A-Kon® 23! Dallas, Texas June 1-3, 2012
http://www.a-kon.com/bm/kon-info/press.shtmlPress
Qualification and application instructions for members of the Press.
Qualification and application instructions for members of the Press.
A-Kon® Press Pass: Qualifications
Am I Qualified?
Working journalists/photographers over the age of 17 that fall under one of the below categories may apply online no later than May 20, 2012 to request a Press Pass:
Print Media & Newswire Reporters must provide:
- A copy of your business card with name, title, and media outlet‘s logo, and
- A copy of your driver‘s license or government issued photo identification clearly showing your name and date of birth, and
- A byline article from your publication written by you and published within the last three months (the copy must clearly show the name of your publication and your byline), or
- A letter from your editor (on letterhead) verifying your assignment to cover the convention; if an editor is not available, submit a letter of intention explaining your purpose for attending the convention.
Freelance Journalists/Photographers: Freelance writers from unqualified media outlets will not be admitted. In order to qualify as media, we require that you provide:
- A copy of your business card with your name and title, and
- A copy of your driver‘s license or government issued photo identification clearly showing your name and date of birth, and
- A letter from a publisher, editor, or producer (on their letterhead) stating that you are covering A-Kon® on assignment, or
- A byline interactive entertainment industry-related article from a publication written by you and published within the last three months (the copy must clearly show the name of the publication and your byline).
Online Reporters: Web sites must be previously established and updated regularly (at least every seven days) with original and current news, and have a minimum of 10,000 unique hits per month via Google Analytics. To qualify as online media, please provide:
- A copy of your driver‘s license or government issued photo identification clearly showing your name and date of birth, and
- A copy of your business card with name, editorial title and media outlet‘s logo, and
- A physical copy of or a URL to your online publication with your name and title appearing in a by-lined interactive entertainment industry-related article from your publication written by you and published within the last three months (the copy must clearly show the name of the publication and your byline), or
- A letter from your editor (on letterhead) verifying your assignment to cover the convention; if an editor is not available, submit a letter of intention explaining your purpose for attending the convention.
Broadcast (TV & Radio) Journalists & Photographers please provide:
- A copy of your driver‘s license or government issued photo identification clearly showing your name and date of birth, and
- A copy of your business card with name, editorial title and media outlet‘s logo
A-Kon® understands that there are times when a team will be assigned to cover the convention. However, as space is limited, each company is limited to a maximum of four total representatives. Please contact us for further information and consideration. If you have questions regarding your team, please contact the Press Relations department.
Send all credential requirements no later than 05/20/2012 to:
or
A-Kon®
Attn: Press
12241 Cox Lane
Dallas, TX 75244
A-Kon® Press Pass: Frequently Asked Questions
Who should apply as media for A-Kon®?
A-Kon® press passes are available to working journalists over the age of 17. Qualifications of all media outlets will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the A-Kon® Press Relations staff. Employees of media outlets who do not work in an editorial capacity, such as art directors, district managers, graphic designers, publishers, managers, marketing representatives, executives, public relations personnel, sales representatives, may not be qualified for a press pass.
If you do not qualify for a press pass, but are a member of the industry and wish to attend the show as an industry representative, please contact: pr@a-kon.com.
To register for a regular Attendee Membership, please visit our main website at: www.a-kon.com.
What should I bring with me to A-Kon®?
As with previous years, pre-approved press will need to present their photo ID in order to pick up their press packet and passes. If you are not pre-approved, you need to bring all items listed under Press Pass Qualifications.
I have qualified as press and attended A-Kon® in the past. Do I have to apply again?
Yes. Being qualified as press for a previous A-Kon® convention does not automatically guarantee a press pass for future A-Kon® events. You are required to submit new credentials each year.
How do I check the status of my application?
If you have already filled out an application form and would like to check the status of your application, please contact the Press Relations department at: Press@A-Kon.com.
Will my approved press passes be mailed to me before the show opens?
As with previous years, A-Kon® press passes will not be mailed prior to the convention. Passes may be picked up at the Press Relations office, located in the CityView 3, Center Tower, 4th Floor — Look for the PRESS sign.
Press Pass pick-up hours are:
- Thursday: 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am–6:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am–6:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am–12:00 pm
I missed the registration deadline, is it possible to register on-site?
Yes. You must bring photo identification and appropriate credentials to CityView 3, Center Tower, 4th Floor during pass pick up hours to be considered. Keep in mind that we will have to be able to verify your credentials, which can be time-consuming. It is recommended to register for press passes in advance.
What is included with my press pass?
Your press pass will allow you access to all the same areas of the convention our regular attendees enjoy, access to any press conferences or special interviews our guests may grant, and usage of our media interview spaces. It will also allow approved photographer recognition if a guest has requested that photography be limited.
A press pass does NOT grant all-access; it is issued for ONE-DAY use only. It does NOT grant you the ability to skip lines, use any areas off-limits to attendees, nor access any events that have reached their capacity. It does NOT provide after-hours access, or access to the Guest Pro Suite.
A coded wristband will be issued for each day of your assignment when you check in. Program books, schedules, maps, and other A-Kon® media materials will also be made available to you.
When will the maps of the convention be available for press?
Maps of the convention space will be available on-site as part of your press package, in the program book, and online. Additionally, the Sheraton Hotel has interactive touch-screen user maps at various locations around the hotel and convention center.
How do I change information on my Press Pass application?
To make changes to your registration information, please email the A-Kon® Press Relations team at Press@A-Kon.com. Changes must be received prior to May 27, 2012. After that date, you will need bring a hard copy of the completed Press Pass Application and all required credential materials to CityView 3, Center Tower, 4th Floor for on-site approval, which is not guaranteed.
Who can I contact to answer my questions?
If you have any other questions that are not answered in this FAQ, please email Press@A-Kon.com.