IT'S PARTY TIME: Networking Happy Hour and Conference Socials

With a full day of Creative Lab sessions complete, it was time to get together! The Grand Ballroom was packed with attendees for a wonderful cocktail hour. There was a long table of delicious food, a mountain of desserts, and an open bar!

Tables were labeled to encourage members to get to know others from their chapters, which I really loved. The conversation was flowing, with so much connection happening. Being a creator, sometimes it can feel lonely but being in this room was an important reminder that we are all doing the work and we are all in this together. 

Later that night, we all broke up into smaller groups and got to meet others from ALL over. I attended the Illustrators' Social where we were introduced to all of the Artistic Directors, chapter leaders, and SCBWI faculty, and after we were able to get to know one another. 

By the end, we were all jumping into each other photos/selfies, while business cards whizzed through the air like dragonflies and Instagram accounts were blinking with notifications. The built-in social aspect of the conference really allowed a lot of the attendees to ease into the experience. 

Once the fear melted away, everyone was able to really shine and show each other their passion! I wish the night wouldn't end!

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