Frequently asked questions

Find some of the most commonly asked questions here.

Winter Conference 2025 FAQ

When can I register?

Registration will open for the In-Person Conference on October 22, 2024 at 10am PACIFIC time. Registration for the Virtual Conference opens on November 12, 2024.

Is there a virtual option if I can't attend in person?

In addition to the In-Person Winter Conference in New York, there is a VIRTUAL Winter Conference that will take place February 21-22, 2025. Information about the Virtual Winter Conference will be available on the SCBWI website in early November. Video recordings of all the Virtual Conference sessions are available for registered attendees of the virtual event to view through March 28, 2025.

Is there a waitlist for the in-person conference portfolio and manuscript consultations?

Once all manuscript and portfolio consultations have sold out; we will open a consultation waitlist. Attendees can add their names to the list by completing the form accessible on the conference Manuscript and Portfolio Consultation page. Attendees on the list will be given advance notice if we are able to add new consultants. We will not reserve newly opened slots for those on the waitlist, merely notify people that they are available.

I have registered for the In-Person Winter Conference. Where do I find the discount code for $20 off the price of the Virtual Winter Conference?

Go to MEMBER HOME > RESOURCES and click on "Winter In-Person Conference 2025 Coupon Codes, Handouts, and Materials". Registration for the Virtual Winter Conference opens on November 12th.

I am registered for the in-person conference. How do I add a consultation or the Portfolio Showcase to my registration?

Make sure you are logged on to the site. Go to the conference landing page and hit the Register button. The registration form will show you everything you are already registered for and allow you to add a consultation if there is space and the Portfolio Showcase.

How do I switch which Creative Lab or social I've registered for?

Go to your Member Home and click on the Events icon. Scroll down to the session you'd like to change. Click the 3 dots in the corner and click on "unregister selection." Return to the conference registration page to make your new selection. Please watch this video for a walkthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuWkkrmEHnc

How do I apply for one of the conference scholarships?

Click on your MEMBER HOME. Click the AWARDS icon at the top and then scroll down to find the box for the scholarship you want to apply for. Click on the SUBMIT button.

How can I submit my work to conference faculty?

Due to the large number of conference attendees, we cannot provide submission guidelines for the main conference faculty. That said, sometimes agents or editors will provide them during their sessions. The conference is an excellent opportunity to hear from children’s book editors and agents and get clear on the types of books they represent. If you feel an agent or editor is a good match for your manuscript or artwork, you may research their submission guidelines and query them if they are open to unsolicited submissions.

How will I get my Zoom links to the Virtual Conference?

Links to all your virtual sessions will be accessible by clicking the Events icon on your Member Home page. The links will be under Meeting Info buttons. Please watch this video for a walkthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuWkkrmEHnc

I have to miss all or part of the VIRTUAL conference. Where and when can I watch the recordings?

Video recordings will be available to view approximately one week after the virtual conference ends. You can access the recordings under MEMBER HOME > RESOURCES. Attendees will have access to the videos through March 28,2025.

What is your refund policy?

Full refunds (minus a $70 cancellation fee and a $5 processing fee) are given up until January 6, 2025. To request a refund, please email: conference@scbwi.org. There are no refunds for the Industry Access events or any of the one-on-one consultations at the in-person event.

What other policies apply to the conference?

Click below to read all of SCBWI's policies.

How can I access the Conference Blog to read about the conference?

I have additional questions.

Email: conference@scbwi.org

How do I add the Tomie dePaola Mentorship Award to my registration if I have already paid for the Portfolio Showcase at the in-person conference in NY?

Please email conference@scbwi.org to add the Tomie dePaola Mentorship Award if you have already registered for the Portfolio Showcase.