 2026