For 25 years, CWA has hosted an annual Writers Conference to provide continuing education, celebrate success with contest awards, and provide a “reunion” for member networking that encourages mentorship between members and nonmembers alike. Our conferences moved from coast to coast and many cities in between, often partnering with other like-minded writing and pet-centric organizations to expand our networking reach for mutual benefit.
We have a rich history of past events and celebrations. Enjoy these pages that document some of the Cat Writers’ Association past conference and contest events.
Past Contest Awards Winners!
PAST conferences & OTHER EVENTS! (below)
2019 25th Anniversary & Awards Banquet, St. Louis, MO
2016 CWA EVENTS, Chandler, AZ (in conjunction with BlogPaws)
2015 CWA WRITERS’ TRACK, NASHVILLE, TN (in conjunction with BLOGPAWS)
Did you miss the April 23, 2015 Google Hangout hosted by BlogPaws to promote the upcoming conference events. We talked about PUBLISH OR PERISH. Here’s the playback recording with, Carol Bryant, Lisa Erspamer, Lon Hodge, the Veteran Traveler and CWA-member Amy Shojai talking about publishing, how they wrote their books, and other writer-icity experiences! and….it’s FREE! Enjoy!
Did you miss the February 26, 2015 Google Hangout hosted by BlogPaws? Wanna learn about Bridging the Gap Between Blogging & Journalistic Excellence? Here’s the playback recording with BlogPaws peeps Yvonne DiVita and Tom Collins, and CWA members Layla Morgan Wilde, Janiss Garza, Deb Barnes and Alana Greylak in a preview of their upcoming BlogPaws CWA panel in May 2015….it’s FREE! Enjoy!
Did you miss the December 18, 2014 Google Hangout hosted by BlogPaws? Wanna learn about WRITING LIKE CATS AND DOGS? Here’s the playback recording with Yvonne DiVita, Doc Halligan, Lisa Erspamer and CWA-member Amy Shojai talking about publishing, how they wrote their books, and other writer-icity experiences! and….it’s FREE! Enjoy!
2014 CONFERENCE, ATLANTA, GA (in conjunction with BarkWorld)
2013 CONFERENCE, DALLAS, TX (solo)
2012 CONFERENCE, LOS ANGELES, CA (solo)
- 20th Anniversary Conference PICTURES in Los Angeles (thank you BJ Bangs & Paul Glassner)
- Seminar Program Booklet (PDF)
- Awards Banquet Program Booklet (PDF)
2011 CONFERENCE, WHITE PLAINS, NY (in conjunction with TICA CAT SHOW)
2010 CONFERENCE, WHITE PLAINS, NY (in conjunction with TICA CAT SHOW)
- 2010 Conference Booklet (PDF)
2009 CONFERENCE, WHITE PLAINS, NY (in conjunction with TICA CAT SHOW)
Seminar Outlines and Notes, Speeches – files courtesy of presenters
- Mystery Writing 101 – Clea Simon
2008 CONFERENCE, ATLANTA, GA (in conjunction with CFA CAT SHOW)
2007 CONFERENCE, FOSTER CITY, CA (solo)
Seminar Outlines and Notes, Speeches – files courtesy of presenters
- Analysis of Lost Cat Behavior – Kat Albrecht
- Great Beginnings: That All-Important First Page – Vic DiGenti
- How To Make An Editor Happy – Heather Russell-Revesz
- Stop Procrastinating–Real Soon – Linda Kay Hardie
- Pet Therapy – Debra J. White
- Feline Behavior Issues Panel – Recommended Resources
- Getting — And Staying — Organized – Fran Pennock Shaw & Susan Logan: Outline and Resources List
2005 CONFERENCE, FOSTER CITY, CA (in conjunction with CFA CAT SHOW)
Seminar Outlines and Notes, Speeches – PDF files courtesy of presenters
- From Non-Fiction into Fiction – Shirley Rousseau Murphy
- Feline Infectious Peritonitis: Updated Information – Susan Little, DVM
- Networking For the Shy to Terrified – Dena Harris
- Public Affairs Panel:
- Summary – Sharon A. Coleman
- Defining the Problem Karen Johnson
- Handout: Feral Cats, Predation and Wildlife Issues – Joan Miller
- Handout: Hoarding of Animals & Vaccination Issues – Joan Miller
2004 CONFERENCE, HOUSTON, TX (in conjunction with CFA CAT SHOW)
Seminar Outlines and Notes, Speeches – PDF files courtesy of presenters
- Public Speaking Tips & Techniques – Dena Harris
- The Write Stuff – Arden Moore
- Inside Guide to Effective Writing – Arden Moore
- Getting Published – Dan Poynter: P-40: Cover Sheet and Resources and P-40: Printout of PowerPoint Slides
- Veterinary Issues Panel – Amy D. Shojai, moderator: Veterinary Experts & Specialists – Jill A. Richardson, DVM
2003 CONFERENCE, HOUSTON, TX (in conjunction with CFA CAT SHOW)
Seminar Outlines and Notes, Speeches – PDF files courtesy of presenters
- Winn Feline Foundation – Hilary Helmrich, Keynote Speaker
- Getting the Most Out of Networking – Amy Shojai
- Better Book Proposals – Beth Adelman
- Moving From Nonfiction to Fiction – Linda Kay Weber
- Self-Publishing – Barbara Florio Graham
2002 CONFERENCE, HOUSTON, TX (in conjunction with CFA CAT SHOW)
- Highlights of the Cat Writers’ Association 2002 Annual Conference
2001 CONFERENCE, HOUSTON, TX (in conjunction with CFA CAT SHOW)
- Highlights of the Cat Writers’ Association 2001 Annual Conference
2000 CONFERENCE, KANSAS CITY, MO (in conjunction with CFA CAT SHOW)
- Highlights of the Cat Writers’ Association 2000 Annual Conference
1999 CONFERENCE, KANSAS CITY, MO (in conjunction with CFA CAT SHOW)
1998 CONFERENCE, KANSAS CITY, MO (in conjunction with CFA CAT SHOW)
- Highlights of the Cat Writers’ Association 1998 Annual Conference
1997 CONFERENCE, ATLANTA, GA (in conjunction with CFA CAT SHOW)
- Highlights of the Cat Writers’ Association 1997 Annual Conference
1996 CONFERENCE, AHAHEIM, CA (in conjunction with CFA CAT SHOW)
1995 CONFERENCE, CHICAGO, IL (in conjunction with CFA CAT SHOW)
1994 CONFERENCE, 1st ANNUAL CWA CONFERENCE, ATLANTA, GA (in conjunction with CFA CAT SHOW)
Find out how it all started–and view 20 years of pictures–on the About CWA page.