A DEDICATED EVENT TAILORED JUST FOR INDEPENDENT CHILDREN'S BOOK CREATORS ↓
LITTLE IVORY HAUS PRESENTS:
ONCE UPON CON -
children's book
creator conference
Date: Saturday October 11
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Taylors Lakes Hotel
Join us for a full day of networking, education, and inspiration, featuring an incredible lineup of speakers who will empower and educate you on everything children's picture books.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, this event is packed with insights to help you succeed!
special keynote speaker - mem fox🌟
plus the wonderful scott stuart
industry experts
line-up of inspiring guest speakers
opportunity to pitch to traditional publisher (optional online extra)
CONNECT with illustrators
ACCESS TO exclusive discounts
fully catered
"AUSTRALIAN PICTURE BOOK AUTHOR ROYALTY"
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
MEM FOX
We are BEYOND THRILLED to welcome
Mem Fox as our keynote speaker for Once Upon Con 2025!
Mem will be kicking off our day with a fabulous keynote presentation that is full of wisdom, wit, and heart.
Whether she’s speaking about writing, creativity, literacy, or the wild ride of publishing, one thing is guaranteed - you’ll leave feeling absolutely inspired.
With more than 40 beloved picture books to her name, Mem's words have touched children and families around the world.
Mem’s journey began with the iconic Possum Magic, which was rejected five times over nine years, and if that's not a reminder to us all that perseverance pays off, I don't know what is!
LEARN & BE INSPIRED BY THE WONDERFUL
special guest
scott stuart
We’re so excited to welcome Scott Stuart to Once Upon Con 2025!
Scott is a best-selling children’s book author, illustrator, speaker, and proud dad whose work is all about empowering kids to embrace who they are.
His books have been shortlisted for CBCA and ABIA awards, translated across the globe, and his heartfelt messages on parenting, identity and inclusion have reached millions.
From his viral videos on joyful parenting to brilliant picture books like My Shadow is Purple, Scott is a passionate advocate for creating safe, affirming spaces where kids can truly shine as their authentic selves.
He’s warm, witty, and full of heart, and what a privilege it will be to learn from him, laugh with him, and leave feeling inspired at Once Upon Con.
WHAT PUBLISHERS WANT
WHAT'S HOT IN THE MARKET RIGHT NOW
DANI VEE &
JAMES LAYTON
(ONLINE VIDEO)
We’re thrilled to welcome Larrikin House as an official partner of Once Upon Con & the SLVR Children’s Book Awards!
Davi Vee and James Layton, the publishers at Larrikin House, will share their insights (via online video) on what they’re currently looking for, tips for pitching and how to stand out in such a competitive industry.
Known for their bold, fun-first publishing style, Larrikin House has been creating quirky, edgy and totally kid-centric books since 2019 - and their offbeat, boundary-pushing stories are making big waves in the children’s book world.
Behind the Larrikin name is James Layton, one of Australia’s most experienced children’s book buyers and sellers, with over 30 years in the education and library market.
James and the Larrikin team know exactly what kids love to read and they’re on a mission to publish more of it.
With over 55 titles across picture books, junior fiction, middle grade, and graphic novels, Larrikin House is growing fast - and always on the lookout for fresh voices and original ideas.
As part of their involvement with Once Upon Con, Larrikin House is presenting a video to share their insights on what publishers want, what's hot right now and how to stand out in a competitive industry.
They are also offering an exclusive Pitch Party for Once Upon Con attendees at a heavily discounted rate.
Visit the website to see the wide range of courses and services that Larrikin House have to offer.
OPTIONAL ADD ON
pitch your story
Date: Thursday October 16
Time: 6-9 PM (AEST)
Location: Zoom
Exclusive to Once Upon Con, ticket holders can book into an online Pitch Party with the publishers from Larrikin House for just $30 (usually $50).
This is a great opportunity to spend time with publishers, ask questions and then pitch your story!
During this live group session, you’ll have 10-15 minutes to pitch your story and receive feedback from publishers James Layton and Dani Vee.
If they love your story, they’ll ask for the manuscript!
They have already published many authors this way.
This live group session is on Thursday 16 October, 6–9PM AEST (via Zoom)
EVENT TICKET OPTIONS
Conference
FROM $360
Inspiring keynote presentation by beloved author Mem Fox
Learn from industry experts
Insider tips from traditional publishers
Connect with like-minded authors, illustrators, editors, and creatives
Vendor trade tables & exclusive discounts
Morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea
Member Discounts
Payment Plan Available
SLVR gala
From $180
Up to 3 book entries into the SLVR Children's Book Awards
Delicious three-course dinner
Beer, wine, and soft drinks served all night
Book Awards presentation
Live entertainment by Dave Van Elst
Dancing, networking, and celebrating!
Member Discounts
Payment Plan Available
conference + gala
from $500
Includes everything listed in both the Conference and Gala packages
Save when you buy both together in one ticket
Payment plan available
Member Discounts
Payment Plan Available
Member Discounts
Payment Plans Available
who is the conference for?
Children's Picture Book Authors
Children's Book Illustrators
Aspiring Children's Picture Book Authors
Aspiring Children's Book Illustrators
Those who want to take control of their publishing journey!
Industry Professionals
WITH THANKS TO OUR WONDERFUL
EVENT PARTNERS
"seriously legit, very real"
Children's book awards
Frequently Asked Questions
is there accommodation nearby?
There is a hotel right next to the venue - Quality Hotel Taylors Lakes
Mention the "Little Ivory Haus" event when booking for a discount (while available)
P: 03 9217 9500 www.taylorslakeshotel.com.au
why enter the awards?
Because it's fun and your book deserves the attention!
Winners receive:
A trophy and certificate
Announcement across our website and social media (audience of 8,500+)
Premium award stickers to place on your printed books
Digital award logos for use on your book cover, website, social media, and marketing materials
Lifetime bragging rights as a recognised award-winning author!
whAT IS THE DRESSCODE?
For the conference, think smart casual, or whatever it is that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
For the awards gala, think cocktail or semi-formal - whatever makes you feel fabulous!
We don't believe in telling people what to wear - so please wear what makes you comfortable!
who are the speakers at the conference?
We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the legendary Mem Fox as our special keynote speaker to kick off the morning with insight, warmth, and wisdom.
Following Mem’s keynote, we’ll be joined by an incredible lineup of authors, illustrators, and industry professionals who will share their knowledge and experience throughout the day, including the absolutely brilliant, wonderful, kind-hearted Scott Stuart.
The full speaker lineup and schedule will be announced closer to the event—stay tuned!
can I get discount if attending both events?
Absolutely!
There are also payment plans available.
can i bring my kids?
As much as we adore children and dedicate our work to creating books that inspire and educate them - both the conference and gala are strictly 18+ events.
This ensures all attendees can fully engage with the professional development, networking, and celebration without distraction.
We hope you enjoy a well-deserved day (and night!) just for you.
are tickets refundable?
Tickets are not refundable, but if you can no longer attend, you're welcome to pass your ticket onto someone else. Please contact us ASAP to update the booking details.
you have a story to share.
share it with the world.
you have a story to share.
share it with the world.
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see you there!
saturday october 11
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