Press

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

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Press Submission Opens

October 27, 2023

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Press Submission Closes

February 29, 2024

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*Applications are due no later than Sunday, February 29, 2024 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.
• Due to the high volume of submissions, we appreciate your patience as we personally consider and review each application. After submitting your application, be on the lookout for an email from the team for a status update.
• Pro tip: Include press@dreamconvention.com to your Address Book so that we’re prioritized in your inbox instead of hidden in your Spam folder.

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

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR PRESS:

• Media outlet/organization must have been established for at least two (2) years
• Active on at least one (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
• If approved for a Dream Con press badge, you must submit coverage of Dream Con within 60 days post-event

* Photographers’ applications will be reviewed on a case by case selection with specific event(s) assignment coverage

*Content focused on reactions, gameplay, or comedic skits will not be considered for a press badge. We encourage those to apply for Industry Badges, thank you!

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Benefits and Limitations

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BENEFITS:

• Three (3) days of entry to the event-at-large via single day admission distributed each day contingent upon satisfactory performance reviews facilitated by Dream Con leadership.
• Skip line access into main building entrances each day *Note this benefit does NOT apply to programming areas such as the mainstage, gaming hall, etc.‍
• Access to press workspace and private press rooms for official interviews with Talent that have been pre-approved by the Press Department
• Exclusive access to Official Press Conferences 

LIMITATIONS:

• No more than four (4) approved press badges per outlet (some exceptions may apply)
• 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

Any inclusions added to this badge’s access will be communicated by the official Dream Con Press Team.

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Interview Procedures

Registered press outlets/organizations will receive an Interview Request Form for official Dream Con talent in June 2024. The Interview Request Form must be submitted to the Press Department by deadline (TBD). 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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Talent INTERVIEWS:

Talent 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 talent. 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.

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If a press room is available and there is no upcoming scheduled interview, you may request to use it by contacting Dream Con’s Press Department first for approval.

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

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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

TBD

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*All hours are subject to change.

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‍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.

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Each member must complete the Refund Request Form by the given deadline from the Press Department. This form will be provided in August 2024 and refunds can be expected within 14 - 30 days after the form has been submitted. Forms not completed by the deadline will not be valid for a refund.