Be age 17 or older - we do allow student journalists with approval from their school’s advisor or sponsor
Provide identification such as state ID/ driver's license, passport, visa or school ID
Provide previous media or press related work
Personal bloggers/vloggers* and cosplay photographers are eligible for discounted badges
Media outlet/organization must have been established for at least 2 years
Active on at least 1 social media platform
500 fans, likes, or followers for the applicant’s social media platform or 5,000 unique monthly hits
Content directly promoting Dream Con within 60 days of the convention
*Exemption: Youtubers with 10,000 subscribers or an average view count of 5,000 qualify for press
A Press badge for each member of your press team (maximum 4), which allows you access to all events, panels, and tournaments within the convention
Priority access to main events and panels
Access to the press lounge for private guest interviews
All press members must follow Dream Con’s policies and procedures at all time
Press badges do NOT provide free accommodations, travel or food
Press badges do NOT provide priority treatment for autograph sessions
Press badges must be picked up on site by each member of your team
Applications are due Monday, April 15th, 2019. Outlets or organizations who miss this date will not receive press badges.
All applicants will undergo a background check and screening process, which may require additional information from the respective outlet. Applicants are not guaranteed a press spot and are subjected to rejection at any time.
The registered press must request either a 30 or 60-minute interview session with official Dream Con Guests by Tuesday, April 15th, 2019. 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. Only registered press may request a session.
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 staffer will monitor the interview session from start to finish.
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.
As a member of the press, these actions are prohibited:
Flash photography
Sexualized photography (PG 13 or under)
Photographs, video or audio recordings of industry panels
Photographs/video or audio recordings without consent
The registered press must follow all rules and policies of both Dream Con and the Waco Convention Center.
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
Follow all policies outlined within Dream Con’s Code of Conduct
Abide by any and all Federal or State laws
To maintain a 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.
Press members who violate any of the outlined policies on this page will have their badges immediately removed and/or blacklisted from Dream Con 2020.
