Press Application

Press Overview

All applicants will undergo a careful screening process, which may require additional information from the respective outlet. Applicants are not guaranteed a press badge.

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Dream Con reserves the right to approve or reject any applications without reason at any time. All decisions are final. Approval and rejection status of application will be sent to the provided email address at least 1- 2 months after applications have closed.

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Deadlines

Press Submission Opens

November 15, 2022

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Press Submission Closes

March 12, 2023

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Applications are due no later than Sunday, March 12, 2023 at 11:59 pm CST. Outlets or organizations who miss this date will not be reviewed or receive press badges.

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Application Info

Please read through the policies before applying for press at Dream Con.

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PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

• Applying for a press badge does NOT guarantee a press badge. To ensure entry to Dream Con, it is recommended that you purchase an attendee badge. Rejected applicants will not receive an extra opportunity to purchase badges after all public releases have been completed.
• Press badges are limited and require verification and approval by Dream Con’s Press Department. If you have already purchased an attendee badge and your application has been approved for press badge(s), Dream Con will issue a refund 14-days after the event.
• Media outlets that were approved in a prior year are NOT guaranteed approval for the current year.
• You must complete the full application by the deadline. Applications submitted after the deadline may not be reviewed.

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QUALIFIED PRESS APPLICANTS MUST:

• Be age 18 years old or older
• Have valid identification such as State ID/Driver's License, Passport, or Visa
• Provide relevant media or press related work

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR PRESS:

• Media outlet/organization must have been established for at least 2 years
• Active on at least 1 social media platform
• 3,000 fans, likes, or followers for the applicant’s social media platform or 10,000 unique monthly hits
• Content directly promoting Dream Con within 60 days of the convention

* Exemption: Youtubers with 15,000 subscribers or an average view count of 5,000 qualify for press

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Benefits and Limitations

BENEFITS:

• A complimentary 3-day badge for each member of your press team (maximum of 3), which allows you access to all events, panels, and tournaments within the convention. You will be able to purchase one (1) additional press badge at full price.
• Access to the press lounge for private guest interviews that have been approved by the Press Department
• Special Access to Exhibit Hall on first day of convention

LIMITATIONS:

• No more than 4 approved press badges per outlet
• Press badges do NOT provide free accommodations, travel, parking or food
• Limited priority entry to main events and panels
• Press badges do NOT provide priority treatment for autograph sessions
• Press badges must be picked up on-site by each member of your team

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Interview Procedures

Registered press outlets/organizations will receive an Interview Request Form for official Dream Con Guests in June 2023. The Interview Request Form must be submitted to the Press Department by Sunday, June 18, 2023 (subjected to change). If you did not fill out the form by the deadline, we cannot accommodate any later requests. Interview requests will be arranged and moderated by Dream Con’s Press department; however, interviews are not guaranteed and are subject to cancellation at any time.

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GUEST INTERVIEWS:

Guest interviews must not be longer than 30-minutes. Registered press members are required to arrive 10 minutes before their scheduled session. Interviews will begin promptly, and late members will not be granted admission. Keep the interview cordial and professional for the entirety of the session. A press staff member will monitor the interview session from start to finish.

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INFORMAL INTERVIEWS:

Informal interviews do NOT require a press badge and can be conducted without the need for Dream Con’s Press department. You may interview anyone at the convention EXCEPT official Dream Con guests. Dream Con’s Press Department will not enforce the press code of conduct on informal interviews; however, you must still follow all rules and regulations including federal and state laws. If a press room is available, you may request to use it by contacting Dream Con’s Press Department

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the press department via email at press@dreamconvention.com

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Click here to learn more about libel in Texas

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Prohibited Actions

As a member of the press, these actions are PROHIBITED:

• NO SHOW. If you are unable to attend Dream Con due to unforeseen events, you must email the Press Department ahead of time. Being a no show and not communicating  may result in being blacklisted from future Dream Con events.
• Being in areas such as backstage, on the main stage, or in the guest/green room. If caught in prohibited areas, your press badge may be revoked and/or blacklisted from future Dream Con events
• Sexualized photography (PG 13 or under)
• Photographs, video or audio recordings of industry panels

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Press Code of Conduct

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the press department via email at press@dreamconvention.com

• Registered press must follow all rules and policies of both Dream Con and the Austin Convention Center. Must follow all policies outlined within Dream Con’s Code of Conduct
• Treat all Dream Con staff and con-goers with respect
• Comply with all rules and regulations established by Dream Con’s Press Department and management of Dream Con’s official guests
• Abide by any and all Federal or State laws

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Press Hours

Friday, July 28 | 11:00 am-8:00 pm

Saturday, July 29 | 12:00 pm-8:00 pm

Sunday, July 30 | 12:00 pm-3:00 pm

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*All hours are subject to change.

After Dream Con

To maintain good standing, Dream Con requires its previous press members to post coverage of the event. Coverage must be posted within 2 months after attending Dream Con.

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‍Press members who violate any of the outlined policies on this page will have their badges immediately removed and/or blacklisted from future Dream Con events.

To receive attendee badge refund 14-days after the event, each member must complete the Refund Request Form issued by the Registration Department. This form will be provided in July 2023. This form must be completed to receive a refund – no exception.