Topic: picking a conference

[crookedbook]

I am excited out my upcoming SCBWI regional conference but wondering if I should also attend an out of state event. I'm really interested in something with a strong picture book focus - picture book agents, picture book editors, picture book publishers, picture book educators... I thought about the NY or LA conference, but then I'm wondering if I would just be lost in a huge crowd of attendees. I like the intimacy of the smaller events. Any suggestions? Thank you!

[TracyH]

Anything by Highlights. Best workshops out there, I do believe.

[crookedbook]

Thank you TracyH. Are the Highlights workshops strictly educational? Or is there a chance to meet editors and agents, like at SCBWI conferences?

[Betsy]

Crooked--you should absolutely go to the L.A. conference at least once.  You'll learn so much, get a feel for who the editors are, and get ideas for new genres and new mss.  My first digital project came after a workshop at a conference, many years ago.

I don't go anymore unless they pay my way (which means I haven't gone in the last several years), but it's a very valuable experience.

[TracyH]

There is generally an editor or author leading the workshop. They also have a summer conference that used to be held in Chautauqua where faculty are authors and editors. Google Highlights Founder's Workshops.

If it's learning you're after, there are no better workshops out there. If it's schmoozing you're after, SCBWI is probably better.

[denise]

The Western Washington SCBWI conference was great and had a strong focus on picture books.