Sharpen your pens & bring out your sketchbooks, notepads, and tablets - here comes the Europolitan Conference 2024! Nothing compares to meeting others who share a passion for children's literature. There's something to be said for real life community, and that's what the Europolitan Conference is for—to bring those of us in Europe together so we can grow stronger in our craft. Join us in historical Cologne for a weekend designed to inspire and educate aspiring and experienced writers, illustrators and translators! Pre-registration is free. For prices see ticket info and costs give in option descriptions.
Important: Sign-up is a TWO-PART process. Follow the steps listed below.
We have decided to use direct bank transfers via SEPA (IBAN/BIC) transactions for this confence in order to avoid transaction fees that keep the cost lower for you. (Alternative payment available at request, may incur fees.) This makes registering online a bit unwieldy, but we have a solution:
Part ONE - pre-register on this site for *free* for your ticket choices
1) Login to your SCBWI account! (If you don’t have an account, check out the document ‘Sign-up for free SCBWI preview membership’ below this section and learn how to register with the site for free. You won’t be able to pre-register without an account.)
2) Check out the schedule so you know which sessions you want to attend. Find a link to the full schedule with detailed descriptions further below under <Mix & Match Your Sessions>. Best would be to open the schedule in a separate window, or to note down you preferences.
3) Once you know which sessions to pick, click the (Register for Event) button on the top left of the site.
4) Pick your choices below the '2024 Europolitan Conference Pre-Registration frame' Note: there are optional choices and mandatory choices to pick.
5) Work your way down the list. Once you have made a decision on all mandatory choices (yes, some only have one choice when a session is aimed at all three tracks), the Book Seat button on the lower right corner will become enabled.
6) Click it to finish your free pre-registration (for the price detemined by your membership status, time of booking and chosen extras)
Part TWO - pay your fee to secure your spot
7) You will receive a confirmation email with a summary of your choices, the total costs depending on these choices and the payment instructions per email. Please allow for up to 24h. Add europolitan@scbwi.org to your safe contacts! Add-ons of limited availability will be reserved for seven days.
8) Pay for your ticket via SEPA to secure your choices and receive final confirmation via email.
IMPORTANT: the conference fee does NOT include a hotel room.
Travel Information
Parking
The Youth Hostel has 35 parking spots but these can’t be reserved in advance. Keep in mind that Cologne City is a low-emmisson zone! For more option, see document attached below.
Hotel Rooms at the Venue
We have reserved hotel rooms for the attendees of the conference. There are a few double bed room, and more 4-bed rooms. Please review the document below for further information on prices and booking process.
Ready to book? Scroll up to top left to pre-register for the event!
Pre-registering on this page is tagged as <FREE> - prices for tickets will depend on membership status, total price may vary depending on selected add-on options.
Friday's Extra Activities
Don't miss the chance to explore one of Germany's oldest cities. If you arrive early on Friday, you can join us for any one of these extra activities!
Cologne Cathedral Tour
There's a legend claiming Kaiser Wilhelm II was so enchanted by the view of the Cathedral from the river, that he had the train reverse to drive back for another look. Cross the bridge with us as we get a guided tour of the historical, imposing cathedral. We will get an inside view of the architectural marvel, as well as learn some exciting facts and legends about its history. Tour cost: 12€ per Person Tour Duration: 60 minutes [Picture: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas]
Scrawl and Scribble Crawl
Bring your sketchbooks, writing pads, pencils, pens, or your favorite tools, along with comfortable walking shoes and a spirit full of adventure. Whether you’re an artist, a writer, or just love to draw and write, this event is for everyone! We'll start in the YH lobby and explore some of the most picturesque spots in the city, stopping to draw or write along the way. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet other creatives, get inspired, and enjoy a day of creativity. We can’t wait to see you there! Duration: about 90 minutes; cost: Included in your ticket!
Picture Book Museum
The Picture Book Museum in Troisdorf includes selections from the 1490s to the modern day--there is nothing else like it in Europe! Our group will be taken on a private tour (in English) of the treasures and exhibition of the Serafina, the German illustration prize awarded by the German Academy of Children's books. Time/Date Friday, October 25th - 3:00pm to 6pm. Maximum of 20 participants. Add-on price. €15 [Picture credit: CC BY-SA 3.0 - Tohma/Marcus Bentfeld]
Critiques, Challenges and Competitions
Craft, creativity, and connections - let's expand our motto and add Community! Level up with the help and support of your fellow creators, embrace communal learning further and join a series of challenges for illustrators and writers alike.
Further Information
Booking Process
Registration is a TWO-PART process. 1) Pre-register via this website and receive a confirmation email with payment instructions. 2) Pay the fee using SEPA/IBAN bank transfer to secure your spot and receive a final confirmation email
Don't forget to check out the Virtual Pre-Conference's sessions!
We're looking forward to meeting you all in beautiful Cologne, but if can't make it to the in-person event, (or want even more fantastic sessions leading up to the weekend in Cologne) have a look at the Virtual Pre-Conferene site! We've got a series of participate-anywhere sessions and even more faculty feedback slots lines up.