SCBWI regions host a wide variety of affordable in-person events. From retreats to conferences, you'll find the perfect program for connecting with other creatives and improving your craft. Check here often to find a nearby event that fits your interests. You can also explore the Regional Virtual Events page and visit individual SCBWI Region pages for upcoming events and programming.
Be sure to follow your home region to keep up with the latest local news and activities near you. Go to your Member Home page, click the My Profile button, then the Edit My Profile button. Scroll down the page and click "Set your SCBWI home region," then click the arrow and choose your home region to add it to your profile.
Regional In-Person Events
SCBWI Kansas Missouri: Recharge Your Writing Retreat at Conception Abbey
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.
SCBWI Pennsylvania East: Pocono & The Three Bears 2026 - In Search of Just Right
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.
SCBWI Wisconsin: Engaging Stories in-person conference and monthly webinars
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
SCBWI Texas Austin: 2026 Mini MFA Conference
September 26, 2026 (registration closes September 15): Early bird registration opens June 14th, 9am CT. The Austin SCBWI conference is a jam-packed 1-day conference with a mix of classes, socials, panels, first looks, awards, mentorships, and more! Additionally, our virtual critique sessions offer over 300 spots for pitches, critiques, zooms, portfolio reviews, and AMAs. SCBWI Austin brings in top local talent and industry pros from all over the country. This conference is for pre-published or currently-published professionals looking to further their career!
