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 Mid Atlantic: Illustrators' Day 2025 - Agent Ready: Portfolios, Pitches, and What Comes Next
March 8, 2025 (registration closes March 7): Join us for an illustrator lunch social followed by a two-hour workshop designed to help you learn what it takes to craft a standout portfolio that catches an agent's eye. Learn how to best showcase your work and avoid common pitfalls in submissions. Then, discover what comes next after signing with an agent, from onboarding to building a sustainable career in children’s publishing. Location: GMU Campus in Fairfax, VA.
SCBWI Utah/Southern Idaho: Bear Lake Spring Retreat 2025
March 13-16, 2025 (registration closes March 7): Connections and writing time are two of the most important things writers need. This retreat provides plenty of free time in a beautiful Aribnb on the shores of Bear Lake while rubbing shoulders with three children’s publishing professionals. Two editors and an agent will join us in this idyllic setting, provide educational presentations, and join us for meals. Jumpstart your writing this spring with a four-day, three-night getaway.
SCBWI SoCal: Art Day - Illustrators and Writers Connect
March 15, 2025 (registration closes March 12): Join us for a one day hands-on workshop for illustrators, picture book writers, graphic novelists and and author-illustrators. Event includes presentations, interactive activities and off-site written critiques.
SCBWI Hawaii: Words and Wonder 2025 Regional Conference
March 22-23, 2025 (registration closes March 14): Join us in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawai'i for two days of inspiring words and hands-on wonders, including a keynote by Caldecott Medalist, Dan Santat. We will also have informative breakout sessions and intensives led by our faculty of industry experts, including: Tiff Liao, Executive Editor at Random House Books for Young Readers, Sally Kim, Associate Agent at Andrea Brown Literary Agency, and Tammy Yee, Award-Winning Author/Illustrator. Your adventure in creativity awaits on the beautiful Big Island! Get ready to unleash all the Words and Wonder you can imagine!
SCBWI Kansas/Missouri: Recharge Your Writing Retreat
March 27-29, 2025 (registration closes February 12): Take a break from real life and escape to our secluded retreat to commune for 2 days with fellow children’s book writers. Learn from Sourcebooks Editor Wendy McClure and fellow writers as you receive critiques. And spend time revising your manuscript!
SCBWI SoCal: Tahquitz MG-YA Writers Retreat
May 1-4, 2025 (registration closes April 28): Want to polish your middle grade or young adult novel? Join our four-day small-group intensive writer retreat in idyllic Idyllwild. You’ll be able to hone your craft and polish your manuscript with the guidance of industry professionals. This event includes four critique group sessions led by an agent or editor, a 1:1 coaching session, and optional paid written critiques. Our faculty include editors Alexa Pastor and Joy Peskin, and agents Hannah Andrade and Kathleen Rushall.