About us
Welcome to the Austin SCBWI Meetup group! We are a community of writers and illustrators who are passionate about creating children's books. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, this group is the perfect place to connect with like-minded individuals, attend workshops, and share resources. Join us for inspiring conversations, networking opportunities, and fun events related to all things children's literature. Let's support and cheer each other on as we work towards our goals of bringing engaging stories and vibrant illustrations to young readers everywhere.
Upcoming events
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2026 Austin's Annual Children's Book Conference for Writers & Illustrators
Joe C. Thompson Conference Center, 2405 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, TX, US## Looking to attend the 2026 Austin SCBWI Writers & Illustrators Conference? You're in the right place!
Visit here for all the details and registration:
https://www.scbwi.org/events/2026-austin-scbwi-conference
(You must register on the website to recieve admission.)Why should I attend? If you are a writer, author, illustrator, or translator, this conference is where you want to be. 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.
- 🎤 21 sessions: keynotes, breakouts, workshops, & first looks
- 💡 Agent panel & editor panel
- 📝 Over 300 spots for critiques, pitches, portfolio reviews, AMAs
- ✏️ Portfolio showcase, illustrator awards, and mentorship
- 🏅 PB, Middle Grade, & YA year-long writing mentorships
- 🌮 Parking & food included (lunch, desserts, coffee, tea & more)
- 🍹 Guest-List only Friday Industry Mixer (FREE for PALs)
- 🎥 Opportunity to purchase recordings to ALL sessions!
- 💼 Free pre-conference preparation workshops
What is the Austin conference like? The Austin conference is a jam-packed 1-day conference with a mix of class, socials, panels, and awards. Our conference is educational in nature. We have opportunities to connect with faculty through FIRST-LOOK sessions or our virtual critique and pitch options. There is a PORTFOLIO SHOWCASE along with both illustrator and writer MENTORSHIPS.
What are the details? The conference takes place Friday night, Sept 25th, for the industry mixer -- a place for attendees, published authors, and industry professionals to mingle. Then we gather early Saturday, Sept 26th, morning near UT at the Thompson Conference Center for a full day of learning, networking, and connecting. We provide lunch, snacks, & parking!
#### Early Bird "EB" Tuition (June 14th - July 15th, 2026)
EB Premium Member, full conference: $239
EB Preview User (non-member), full conference: $279#### Regular Tuition (July 15th - Sept 15th, 2026)
SCBWI Premium Member, full conference: $289
Preview User (non-member), full conference: $309### EXTRAS, FEES, ADD-ONS EARLY BIRD PRICING:*
Full Replay Pass of All Recordings: $10
Pre Conference Webinars (2): FREE for EB
First Look Sessions: FREE for EB
Writing Mentorship Application: FREE for EB
Written Manuscript Critiques: $62 (virtual)
Zoom Manuscript Critiques: $82 (virtual)
Portfolio Review: $82 (virtual)
Pitch/AMA: $42 for all (virtual)
Portfolio Showcase $10 for members, $30 for non-members
Friday Industry Mixer: $15 for members, $30 for non-members (free for PAL during early bird email austin@scbwi.org for PAL code)More details on the website: Please see:
https://www.scbwi.org/events/2026-austin-scbwi-conference1 attendee
Past events
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