Impressions of scbwi’s Summer Conference 2010

By Rana DiOrio, Founder

August 1, 2010

I am in Los Angeles, CA attending the Society of Children’s Book Writer’s & Illustrator’s 39^th Annual Summer Conference (www.scbwi.org). As this is my first scbwi conference, it took me a couple of days to get my sea legs. Now that I have them, I wanted to share with you some of my impressions of this terrific event.

Demographics. We’re told that there are 1,100 attendees at the conference, 80% of whom are women. The attendees are writers, illustrators, editors and other publishing executives, and literary agents. By looking around the LA Ballroom during the keynote addresses, I see a healthy balance between those in the crowd who are doodling (the illustrators, of course) and those who are writing in journals or on notepads, and a surprising minority of folks taking notes on their laptops or iPads. While I myself am firmly entrenched in the digital revolution (or as Simon & Schuster executive Justin Chanda calls it, The Wild West), I take my journal to sessions and tend to sit next to people with implements in hand, as they are generally quieter neighbors!

Anonymity. The reason why I don’t have a better understanding of the actual demographics is that we all wear nametags that reveal just our names and where we’re from. Period. There are no firms, no titles. We are all just artists learning about our trade and forging friendships with one another. It is a congenial, open-minded sea of anonymity.

Humor. One thing is for sure, artists have a lot of fun. I’ve laughed more at this conference than any other industry conference I’ve ever attended. The speakers are brilliant and cleverly funny. We commence most of the keynote sessions by awarding prizes to those who submit the most original jokes, which are read out loud so we all get to enjoy them. As my room has a balcony overlooking the pool and hot tub of the hotel, I also know for a fact that these people can party! Oh, and the gala last night was a costumes-encouraged event!

Environment. I was very pleased to notice that the Century Plaza Hotel, the chosen venue for the conference, is taking measures to protect the environment. For example, they have 3-section recycling bins in all the elevator lobbies — very cool.

Talent. Talent abounds at this conference, from the engaging industry titans that have speaking roles, to the Team Bloggers who whip off these fabulous blog posts with seemingly no effort (see www.scbwiconference.blogspot.com), to the illustrators who participated in The Annual Juried Illustrators’ Portfolio Showcase. Speaking of which, I must again congratulate our very own Eliza Wheeler, illustrator of What Does It Mean To Be Present?, for receiving a coveted Mentorship Program Award (see pictures to appreciate the glee of Eliza and our Art Director, Leslie Iorillo).

Suggestion. I have one humble suggestion for the powers that be at scbwi to improve future conferences. I think it would be a great idea if the works (books, notecards, etc.) of the illustrators who receive awards at the Portfolio Showcase were also available for sale in the conference bookstore. Wouldn’t it be great if all 1,100 of us could support them directly and immediately? Food for thought.

Gratitude. I am ever so grateful to be a member of this vibrant community and to be here at this conference. I am grateful to scbwi for organizing such a fabulous conference for us. And I am especially grateful to the speakers for being so prepared, witty, helpful, and inspirational. Thank you!