PRESS

Thank you for the exposure!

The primary focus must be on black-owned businesses. The badge company name must reflect media outlet qualifications. Press credentials are not carried over year to year, please register each year.

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All qualifications must be submitted in full within 10 days, otherwise, the press credential may not be qualified. If you have not submitted your business proof before arriving on the site, plan to bring business proof per above with you. 

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PRESS

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Definition: Journalists of reputable outlets in or related to retail (business press or trade press).

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Requirements: Press credentials consisting of a business card with your name, media outlet, and title as well as ONE of the following:

• Traditional Print Media (online versions as well) Examples include Newsletter, Trade Journal, Magazine, eNewsletter.

a) Please provide a sample of two articles, published within the past twelve months that clearly displays authorship, and is within the realm of media*

b) OR, a copy of publication masthead including your name– see accepted titles below.* 

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TV/Radio: Please submit a link to your show or segments, as well as a screenshot of your station's issued press credentials.

Accepted Titles for Press Badge:

• Editor (in the title)

• Reporter

• Writer (in the title)

• Anchor

• Broadcast Producer

• Host

• Program Director

• Assistant Production titles

PRESS CREW

Definition: Photographers, videographers, non-journalists affiliated with news outlets and attending for an official purpose

Requirements:

• Proof of business, press credentials, or assignment letter

• Current Paycheck Stub

• Web site describing the practices of the individual or business.

Accepted Titles for Press Crew Badge:

• Camera Operator

• Sound Engineer

• Photographer

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Annual Registration Pricing: $35 (Press Hall Pass)

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INFLUENCER 

Definition: Bloggers, RDs, social media influencers, others with the relevant following but not affiliated with a media outlet.

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Requirements: Minimum followers: 1K on one social media outlet (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube).

Note: If you have less than 10K but more than 5K followers, you will be registered as Social Enthusiast.

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One pass per outlet; additional “Support” passes require approval and are subject to a fee.

Accepted Titles for Influencer Badge:

• Blogger

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Annual Registration Pricing: $35 (Press Hall Pass)

MEDIA SERVICES

Definition: Publishers, Media Sales, Executives

Requirements: Proof of Business

Accepted Titles for Media Services Badge:

• Publisher

• Account Executive

• Associate Publisher

• CEO

• President

• Sales titles

• Vice President

Annual Registration Pricing: $35 (Press Hall Pass)

SOCIAL ENTHUSIAST

Definition: Emerging bloggers

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Requirements: Minimum followers: 10K on one social media outlet (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube). Registrants with less than 10K will be registered as Support.

Accepted Titles for Social Enthusiast Badge:

• Blogger

• Social Enthusiast

Annual Registration Pricing: $35 (Press Hall Pass)

MEDIA SUPPORT

Definition: Misc. justified press guests; bloggers with less than the required minimum followers of “Social Enthusiast” will be considered under this category. Demonstration of business interest in black-owned businesses is required. Subject to additional review of content and engagement based on the needs and requirements of the event.

Requirements:

• Proof of Business

Annual Registration Pricing: $35 (Press Hall Pass)