The CWA Annual Conference is an annual celebration of cat creativity bringing together authors, journalists, photographers, artists/illustrators, broadcasters, podcasters, veterinarians, TNR/rescue teams, and other pet professionals for workshops, networking, and fun. Whether you’re new to the cat writing community or a longtime CWA member, you’re warmly welcome.
Read about the 2026 conference below. This year’s theme was:
“Meow Y’all: Saddle Up for the Future of Pet Media.”
Conference Description
Special events will take place before, during and at the end of the conference:
Swag Bag-Stuffing Mixer – The fun begins Thursday evening when we load the many products donated by our sponsors into gift bags (contributed by Hartz). This relaxed, informal gathering is the perfect opportunity to network, reconnect with friends, and meet new pet-loving creators.
Whether you write pet fiction, create art, work in journalism, manage communications, or want to stay ahead of changing social media trends, the conference workshops have something for you. Our expert speakers will present on writing fiction and graphic novels, running a business, self-publishing, successful social media, marketing your art, creating book covers, finishing that stalled project, studying poetry to strengthen your writing skills, and more! Whether you’re just starting out, building a career, growing a business, or simply looking to sharpen your skills, you’ll leave with new ideas and practical tools.
Friday Fun Night – After a full day of workshops on Friday, keep the energy going at our Fun Night. It’s a great chance to unwind with fellow attendees, make connections with those in the writing and pet world (including our sponsors), and celebrate cats and pet people. And it’s not just raining cats. This year we will be joined by our Dog Writers’ Association of America (DWAA) colleagues.
Saturday brings another enriching day of workshops, culminating in our fun and elegant evening reception and the CWA Awards Banquet Gala. The banquet includes a reception and dinner, where we honor communications achievements in the cat community. Join us in celebrating outstanding work that informs, inspires, and strengthens the bond between people and their feline companions.
Below is information about conference hotel, ticket prices, and FAQs.
☞ See CWA Annual Conference DETAILED SCHEDULE
☞ Go to the CWA Annual Conference PRESENTATION DESCRIPTIONS.
☞ Meet the CWA Annual Conference SPEAKERS.
A message from our President:
Meow Y’all! The 2026 Cat Writers’ Association Annual Conference Committee invites you to “Saddle Up for the Future of Pet Media.” We hope you have a rip-roarin’ good time, while also learning to herd your cats (and dogs), er . . . I mean furthering your knowledge of feline content in all its forms.
– Andrea Dorn, CWA President and Conference Chair
2026 Conference Schedule
Thursday, November 5, 2026:
| 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CDT | Pre-Conference Swag Bag Stuffing Mixer |
Friday, November 6, 2026:
8:00 a.m. Registration/Sign in opens
| 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Workshops *(see detailed schedule) |
| 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Friday Fun Night Festivities |
Saturday, November 7, 2026:
7:45 a.m. Registration/Sign in opens
| 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Workshops *(see detailed schedule) |
| 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | CWA Pre-Banquet Reception |
| 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | CWA Awards Banquet, Keynote, |
| and CWA Awards Ceremony |
Sunday, November 8, 2026:
| 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. | CWA Annual Business Meeting (CWA members only) |
Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of creativity, connection, and all things feline!
Conference Hotel and Location
Holiday Inn DFW Airport South
14320 Centre Station Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76155 United States
The Holiday Inn DFW Airport South is approximately three miles from the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The hotel offers a complimentary airport shuttle service for guests and several restaurants are in the area.
NOTE: The Holiday Inn DFW Airport South does not allow pets. Only documented service animals are welcome. The hotel strictly enforces a no-pet rule, and guests who bring animals on-site may face a fine.
Conference Ticket Prices
Cat authors, journalists, photographers, artists/illustrators, broadcasters, vloggers, and other professionals – This year’s conference explores the craft and business of cat writing and content creation. Your conference ticket includes lunches, access to the Communications Professionals Track and special Rescue Track presentations, the Friday Fun Night activities, + Surprise Extras!
| Full Two-Day Conference | One-Day Only Conference | |
| CWA Members | $200 | $125 |
| Non-Members | $250 | $175 |
| CWA Banquet Gala | $60 |
Quotes from 2025 Conference Attendees:
“The CWA Conference delivered an outstanding experience — from inspiring speakers and panels to exceptional networking opportunities. Every detail was professionally executed, and the mixers and awards banquet were highlights.”
— CWA Conference Attendee
“It’s a great opportunity to network, meet new colleagues, renew old friendships, and feel reinvigorated about writing.”
— CWA Conference Attendee
“Meeting other CWA members and hearing about their backgrounds and skills was the highlight of the conference for me.”
— CWA Conference Attendee
“I will look forward to this event every year and can’t imagine missing it.”
— CWA Conference Attendee
“Being surrounded by people who share my passion for cats made it both professionally rewarding and personally unforgettable.”
— CWA Conference Attendee
Questions? Please contact Conference@CatWriters.com.
2026 Conference FAQs
Where will the Conference and Awards Ceremony/Banquet take place?
Both the Conference and Awards Ceremony/Banquet will take place at the Holiday Inn DFW Airport South, 14320 Centre Station Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76155 United States
When will the 2026 CWA Conference take place?
The CWA Conference will take place all day Friday and Saturday, November 6 & 7, and all are welcome to the informal Pre-Conference Swag Bag Stuffing Mixer on Thursday night.
Conference registration opens at 8:00 am on Friday, and sessions kick off Friday at 9:00 am. The CWA Annual Business Meeting (for members only) will take place Sunday at 9:00 am.
When will the CWA Awards Ceremony/Banquet take place?
The awards ceremony/banquet will take place at 7:00 pm on Saturday, November 7.
What type of presentation and workshop topics will be featured?
Go here to see the CWA Annual Conference Workshops and Presentation Descriptions.
Why can I no longer purchase tickets?
For preparation purposes, the conference hotel required that we notify them of the total registered attendees by October 20.
Will there be a virtual component?
No, the 2026 CWA Conference is in-person, only.
What is the price for tickets to the CWA Conference and/or Awards Ceremony/Banquet?
Ticket prices are listed here.
What if I purchase a ticket and then cannot attend?
We are unable to offer refunds. If you find that you are unable to attend the event, your ticket is transferable to another interested party.
What is the recommended attire?
Recommended dress is business cat casual. For the awards banquet, full gala (evening gowns and tuxes or suit jackets) is recommended. Cat bling optional.
How do I access the conference group rate for my hotel room?
A link to access the CWA group rate for the conference hotel is available to those who register for the conference at conference hotel.
May I bring an animal to the conference?
No. The hotel permits only ADA-defined service animals and pre-approved presenter animals in hotel rooms, at conference functions, and in meeting spaces.
May children and teens attend?
Cat writers/content creators under 18 may purchase tickets but must be accompanied by a paying adult chaperone. All attendees are expected to behave in a professional manner that is mindful of others. Parents or guardians of under-age attendees may access a copy of the CWA’s Youth Protection Policy here.
What meals are provided with the conference price?
The in-person conference ticket price includes two lunches. On Thursday evening, light finger foods and drinks will be provided during the CWA Swag Bag-Stuffing Mixer.
The hotel’s onsite bistro serves breakfast and dinner daily. Breakfast is the guest’s choice of cooked to order or buffet. Dinner is an eclectic selection of regional fare. Additionally, several restaurants are within a ten-minute walk from the hotel.
What happens at the Saturday night CWA Awards Banquet?
The Awards Banquet Gala consists of a formal reception and dinner, followed by the presentation of Muse Medallions and Special Awards. One ticket price includes attendance at the CWA Reception (held at 6pm) as well as the Awards Banquet Gala and Dinner (7pm). Attire is formal, cat bling optional.
Don’t miss the most amazing cat event of the year!
Thank you to our sponsors.
Here’s to Great Memories from the 2025 Conference!
The “Live in 2025” CWA 31st Annual Communications Conference was a smashing success, thanks to CWA President Lynn Thompson, the Conference Committee, our sponsors, and fabulous attendees. You made the CWA conference a great time for all!
Thank you to our outstanding presenters.
☞ Go to the CWA 2026 Annual Conference Presentation Descriptions.
☞ See the CWA 2026 Annual Conference Presenter Biographies.
