Tickets for the CWA 32nd Annual Conference are now available.
Cat content creators—get ready for the 32nd CWA Annual Conference, taking place November 6–7 in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex Area.
Purchase tickets before August 17 to lock in the lowest rate!
Join us for an exciting two-days featuring esteemed experts presenting workshops across two dynamic tracks. Whether you’re new to the cat writing community or a longtime CWA member, you’re warmly welcome. This year’s conference theme is:
“Meow Y’all: Saddle Up for the Future of Pet Media.”
CONFERENCE DESCRIPTION
The conference workshops will span two topic areas:
- On the Main Stage, topics explore the craft and business of cat writing and content creation.
- On the Rescue Communications Track Stage, content 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 be joined by our Dog Writers’ Association colleagues.
After a full day of workshops on Friday, keep the energy going at our “Friday Fun Night”—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 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.
We can’t wait to see you there! See below for information about conference hotel location, tracks, ticket prices, and FAQs.
Cat writers, bloggers, photographers, artists, broadcasters, veterinarians, TNR teams, and other pet professionals: Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of creativity, connection, and all things feline.
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
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. Reserve a room at the special CWA conference rate while supplies last at conference hotel.
Conference Tracks
Conference Main Stage (General Communications Track)
Whether you write fiction, create art, work in journalism, manage marketing campaigns, or want to stay ahead of social media trends, main stage workshops are designed to help you grow. Learn practical techniques, explore emerging industry shifts, and connect with fellow creatives who understand the challenges—and opportunities—of bringing ideas to life. Here’s one example of what to look forward to:
PANEL: SECRETS TO SUCCESSFUL FELINE FICTION —With Amy Shojai, Patricia Fry, Robert Smith, Jody Wallace, and Mollie Hunt. Where do ideas come from? How does one portray a convincing cat character? And what the cat is a cozy mystery? Join Amy Shojai, Patricia Fry, Robert Smith, Jody Wallace, and Mollie Hunt, fiction writers who have published work in multiple genres including mysteries, thrillers, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and those enigmatic cat cozies. Besides telling their secrets about writing cat fiction, they will take questions from the audience, offer solutions for issues affecting writers of all levels, and show how they make the most of cat writing.
Conference Rescue Communications Track
If you work in rescue, sheltering, or TNR, or simply care about improving animal welfare, this conference is designed to inspire new ideas, strengthen skills to help you promote adoption, and build a stronger community for the animals who depend on us. Join us for two days of learning, connection, and real-world impact for animals.
Rescue Communications Track only tickets will become available soon. Questions? Please contact Conference@CatWriters.com.
ATTENTION: CWA is seeking sponsors to support the Rescue Track ticket pricing so more rescue volunteers, TNR advocates, and animal shelter professionals can attend. If your organization would like to sponsor the conference Rescue Track, please contact Conference@CatWriters.com. Once we secure our sponsor, ticket prices will be made available.
2026 Conference Schedule
Thursday, November 5, 2026:
| 6:00 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 4:00 p.m. | Workshops (Main Stage and Rescue Track) |
| 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | Friday Fun Night Festivities |
Saturday, November 7, 2026:
8:30 a.m. Registration/Sign in opens
| 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Workshops (Main Stage 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 |
| 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. | CWA Awards Ceremony |
Sunday, November 8, 2026:
9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. | CWA Annual Business Meeting (CWA members only) |
Conference Ticket Prices
Registration is open. To get the early bird rate, purchase your tickets by August 17!
Cat Writers, Content Creators, and Media Professionals – This year’s conference explores the craft and business of cat writing and content creation. Your conference ticket includes lunch, access to all the Rescue Track presentations, Friday Fun Night activities, + Surprise Extras!
Full Conference* | Early Bird | Regular Price (after August 17) |
| CWA Members | $150 | $200 |
| Non-Members | $200 | $250 |
| CWA Banquet Gala (Both members & non-members) | $60 | $60 |
Don’t miss the most amazing cat event of the year!
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. Registration opens at 8:00 am, and sessions kick off each day 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.
When can I purchase tickets?
Conference registration will be open from July 11 to October 19.
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 have to cancel?
If you purchase a conference ticket and later find that you are unable to attend, you will receive a refund (minus a small service charge) if you notify us prior to September 30, 2026. Cancellations after September 30 are not refundable.
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. Additional paid meals, hosted by our sponsors, may be added.
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.
Don’t miss the most amazing cat event of the year!
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.
