✱ WRITE THE BOOK ✱ BACK YOURSELF ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ DO IT SCARED ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ YOU BELONG HERE ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ WRITE THE BOOK ✱ BACK YOURSELF ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ DO IT SCARED ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ YOU BELONG HERE ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ WRITE THE BOOK ✱ BACK YOURSELF ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ DO IT SCARED ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ YOU BELONG HERE ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ WRITE THE BOOK ✱ BACK YOURSELF ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ DO IT SCARED ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ YOU BELONG HERE ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ WRITE THE BOOK ✱ BACK YOURSELF ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ DO IT SCARED ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ YOU BELONG HERE ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ WRITE THE BOOK ✱ BACK YOURSELF ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ DO IT SCARED ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ YOU BELONG HERE ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ WRITE THE BOOK ✱ BACK YOURSELF ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ DO IT SCARED ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ YOU BELONG HERE ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ WRITE THE BOOK ✱ BACK YOURSELF
check out the 2025 event
✱
A"NOT-SO-TRADITIONAL"AUTHOR EVENT
once upon con + SLVR AWARDS
Date: Friday October 16 + Saturday October 17
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Taylors Lakes Hotel
Join us for two transformative days of inspiration, education, creation and connection - designed especially for creators of children's picture books.
With an incredible lineup of industry experts, best-selling authors and illustrators, you'll walk away with fresh ideas, practical strategies and a renewed sense of confidence in your publishing journey.
Whether you're a self-published author, an aspiring writer or a creative professional in the world of kids’ literature... this is your time to learn, be inspired and celebrate your work in a supportive, vibrant community.
"worth every cent! can we do it again?"
choose your adventure
✱✱✱✱✱
friday october 16
all-day creative event
once upon con
Incredible line-up of guest speakers
Learn from New York Times Best Selling and Award-Winning Authors & Illustrators
Industry Experts, Exclusive Discounts & Goodie Bags
Network, Collaborate, Learn and Grow
Fully Catered Event - Morning Tea, Lunch & Afternoon Tea
... and more!
Tickets go on sale on Sunday 17th May 2026
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saturday october 17
optional add-ons
workshops
Marketing | Growing Your Personal Brand Workshop
Judge This Book by Its Cover: How to Design a Standout Cover Workshop
Reel Talk - Creating Clever & Engaging Reels Wokshop
Self Editing Workshop - Polish Your Story
1:1 Manuscript Assessments
... and more!
Tickets go on sale in June
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saturday october 17
awards gala
slvr book awards
Celebrating, acknowledging and encouraging excellence in self publishing
A night to recognise your creativity, dedication and the bold decision to back yourself!
Delicious three-course dinner
Beer, wine & soft drink flowing all night
Live entertainment by Dave Van Elst
... and more!
Tickets go on Sunday 31st May
Celebrating excellence in independently published children's books
Celebrating excellence in independently published children's books
partner with us
If you'd like more information about partnership or sponsorship opportunities, please register your interest and we will get back to you ASAP.
2026 SLVR Children's Book Awards gala
children's book awards
The aim of the 2026 SLVR Children's Book Awards is to recognise & celebrate the outstanding work of self-published creatives.
In an industry that often overlooks self published books, we're here to shake things up - because if the industry won’t acknowledge the brilliance of self-published books, we’ll do it ourselves.
Tickets go on sale on Sunday 31st May 2026
"the best author event i've ever seen"
Frequently Asked Questions
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Where Should I Stay?
There is a hotel right next to the venue - Quality Hotel Taylors Lakes
Mention "Once Upon Con" when booking over the phone for a discount (while available)
P: 03 9217 9500 www.taylorslakeshotel.com.au
What Should I Bring?
For Once Upon Con, bring a notepad, pen and your wonderful self!
If you would like to participate in the "mystery book swap", bring along a copy of your book wrapped in plain kraft, white or newspaper.
If you are participating in the "Book Shop", bring your books and promotional material (as per email instructions).
If you are participating in the "Illustrator Matchmaking", bring your portfolio and promotional material (as per email instructions).
For the optional workshops, each session has different requirements. Please bring along the items listed in your email.
For the SLVR Children's Book Awards Gala, please just bring your wonderful self and your dancing shoes!
Can I Bring My Kids?
As much as we adore children and dedicate our work to creating books that inspire and educate them - all events; Once Upon Con, the Workshops and the SLVR Children's Book Awards 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.
Can I Get a Discount For the Gala if I Don't Drink?
We love that you asked, and the answer is a gentle but firm no! Your ticket includes a three-course dinner, beer, wine and cider all night and world-class entertainment - and we think that's pretty spectacular value at $249 (with two award entries) or $229 (for those not entering, partners and support crew).
If you don't drink, we promise the food, the people and the vibe will more than make up for it.
Are Tickets Refunadable?
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.
What Should I Wear?
For Once Upon Con and the Workshops, think smart casual, or whatever it is that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
For the SLVR Children's Book 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 Once Upon Con?
We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the legendary Scott Stuart as our special keynote speaker to kick off the morning.
Following Scott’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, hilarious and best-selling authors; Adrian Becks and Adam Wallace.
The full speaker lineup and schedule will be released shortly.
I am Interested in Sponsorship/Becoming a Partner
We would love to hear from you to see if we are a good fit.
Please register your interest HERE and we'll get back to you ASAP.
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