A DEDICATED EVENT TAILORED JUST FOR INDEPENDENT CHILDREN'S BOOK CREATORS ↓
conference details ↓
🗓️ Once Upon Con Schedule
| 08:30 – 09:00 AM | Registration |
| 09:00 – 09:15 AM | Welcome – Event & venue details |
| 09:15 – 10:00 AM | Mem Fox – Our fabulous keynote presentation |
| 10:00 – 10:40 AM | The Future of Self Publishing With Laura Feldman and Nell Harris |
| 10:40 – 11:00 AM | ☕ Break for Morning Tea |
| 11:00 – 11:30 AM | IngramSpark – Chris Munnery on global distribution & industry insights |
| 11:30 – 12:30 PM | Marketing & Making Money Panel Tania Wieclaw, Amy Gomes, Mary Anastasiou |
| 12:30 – 01:15 PM | 🍴 Break for Lunch |
| 01:15 – 02:00 PM | Scott Stuart – The art of writing children’s books |
| 02:00 – 02:30 PM | Illustrations & Visual Storytelling With Nell Harris |
| 02:30 – 03:00 PM | Closing Comments & Rapid-Fire Q&A |
| 03:00 PM | Conference Concludes 🎉 |
speaker lineup↓
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.
BESTSELLING AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR
panel SPEAKER
nell harris
Nell Harris is an inclusive children’s book author and illustrator with a passion for creating stories that celebrate neurodiversity.
Based in a small beachside town on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia, Nell combines her lived experience, creative flair and deep commitment to neuroinclusivity to create meaningful stories that connect with children and families alike.
At Once Upon Con, Nell will share her insights into self-publishing and visual storytelling - from how to collaborate effectively with illustrators to how we can create children’s books that are both inclusive and impactful.
Her work and perspective are as vibrant and thoughtful as her illustrations, and we are so excited to welcome her to Once Upon Con.
Senior Key Account Manager, IngramSpark Australia
industry expert
Chris Munnery
A big THANK YOU to our major event partner, IngramSpark for supporting Once Upon Con.
With over two decades of experience in the Australian publishing industry, Chris Munnery has worn many hats, from on-the-road educational rep to national sales leader, general manager of a major university publication and Director of Sales across Asia.
Today, Chris heads up the self-publishing division at IngramSpark Australia, where he champions independent authors and publishers as Senior Key Account Manager.
IngramSpark is the global print-on-demand and distribution platform trusted by self-publishers to get their books into the hands of readers — online, in libraries, and on the shelves of bricks-and-mortar bookstores across 40,000+ global channels.
Chris brings a wealth of insider knowledge, offering practical, up-to-date insight on how to publish professionally, distribute globally, and tap into the power of one of the most influential platforms in the publishing world.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your reach, Chris's talk at Once Upon Con will leave you with a clearer roadmap for making your book truly available worldwide.
heart-led advocate for community health
panel speaker
amy gomes
Amy Gomes is a Critical Care Paramedic, children's book author, and heart-led advocate for community health. After publishing her first book, inspired by her family’s real-life work as paramedics, Amy has used her platform to raise awareness and funds for the purchase of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across Australia.
Passionate about saving lives both in and outside of her uniform, Amy has raised over $3,500 for just one charity initiative, and continues to drive impact through storytelling, education, and advocacy. Her strategic marketing efforts, including collaboration with Greg Page from The Wiggles, showcase what’s possible when purpose meets creativity.
Amy will join the Marketing Panel at Once Upon Con to share her insights on heart-driven book marketing, grassroots impact, and how to rally communities behind a mission.
AUTHOR, BOOK DESIGNER & COACH
panel SPEAKER
Mary Anastasiou
Mary Anastasiou is a creative powerhouse with deep roots in both traditional and self-publishing. As an award-winning author, book designer, editor, and publishing coach, Mary has helped bring countless children's books to life, including her own beloved I Want to Be… series, which continues to inspire and empower young readers across Australia.
With experience as the former Creative Director for Larrikin House and Managing Editor for Five Mile, Mary has worked behind the scenes in some of the country's leading publishing houses. These days, she’s passionate about mentoring aspiring authors and helping them build strong, authentic personal brands that connect with readers and stand out in the market.
Mary will be joining the Marketing Panel at Once Upon Con to share her wisdom on branding, market positioning, and how to make your author identity shine, whether you’re self-published, traditionally published, or just starting out.
BESTSELLING AUTHOR
panel SPEAKER
TANIA WIECLAW
Tania Wieclaw is a bestselling children’s book author and passionate neurodiversity advocate. An autistic and ADHD mother of two neurodivergent children, Tania draws from lived experience to create books that support and celebrate kids who see and feel the world differently.
Her debut book
When My Brain Is Messy
has sold well over 15,000 copies and helped families around the world navigate sensory overload with calm, understanding and compassion. Tania’s mission is to make every neurodivergent child feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
Tania has a degree in Marketing and will be joining us at Once Upon Con, sharing her best tips on how to market your self-published children's picture books.
BESTSELLING AUTHOR, EVENT ORGANISER
PANEL SPEAKER
Laura Feldman
Laura Feldman is a best-selling children’s book author, publishing coach and the heart behind
Once Upon Con. As the founder of Little Ivory Haus, Laura has guided over 1,500 aspiring authors through the process of publishing their very own picture books, many of whom have gone on to become best-sellers themselves.
With a deep passion for childhood literacy and a mission to empower everyday people (especially women) to share their stories, Laura believes in the magic of self-publishing. To her, it’s not just an option, it’s a whole movement. One that hands the power back to creators, gives them control over their journey, and removes the gatekeepers from the world of publishing.
Laura will be joining the Self Publishing Panel to discuss why self-publishing is not only the future of books, but a powerful vehicle for creative freedom, personal empowerment and long-term success.
bonus online learning↓
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.
bonus online class
rock a rhythm
masterclass
Available from
October 11 for all ticket holders to watch anytime, on demand.
Writing in rhyme can be magical… or a total mess. This brand new online masterclass will help you get it right, with tips on rhyme, rhythm, meter and how to avoid the most common rhyme mistakes.
Whether you're new to rhyme or want to sharpen your skills, this class will help you find your rhythm.
optional extras↓
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)
SLVR Children's Book Awards
CHILDREN'S BOOK
AWARDS GALA
Date: Saturday October 11
Time: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Taylors Lakes Hotel
Celebrate excellence in the self-publishing industry with an elegant and joy-filled gala night.
We’ll swap notebooks for champagne flutes and celebrate the incredible achievements of self-published children's book authors & illustrators in style.
This is a night to recognise your creativity, dedication, and the bold decision to back yourself!
Up to 3 entries into the Children's Book Awards
Delicious three-course dinner
Beer, wine & soft drink flowing all night
Live entertainment by Dave Van Elst
Dancing, mingling and celebrating!
Member Discounts
Payment Plans Available
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
WITH THANKS TO OUR WONDERFUL
EVENT PARTNERS
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Affordable book advertising options
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