If your 2017 writing goals include networking or honing your craft, there’s no better place to do so than a writer’s conference or workshop. Whether you are looking to shore up your technique with quality intensives, or network with industry professionals, there is an upcoming event for you. Some are small, with one-on-one opportunities for meeting with industry professionals and agents, while others are better suited for meeting fellow writers and building your network on a smaller scale. No matter where you are in the writing process, you’ll find fellowship and growth in a conference.

To get you started on your search for the perfect place to attend, here is a list of workshops and conferences around the nation that are open to registration.

February 2017

WriteOnCon

Where: Online

When: February 2-4, 2017

This online conference doesn’t even require you to leave the comfort of your own home! WriteOnCon is a three-day children’s book conference for writers and illustrators of picture books, middle grade, young adult, and new adult. The event features blogs, vlogs, Q&A sessions, critique forums, and pitch sessions for writers at every stage in their career.

Website: writeoncon.org

Association of Writers & Writing Programs Conference & Bookfair

Where: Washington, DC

When: February 8-11, 2017

Join over 12,000 attendees for four days of networking, intensives, readings, panels, and craft lectures. Celebrating the best of what contemporary literature has to offer.

Website: AWP

Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators Annual Winter Conference

Where: New York

When: February 10-12, 2017

Held over two days, with an optional intensive on Friday, this conference is held at the Hyatt Grand Central at Grand Central Station in New York City.

Website: scbwi.org

Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference

Where: Tempe, Arizona

When: February 16-18, 2017

This writers conference brings together writers, readers, and lovers of literature for three days of inspiration, instruction, and community networking.

Website: piper.asu.edu

San Francisco Writers Conference

Where: San Francisco, CA

When: February 16-19, 2017

With over 120+ presenters, including bestselling authors, literary agents, editors and publishers, there’s a session for every writer. Come get more information from experts on self-publishing, book promotion, platform building, and author websites.

Website: www.sfwriters.org

Sleuthfest 2017

Where: Boca Raton, FL

When: February 23-26, 2017

Sponsored by the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America, this is a premier conference for mystery and suspense writers featuring workshops, social events, manuscript critiques, and pitch sessions.

Website: sleuthfest.com

April 2017

Philadelphia Writing Workshop

Where: Philadelphia, PA

When: April 8, 2017

This one-day writing event offers a wonderful opportunity for intensive instruction, along with the opportunity to pitch to a literary agent or editor. Seats are limited to 150 participants, so register early.

Website: philadelphiawritingworkshop.com

Idaho Conference on Youth and Children’s Literature and Writing

Where: Boise, Idaho

When: April 21-22, 2017

This conference offers workshop intensives, keynote lectures, and many break-out sessions for writers of children’s literature.

Website: idcclw.com

May 2017

Romance Times Booklovers Convention

Where: Atlanta, GA

When: May 2-7, 2017

At first glance this is a conference for readers, but don’t discount the wealth of panels and sessions aimed at writing romance. There are also opportunities to pitch to editors, so bring your best work.

Website: rtconvention

June 2017

Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers

Where: Sandy, UT

When: June 12-16, 2017

Touted as a mini-MFA program, you will spend five days working 20 hours on your writing and publishing skills. There are also options for a one, two, or three-day workshop.

Website: www.wifyr.com

Writing Workshop of Chicago

Where: Chicago, IL

When: June 24, 2017

A full-day “How to Get Published” writing event, featuring intensive day-long instruction and the opportunity to have your questions answered. You may also choose to pitch to a literary agent or editor.

Website: chicagowritingworkshop.com

July 2017

Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators Annual Summer Conference

Where: Los Angeles

When: July 7-10, 2017

Held over three days, with an optional intensive on Monday, this conference is held in Los Angeles. Registration begins in March of 2017. Attending will gain you access to many of the biggest author and illustrators in children's books, in addition to a wealth of agents and editors.

Website: scbwi.org

Cleveland Writing Workshop

Where: Cleveland, OH

When: July 8, 2017

A one-day event geared at intensive instruction and the opportunity to pitch to literary agents and editors.

Website: clevelandwritingworkshop

Thrillerfest

Where: New York City

When: July 11-15, 2017

Thrillerfest is the annual conference of the International Thriller Writers, featuring a blockbuster lineup including Lee Child and Heather Graham. Sign up to participate in the FBI Workshop, Master CraftFest, PitchFest, and more.

Website: thrillfest.com

Midwest Writers Workshop

Where: Muncie, IN

When: July 20-22, 2017

This amazing conference offers networking experiences, manuscript evaluations, agent pitch sessions, query letter critiques, and hands-on social media tutoring to take your writing career to the next level. Small class sessions and an intimate feel make this a can't miss workshop for writers.

Website: www.midwestwriters.org

Tennessee Writing Workshop

Where: Nashville, TN

When: July 22, 2017

This one-day event features a day-long intensive and opportunities to pitch to literary agents and editors.

Website: tennesseewritingworkshop.com

Romance Writers of America 2017

Where: Orlando, FL

When: July 26-29, 2017

This top conference for writers of romance features workshops, lectures, signing, and editor/agent appointments.

Website: rwa.org

August 2017

Writer’s Digest Annual Conference

Where: New York City

When: August 18-20, 2017

Offering everything you need to advance your writing career, no matter what stage in the process you're at. Brought to you by Writer’s Digest, who has been nurturing writers for more than 90 years.

Website: www.writersdigestconference.com

September 2017

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Colorado Gold Conference

Where: Denver, CO

When: September 8-10, 2017

Join hundreds of writers from all over the US for a weekend of exciting programming, opportunities to pitch to top agents and editors, and extensive networking.

Website: rmfw.org

Chesapeake Writing Workshop

Where: Washington, DC

When: September 9, 2017

Held at the Hilton Arlington, this one-day workshop is a full day of classes designed to give you the best instruction on how to get your writing published. Includes publishing opportunities, query help, and marketing how-to.

Website: chesapeakewritingworkshops.com

Whether you like to visit a big city conference or a smaller local event, there’s a conference opportunity for every writer. Which conferences and workshops will you be visiting in 2017?