Some Faces from the Networking Happy Hour

Hey fam, we did it! We got through Day 1. It's the end of the day and that means it's time for the Networking Happy Hour. This year, we thought it would be a cool idea to meet some of the attendees and get an idea of who's here. 

So let's all grab our drink tickets and meet some of the faces of the SCBWI Winter Conference... 

Patrice Gopo Author

Is this your first conference or are you returning?

New!
What's one thing that stood out to you today? 
It's such a friendly community, a supportive community. Everyone’s willing to talk and share. 
What was your favorite part of the conference?
Meeting new people and reconnecting with people I only knew in online spaces previously. And one more thing, some of the authors sharing their authentic experience and normalizing a lot of what she encounter in the industry as well. 
What has excited you the most to get back to work after the conference? 
I have a couple manuscripts that were in search of homes and received some rejection. I was feeling dejected coming here. And is now feeling reinvigorated to go back out there. 

You can find Patrice here:
Instagram: @patricegopo
Facebook: /PatriceGopoWrites
patricegopo.com 

Author/Illustrator Jacquelyn Carberry 

Is this your first conference or are you returning?

First one in person, I've done then virtually before.  

What's one thing that stood out to you today? 

Seeing Meg Medina. Her passion and career and advice for writers. Also Jason Reynolds. What an inspiration. 

What was your favorite part of the conference?

Emma Dryden's workshop on revision.  

What has excited you the most to get back to work after the conference?  

I'm most excited to take this knowledge back to the regional team, and wanting to do well by them. Making sure they're heard. 

Jacquelyn is the IC for the Hawaii chapter of SCBWI!

You can find Jacquelyn Carberry here:

Jackiecarberrybooks.org 

Katie Roberts Author

Is this your first conference or are you returning?

Returning. I have been to the LA conference and regional conferences as well.  
What's one thing that stood out to you today? 
The opening keynote with Meg Medina was great. I wish it was longer. 
What was your favorite part of the conference?
The conference isn't over yet! I'll know for sure after tomorrow. 

What has excited you the most to get back to work after the conference?  

The banned book talk, especially hearing about the threats to safety of the artists really gave me an appreciation for their plight and feeling what these artists are going through in this climate. 

Katie's currently working on a bunch of manuscripts and 

Author/Illustrator Violet Tobacco

Is this your first conference or are you returning?

New to NY; I attend all the regional conferences (near Georgia)

What's one thing that stood out to you today? 

There's a sweet calmness about every interview. The stakes are high, we're all here putting ourselves out there and all the pros come with a warmness. When you’re applying at home everything feels cold. 

Everyone is so warm and genuine

What was your favorite part of the conference?

The friendships!! Any opportunity to be with writers and illustrator friends.

What has excited you the most to get back to work after the conference?  

Hearing all the industry pros say they want more humor. Really refreshing thing  to hear that call to action. For a long time it was emotional maturity and seriousness, which is all great and necessary, but I loved 

hearing the desire for humor!

*Cheers!*

Can't make it to the In-Person Winter Conference in New York City, join us online at the Virtual Winter Conference featuring inspirational talks, industry panels and deep-dive Creative Labs, taking place in February of 2026. Videos of all sessions are available to watch for approximately 30 days after the event.