Regional In-Person Events

September 13-14, 2025 (registration closes August 23): The Midsouth region of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators is excited to bring back the Annual SCBWI Midsouth Conference! Let’s Create a Scene together in Nashville! Whether you’re just starting out on your creative journey or have extensive experience in the world of books, this conference provides opportunities to dig deep into your craft, get feedback on your work, learn from six industry professionals and three award-winning authors, and spend the weekend reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones as we talk shop about the things we all love: kidlit and books!

September 14, 2025 (registration ends September 13): At this in-person Live Art Practice Workshop our SCBWI Westchester Illustrator Coordinator will show how to plan, set up, and present live drawing events. Attendees will have a chance at hands-on practice.

September 20, 2025 (registration closes September 19): Are you a writer or illustrator who wants to create characters your readers will love? Then you can't miss this program with best-selling author and illustrator Priscilla Burris. This overview and conversation focuses on Early Readers and other genres to teach us how to create characters who can find a home in our reader's hearts. This workshop includes hands-on sessions for writers, illustrators, and author-illustrators. A limited number of picture book / early reader / chapter book manuscript critiques and illustration portfolio critiques are available to workshop attendees who purchase this option at the time of registration.

September 26-28, 2025: Join us to enjoy the lovely grounds of Pecos Monastery, the gateway to spectacular hiking paths and mountains of the Pecos Wilderness. You'll experience crisp, colorful fall days while you connect, build new relationships with other writers and illustrators, and reinforce established relationships. With in-person agent Laurel Symonds of KT Literary, you will also hear from an established industry professional. Written/In-person critiques are available. This retreat will encourage quiet working time with private rooms and baths.

September 27, 2025 (registration closes September 15): The Austin SCBWI chapter is offering a focused, craft-driven experience designed to help writers and illustrators polish their skills. Additional opportunities with top faculty for awards, mentorships, portfolio reviews, critiques, pitches, & more!

September 27, 2025: It’s time to gather, learn, network, laugh, and add artistry of craft enhancements. Come for the thought-provoking message in Jacqui Davison’s UNLESS… keynote. We know layers add to the quality of our art. So, come on in for added inspiration and motivation and encouragement in Susan Johnston Taylor's keynote, "Crafting A Creative Life." Picture book writers, add to your craft with The Art of the Art Notes with PB author, Katie Venit. Writers of all kinds, take your manuscript to the next level with writer Shannon Schuren. Novelists, add to your emotional arcs with Ann Angel. Laugh right out loud and get wild with creativity with Silvia Acevedo. Now, that's a day of artistry. A small - but mighty artful- conference. Susan Johnston Taylor will wrap up the day.

October 3-4, 2025 (registration closes September 22): At the Ohio North regional conference you can: Learn and ask questions from professionals in the industry and fellow attendees; Receive live feedback and direction from agents, editors, art directors, and authors/illustrators with a critique purchase; Connect with a critique partner or group to help you grow; Receive submission guidelines from on-site and offsite editors, agents, and art director for the opportunity to submit your work to them after the conference. Whether you're starting your kidlit journey or you're an experienced member, the 2025 Ohio North Regional Conference is for you!

October 4, 2025 (registration closes September 28): Writers and illustrators are invited to a full day of speaker presentations, critiques, pitches and mingling with fellow creatives! We'll have agents, an editor, an art director, published authors and an illustrator. This hybrid event is both in-person at Cal State Fullerton and via zoom. Attendees will have access to the videos for 30 days following the event.

October 18-19, 2025 (registration closes October 5): SCBWI Rocky Mountain's 49th annual Letters and Lines Conference will be October 18-19, 2025 at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities in Arvada, Colorado. Keynote speakers will include author/illustrators Sophie Blackall and LeUyen Pham. Other faculty will include VP and Editor and Chief of Little, Brown Books Alvina Ling, Sourcebooks editor Melissa Manlove, and many more! Check out our regional website for more information. Registration opens July 17 at 6:00pm MT.

October 31-November 2, 2025 (registration ends October 24): BOO! Don't be scared--join us for a multi-day conference in Des Moines, Iowa! Best-selling picture book authors, agents, and publishers will haunt our halls! Written critiques, face-to-face critiques, and post-conference submissions available... if you dare!

November 8, 2025: Join us at the Decatur Library in Decatur, Georgia for Story Sculpting with Southern Breeze Standouts, taught by authors Katrina Moore and Chris Negron. In this writing intensive, you’ll learn about pacing, voice, query letter writing, and much more! Choose three sessions tailored for picture book writers or kidlit novelists (mix and match if you write both!) with an additional “ask us anything” faculty panel. Great for beginners looking to improve their craft and established authors interested in honing their skills.