If you’re the type to make New Year’s resolutions, then your list probably includes goals like finishing that work in progress, launching a blog, or just plain writing or illustrating more often. While all of that will move you toward becoming published, consider adding “attend a book festival or convention” to your list, because nothing fuels inspiration like being surrounded by people who share your passion.

Here are the dates and information for SCBWI’s biggest annual events.

Feb. 10-12
SCBWI Annual Winter Conference in New York
Spend a weekend learning from top authors, editors, agents and art directors. There’s a packed schedule of panels and events and intensives for those who want to dive a bit deeper. Keynote speakers: Bryan Collier, Tahereh Mafi, and Sara Pennypacker.

Feb. 25
SCBWI Writer’s & Illustrators Day
A full-day event at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles to immerse yourself in expert keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and artwork and manuscript critiques.

July 7-10
SCBWI Annual Summer Conference in Los Angeles
(Registration will begin in March 2017)
Much like the Winter Conference, the annual summer conference is full of world-class faculty, events, and intensives. Stay tuned for more info announced closer to the event.

If those aren’t enough for you, here are a few other events happening this year, including comic book conventions, which often have an array of graphic novelists and illustrators who exhibit. Keep in mind, the following aren’t SCBWI events, just a short list we put together to help you get your research started. Check out the event websites for details, including any changes to date or location information.

March 25: Ontario Teen Book Fest, Colony High Branch Library

March 31-April 2: Wonder Con, Anaheim Convention Center

April 22-23: Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, University of Southern California

July 20-23: San Diego Comic-Con, San Diego Convention Center

Oct. 1: Orange County Children’s Book Festival, Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa

These festivals took place in 2016, but don’t yet have 2017 dates listed:

Pasadena Loves YA, Pasadena, CA

Grand Park Book Fest, Downtown Los Angeles

Yallwest, Santa Monica, CA

Is there a book festival or conference you are excited to attend this year? Share it in the comments.

Erlina Vasconcellos is the Kite Tales assistant editor. When she isn’t working as a journalist, she is writing– and rewriting– a picture book and a middle grade novel. Find her on Twitter: @noterlinda

Photos by Christine Van Zandt, Nicole von Buelow, and Ann Wang