Meow, Ya’ll!
Cat content creators—get ready for the 32nd CWA Annual Conference, taking place November 6–7, 2026, in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex Area.
Join us for an exciting two-days featuring esteemed experts presenting workshops across two dynamic tracks. Whether you’re new to the community or a longtime member, you’re warmly welcome. This year’s conference theme is:
“Meow Y’all: Saddle Up for the Future of Pet Media.”
The conference workshops will span two topic areas: The General Track explores the craft and business of cat writing, while the Rescue Track focuses on cat rescue and welfare topics.
The fun begins Thursday evening with our “Swag Bag-Stuffing Mixer.” This relaxed, informal gathering is the perfect opportunity to network, reconnect with friends, and meet new pet-loving creators. And it’s not just raining cats. This year we will also be joined by the Dog Writers’ Association attendees.
After a full day of workshops on Friday, keep the energy going at our “Friday Night Mixer”—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 cat people.
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 sit-down 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.
See below for events, times, and location.
Cat writers, bloggers, photographers, artists, broadcasters, veterinarians, TNR teams, and other cat professionals: Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of creativity, connection, and all things feline. We can’t wait to see you there!
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) and offers a complimentary airport shuttle service for guests.
Tentative 2026 Conference Schedule
Thursday, November 5, 2026:
| 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. CDT | Pre-Conference Swag Bag Stuffing Mixer |
Friday, November 6, 2026:
| 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Workshops (General Track and Rescue Track) |
| 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | Friday Night Mixer |
Saturday, November 7, 2026:
| 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Workshops (General Track and Rescue Track) |
| 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | CWA Pre-Banquet Reception |
| 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | CWA Awards Banquet |
| 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. | CWA Awards Ceremony |
Sunday, November 8, 2026:
| 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. | CWA Business Meeting (CWA members only) |
Stay tuned for more details!
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 this year’s conference a great time for all!
We appreciate FelineNatural and Lively Tails for sponsoring Key Note Speaker Dr. Randy Aronson
2025 Presenters and Topics
The CWA Communications Conference included experts from extant fields who presented on an array of cutting-edge topics, including:
- Starting and Managing a Successful Writing Business
- Attracting the Attention of Editors in Today’s Media Environment
- Unlocking Your Next Cat-tastic Story
- Fast Starts — How to Hook Your Reader
- Great Book Publicity Starts with Setting Goals
- Self-Publishing Essentials
- Making Money as a Freelance Writer
- Marketing your Creative Work
- Ethical AI Use
- AI as Your Muse, Critic, and Co-Creator
- Improving Your Writing with Authoritative Sources
- Confidence On Camera, In Person, and In Life
- Tips on Becoming an Effective Speaker
- The latest in Cat Nutrition, and
- Writing to Save Cats
2025 Festivities
Thank you to CWA member Will Braden for a curated showing of his always-hilarious CatVideoFest during our Friday Night Mixer. Our Saturday evening formal reception and CWA Awards Banquet Gala was emceed by master of ceremonies, UK’s Clayton Payne, sponsored by Karnlea and Pet Business Disruptors. The Awards Banquet included the reception, sit-down dinner, and open bar.
