Conference

The Federation’s annual conference, organised by one of our local children’s book groups in collaboration with the National Executive, takes place every year in spring, in different locations around the country. Talks, debates, seminars, workshops and exhibitions all feature at the conference which provides a great opportunity to hear authors and illustrators talk about their work, and to socialise with others who are passionate about children’s books and getting kids reading.

2020 conference –

Logo designed by Simon James

2019 conference 

Last year’s conference, Opening Doors, was hosted by Lewes and Oxted CBGs, at Woldingham School, Caterham from 12^th – 14^th April 2019.

The speakers included Nick Sharratt, Guy Parker Reese and Francesca Simon; and the panels explored Empathy, Representation, Middle Grade Fiction and Non-Fiction. There was an evening of poetry and music and celebrations of 30 years of Elmer and 20 years of Giraffes Can’t Dance.

2018 conference

The 2018 conference, A Golden Treasury: Hidden Gems, Bright Futures, was held at Queenswood School in Hertfordshire. Held in the year of FCBG’s 50th anniversary, the very special conference programme featured former Children’s Laureates Sir Michael Morpurgo and Dame Jacqueline Wilson.

Michael Morpurgo receiving his award

Delegates enjoy socialising at mealtime

Zeb Soames, one of the speakers

The publishers’ exhibition

James Mayhew does live collaging

One of the many cakes

2017 conference

The 2017 conference, Write Around the World: Broadening Horizons, took place in Reading at The Oratory School. Speakers included Chris Riddell, Lucy Worsley, Petr Horacek and Nicola Davies. Click here to see some photos of the event.

See here for past conferences.