The 56th Annual Willamette Writers Conference
July 31-August 2, 2026 in Portland, Oregon and online
Meet agents, learn from publishing professionals, and take real next steps toward getting published.
Early Bird Pricing ends May 15th.
Your 2026 Willamette Writers Conference
Your Next Step as a Writer
The Willamette Writers Conference is more than a weekend of writing. It’s where writers connect with their community, strengthen their craft, and take real steps toward a professional writing career.
Over one weekend, you’ll learn from industry professionals, pitch your work to agents and editors, write alongside fellow writers, and receive feedback from award-winning authors.
Whether you’re just starting out or actively pursuing publication, you’ll find the guidance, tools, and connections to move your writing forward.
Explore the faculty and schedule below to see everything included—from 90+ workshops and keynotes to critiques, pitch sessions, and evening events.
We look forward to writing with you.
Your Conference Schedule
The Willamette Writers Conference launches online the end of July, with in-person and online activities beginning July 31. Check out the full schedule for workshops, keynotes, critiques and more.
Saturday Keynote
Jane Friedman, the former President and CEO of HarperCollins Publishers Worldwide, has spent 25 years working in the book publishing industry, with a focus on author education and industry reporting. She is the author of The Business of Being a Writer, which received a starred review from Library Journal.
Opening Poem
Christopher Diaz (he/him) is an indigenous CHamoru from the Pacific Island of Guåhan. As a writer, performer, and photographer, he’s been featured by NBC News, Poets & Writers.org, and more. He’s a two-time grand slam champion and and co-leads monthly writing workshops at the juvenile detention center in Vancouver.
Your Industry Professionals
Pitch and critique registration is now open! We are proud to introduce you to our first round of Industry Professionals for this year’s Willamette Writers Conference. These agents, publishers, and producers will be joined by more professionals on April 30th, including editors and film managers. Reserve your spot now, as these spots fill up fast.
Your Conference Faculty
Our list of conference faculty is live! This year’s roster includes award-winning and New York Times Bestselling authors. We are so happy to introduce them to you. Register for the conference to meet them on July 31-August 2. Don’t wait!
Your 2026 Conference Schedule
The Willamette Writers Conference launches online the end of July, with in-person and online activities beginning July 31. Check out the full schedule for workshops, keynotes, critiques and more.
Your Conference Hotel
The Willamette Writers Conference takes place both online and in-person at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Portland, Oregon.
Register for your room here, and join us this August.
Photos provided by Gail Pasternack, Kate Ristau and Phoenix Bourgeois
Your 2026 Willamette Writers Conference