By Galen Peterson
Network with fellow members. Build friendships and relationships with other authors, editors, illustrators, and publishers. Kick off the opportunity Thursday evening.
Learn insights and tips from award-winning authors and experts. Gain skills and knowledge to unleash your talents. Nine educational sessions and two breakout sessions across Friday and Saturday and one-on-one mentoring opportunities provide for every step in the literary journey.
Take advantage of a manuscript review and coaching opportunity with John DeDakis, award-winning author, U.S. Army veteran, and former editor on CNN’s “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.” He will also be the keynote speaker, a panelist, and lead the conference’s closing workshop to help writers flow ideas from the brain to the page.
Be inspired by best-selling authors, underdogs, and the rich and diverse backstories behind the books and authors. Members come from all across the spectrum of genres, locations, and life stories.
Celebrate excellence. The Saturday night awards banquet will celebrate authors earning gold, silver, or bronze medals, as well as the Writer of the Year. On Friday and Saturday, many authors will have books available for purchase and autograph.
Belong. You belong as one of us. Friendships forged at MWSA conferences are invaluable, and most full conference attendees will tell you the fellowship is the most lasting legacy of any particular conference. Plan on enjoying meals and after-session camaraderie in the hotel bars or restaurants, or local venues.
If you haven’t registered yet, do so as soon as possible at 2026 General Membership Conference Military Writers Society of America.