HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE CONFERENCE - MAKING CONNECTIONS

Attendees past and present report that its intimate size stands out as one of the main draws when deciding to go the Regional Conference. 

​Poster sessions, breakout sessions, general sessions, meals and multiple author/illustrator signing opportunities provide all conference-goers near endless opportunities to connect. Invariably these connections lead to inspiration and collaboration and spark new ideas about what’s possible, once attendees return home. Attendance this year included visitors from all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, Indonesia, and more!

The small setting also allows people to have lunch or dinner or just a chat with some of their favorite authors and illustrators from around the country and world. 

With special thanks to Ellen Myrick of Publishers Spotlight and KidLit TV, click on the following links to hear from just some of the many featured authors and illustrators:

• Jacqueline Woodson
• Paige Britt and Samantha Clark
• Roger Mello
• Ekua Holmes
• Cynthia Leitich Smith
• Baptiste Paul
• Don Tate
• Kathleen Burkinshaw
• Nicola Davies

Not only did all of the guest authors and illustrators speak to the theme of the conference, they also spoke of their own connections to each other’s work or to their connections to books and book people in general. (Check out the February 2020 issue of ​Bridges for more on this from guest poster Cynthia Leitich Smith.)

Attendees also got an opportunity to connect with international children’s books. Book displays include books from the 2019 IBBY Selection of Outstanding Books for Children and Young People with Disabilities, the 2018 and 2019 Outstanding International Books list selections, the IBBY Honour List, and more.

Finally, regarding the 2019 Regional Conference, endless appreciation for the work of conference organizers and coordinators Janet Wong, Marion Rocco, Sylvia Vardell, and Isaac Larison for putting together a magnificent experience. Additional appreciation to Christina Hoover Moorehead for all of her administrative work and to Ralph Abbott for providing ALL of the conference photos included  in this post.