This was once incredible conference with the most fabulous presenters! May I just name drop a little bit? For me, it started off with a bang with the amazing Judy Blume, interviewed by President of SCBWI, Lin Oliver, Newbury Medal winner, Kwame Alexander, Pura Belpre winner Raul the Third, two acclaimed Caldecott illustrators LeUyen Pham and Dan Santat (brilliantly helpful and affirming), an amazing Editor’s Panel, a delightful conversation with Jane Yolen hosted byHeidi E.Y. Stemple, the very humorous team of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen (author and illustrator, respectively). Another favorite pairing was Laurie Halse, andMeg Medina. There were many more, but these were the outstanding speakers that gave Me so many take aways to learn from and incorporate into my craft of writing and illustrating picture books for children! I’ve come so far, and there is so much room for growth. I am so inspired by all of the other illustrators in the Portfolio Showcase, and I am setting more goals for improving my portfolio. Summed up in three words: Talent, Persistence, and a little Luck, will hopefully, lead me to and Agent and my first published children’s book!!