Press

Press Overview

Dream Con welcomes the media to cover Dream Con in Houston on June 18 - 20, 2027. 

All applicants will undergo a careful screening process, which may require additional information from the respective outlet or individual applicant. 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

October 23, 2026

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Press Submission Closes

february 28, 2027

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*Applications are due no later than February 28, 2027 at 11:59 pm CST. Press and Media Outlets or Independent Photographers and Videographers who miss this date will not be reviewed or receive Press Badges.

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Who Can Apply?

1. Press & Media Outlets which include print and digital publications, news organizations, TV and radio stations, blogs, podcasts, and established online media platforms covering entertainment, anime, gaming, music, sports, and pop culture; produces and publishes coverage for an established media outlet or organization.

1. Independent Photographers and Videographers. All photographer/videographer applicants will be reviewed on a case-by-case selection with specific event(s) assignment coverage each day. May capture and publish personal or professional coverage of Dream Con while also completing the required event coverage assignments determined by Dream Con.
   

Applicants must apply under the category that best represents their intended coverage.

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All applicants must demonstrate a legitimate media coverage purpose. Applications submitted primarily for convention admission, personal talent access, or promotional opportunities unrelated to original event coverage may be denied.

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NOTE: Press & Media Outlets and Independent Photographers & Videographers approved a Press Badge are not considered official Dream Con Media Staff or Contracted Third-Party Media Teams.

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What Does Being Press at Dream Con Mean?

Being approved as Press at Dream Con means having the opportunity to document, report on, and share the stories that make the convention unique. Whether through photography, videography, interviews, written articles, or other forms of media, we encourage applicants to think beyond individual attractions and consider the overall Dream Con experience.

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As a member of Press, we encourage you to:

• Tell the Story of Dream Con: Capture the atmosphere, culture, community, and experiences that make Dream Con more than just a convention.
• Look Beyond Talent Access: While Talent appearances and interviews are an important part of Dream Con, we encourage the media to recognize the stories and experiences happening throughout the convention.
• Highlight the Community: Explore the people and moments that bring Dream Con to life, including cosplayers, gamers, artists, vendors, attendees, panels, tournaments, performances, and community interactions.
• Be Intentional With Your Coverage: Whether producing a recap video, photo gallery, written article, or interview, consider the story you want to tell and how your coverage represents the experiences you document.
• Demonstrate a Clear Coverage Purpose: Applicants should identify the stories, activities, or communities they intend to cover and how they plan to share that coverage. A Press Badge is intended to support meaningful documentation and reporting, not solely provide access to celebrity guests, interviews, or convention experiences
• Bring Your Unique Perspective: We welcome different creative styles, specialties, and approaches to storytelling. Use your strengths and experience while remaining open to discovering stories beyond your usual areas of coverage.
• Maintain Professionalism and Editorial Independence: Respect attendees, fellow media members, staff, and convention guidelines. Dream Con supports authentic storytelling, fair reporting, and independent editorial perspectives.

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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:

• ‍You must complete the full application by the deadline. Applications submitted after the deadline may not be reviewed.‍‍
• Refunds will NOT be issued if you purchased a general admission badge and you are later approved for press.‍
• Applying for a press badge does NOT guarantee a Press Badge. Press Badges are limited and require verification and approval by Dream Con’s Press Department. 
• Applicants that were approved in a prior year are NOT guaranteed approval for the current year.‍‍
• Independent Photographer and Videographer applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis with the understanding to complete daily coverage assignments based on Dream Con’s event coverage needs. ‍
• Applicants must provide accurate and verifiable information regarding their identity, media affiliation, audience, published work, and any previous event coverage. False or misleading information may result in immediate disqualification or badge revocation.‍
• Applicants submitting on behalf of an outlet must identify all individuals requesting credentials and their respective coverage roles. Approval of an outlet does not automatically guarantee credentials for every proposed team member.‍
• Multiple applications submitted by the same individual or through affiliated outlets must be disclosed. Dream Con reserves the right to review related applications together to prevent duplicate credential requests.‍
• Dream Con may request additional supporting information, including audience analytics, published work, assignment confirmation, or verification of outlet affiliation, before making an approval decision.

We appreciate your patience as we carefully review each application.  Due to the high volume of submissions, selected applicants will receive priority correspondence as they move through the process. Status updates will be emailed to the primary contact. After submitting your application, please be on the lookout for an email from our team with any status updates. We appreciate your understanding.

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‍Please check your spam folder regularly for updates and add press@dreamconvention.com to your contacts. Missed messages will not be accepted as an excuse or exception.

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Any issues regarding submitting this application must be reported prior to the deadline for resolution and/or to request an extension.

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BADGE PURCHASING GUIDELINES‍

• The final public badge drop for Dream Con 2027 is scheduled for December 11, 2026. Press applications close February 28, 2027, and approval notifications may be issued after public badges have sold out.
• Applicants should consider their attendance plans before deciding whether to purchase a general admission badge. If an applicant purchases a general admission badge and is subsequently approved for Press, Dream Con will not provide a refund or credit for the previously purchased badge.

Requirements

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
• Demonstrate a history of producing original media, reporting, photography, videography, interviews, or other relevant event coverage.

NOTE: Applications primarily focused on gameplay, comedic skits, reaction-only content, promotional reposts, or personal entertainment without substantial original reporting or event documentation may be better suited for Creator or Industry Badges. Applicants whose work includes these formats may still be considered if their submitted portfolio demonstrates legitimate editorial, documentary, or journalistic coverage.

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR PRESS & Media outlets:

• Have published for at least two (2) years. Newer outlets may request individual consideration with their start date, recent work and a detailed coverage plan.
• Have at least 3,000 followers on one platform or 10,000 unique monthly website visits.
• Provide three (3) examples of event coverage from the past 12 months. 
• Provide verifiable links to original published work demonstrating consistent media coverage. Follower counts and website traffic alone do not establish eligibility.
• Identify each individual requesting a credential, their role within the outlet, and their responsibilities during Dream Con.
• Demonstrate a legitimate connection between the applicant and the represented outlet. Dream Con may request confirmation from an editor, supervisor, or authorized outlet representative.
• Provide a proposed coverage plan identifying the types of stories, activities, or programming the outlet intends to cover and where the resulting content will be published.
• Dream Con reserves the right to evaluate audience engagement, publication consistency, originality, portfolio quality, and relevance to the convention when reviewing applicants who meet the numerical requirements.
• If approved, Press and Media Outlets must publish about Dream Con in the 60 days before the con and submit coverage within 60 days after.

Note: Dream Con may request additional supporting information, including audience analytics, published work, assignment confirmation, or verification of outlet affiliation, before making an approval decision.

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR independent photgraphers & videographers:

• No minimum social media follower requirement; however, applicants must maintain at least one (1) active platform or professional portfolio showcasing their original work.
• Provide at least three (3) examples of original photography or videography demonstrating relevant experience in event coverage, live performances, conventions, documentary storytelling, or similar environments.
• Submit a coverage plan identifying the types of Dream Con programming, activities, and community experiences they intend to document.
• Approved Independent Photographers and Videographers will be required to complete designated event coverage assignments based on Dream Con's needs. Assignment details, schedules, expectations, and deliverables will be communicated in advance.
• Approved Independent Photographers and Videographers may pursue their own coverage interests outside assigned responsibilities, provided they follow all applicable convention policies and access restrictions.
• Applicants must acknowledge assignment expectations before accepting their credentials and communicate scheduling conflicts or limitations to the Press Department in advance.
• Submit completed coverage or proof of publication within 60 days after Dream Con. Content produced for specific Dream Con assignments may require earlier delivery based on the agreed assignment terms.

Benefits and Limitations

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

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BENEFITS FOR PRESS AND MEDIA OUTLETS:

• Three (3) complimentary badges which includes three (3) days of entry to the event-at-large
• Priority Line Access to Select Premier Stages
  
  • Note: Press seating will be available at Select Premier Stages, with limited seating available in the Gaming Hall. Seating will be available on a first-come, first served basis.
• 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 

BENEFITS FOR INDEPENDENT PHOTOGRAPHERS AND VIDEOGRAPHERS:

• ONE (1) complimentary badge which includes three (3) days of entry to the event-at-large 
• Priority Line Access to Select Premier Stages
  
  • Note: Press seating will be available at Select Premier Stages, with limited seating available in the Gaming Hall. Seating will be available on a first-come, first served basis.
• Access to Press Workspace
• Exclusive Access to Official Press Conferences 

LIMITATIONS FOR PRESS AND MEDIA OUTLETS:

• No more than four (4) approved Press Badges per outlet (some exceptions may apply). Only three (3) complimentary badges for each outlet. If needing a fourth badge, the outlet must purchase an additional badge at sale price of $155.00 with the provided link by the Press Team.
• Dream Con does not offer financial compensation or accommodations (travel, lodging, meals, parking, etc.) for Press Badge holders‍
• Press Badges do NOT provide priority treatment for autograph sessions
• Press Badges must be picked up on-site by each member of your team
• Press Badges are issued to approved individuals and may not be transferred, shared, sold, or used by anyone other than the named credential holder.
• Each approved team member must have a documented role related to the outlet's planned coverage. An outlet's approval does not Press Badges do not guarantee interviews, access to restricted areas, priority entry into individual programming, or special privileges beyond those expressly authorized by the Press Department.
• Press Badge holders do not receive the privileges or benefits associated with other badge types. Escorting Talent does not serve as an exception to this policy or grant access to restricted lines, areas, or benefits.

LIMITATIONS FOR INDEPENDENT PHOTOGRAPHERS AND VIDEOGRAPHERS:

• Only one (1) approved Press Badge per applicant. If by chance you have an assistant, an additional complimentary Press Badge may be considered. This request will be reviewed case by case and subject to approval.
• Does not provide access to Talent Interviews and private press rooms ‍
• Dream Con does not offer financial compensation or accommodations (travel, lodging, meals, parking, etc.) for Press Badge holders‍
• Press badges do NOT provide priority treatment for autograph sessions
• Press badges must be picked up on-site
• Press Badge holders do not receive the privileges or benefits associated with other badge types. Escorting Talent does not serve as an exception to this policy or grant access to restricted lines, areas, or benefits.

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Assignment Expectations For Independent Photographers & Videographers

Independent photographers and videographers approved for Dream Con Press credentials will receive designated event coverage assignments based on the convention's media needs. These assignments are intended to support documentation of the broader Dream Con experience while allowing approved individuals to pursue their own independent coverage.

• Assignments may include panels, performances, cosplay competitions, gaming tournaments, community activities, and other scheduled programming.
• The Press Department will communicate assignment schedules, locations, expectations, deliverables, and applicable access restrictions in advance.
• Approved applicants are responsible for completing their confirmed assignments or notifying the Press Department as soon as possible if a conflict or unforeseen circumstance prevents completion.
• Assigned coverage does not automatically provide access to backstage areas, private press rooms, official talent interviews, or programming with restricted recording policies.
• Failure to complete confirmed assignments without reasonable explanation or prior communication may affect continued accreditation or eligibility for future Dream Con events.
• Independent photographers and videographers retain the ability to capture and publish their own coverage outside assigned responsibilities, provided they comply with convention guidelines.

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Interview Procedures

Official Dream Con Talent Interviews must be requested and authorized through the established Press Department process.

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Registered Press and Media Outlets will receive an Interview Request Form for official Dream Con talent in May 2027. 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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NOTE: Independent Photographers and Videographers are not authorized to independently request or conduct official Dream Con Talent Interviews.

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Talent INTERVIEWS:

Official Dream Con Talent Interviews must be requested and authorized through the established Press Department process.

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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 advance approval from Dream Con's Press Department when conducted with consenting attendees, cosplayers, vendors, artists, or other individuals who are not official Dream Con Talent.

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However, all credentialed Press members remain subject to Dream Con's Code of Conduct, applicable venue policies, and federal and state laws while conducting interviews or creating content.

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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.

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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 premier stages, 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
• Engaging in inappropriate, harassing, exploitative, or nonconsensual photography or videographPress members must respect attendees, talent, staff, and other media professionals and comply with Dream Con's photography and conduct policies.
• Photographing, filming, or recording industry panels or other restricted programming without authorization. Approved assignments may permit specific coverage when expressly authorized by the Press Department or appropriate event representatives. A Press Badge alone does not override recording restrictions.
• Using Press credentials to obtain unauthorized talent access, bypass convention restrictions, promote unrelated commercial services, or misrepresent an affiliation with Dream Con.
• Sharing, transferring, selling, or allowing another person to use an approved Press Badge.
• Providing false information regarding professional experience, published work, audience metrics, outlet representation, or credentials.

Press Code of Conduct

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

• Must follow all rules and policies of both Dream Con and the George R. Brown 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 Talent
• Abide by any and all Federal or State laws
• Press members must accurately represent their media affiliation, professional role, and purpose for covering Dream Con.
• Press members must comply with authorized event staff instructions, posted recording restrictions, and designated access limitations.
• Press members are expected to maintain professional conduct while interacting with attendees, vendors, talent, other media, and Dream Con staff.
• Credential violations may result in restricted access, badge revocation, or ineligibility for future events depending on the nature and severity of the violation.

Press Hours

TBD

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*All hours are subject to change.

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‍After Dream Con

To maintain good standing with Dream Con, approved Press members must complete and submit the coverage outlined in their application or agreed assignments.

• Press and Media Outlets: Must publish and submit verifiable links to their Dream Con coverage within 60 days after the convention.
• Independent Photographers and Videographers: Must submit proof of their edited coverage (via portfolio or content folder) within 60 days after the convention. Any separately assigned content must be delivered according to the deadlines communicated by the Press Department.
• Applicants who anticipate delays must communicate with the Press Department before the applicable deadline.
• Failure to fulfill agreed coverage or assignment obligations without reasonable explanation may affect future accreditation eligibility.

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.