2026 Austin's Annual Children's Book Conference for Writers & Illustrators

## 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-conference