Annual Meeting Press Policy

AAM Annual Meeting and events registered Press Policy

The American Alliance of Museums encourages journalists to attend AAM events and share with their audiences the valuable contributions being made by AAM and museums to society. This policy outlines guidelines for journalists at public AAM events such as the AAM Annual Meeting and Museums Advocacy Day.

Definitions

Journalists (i.e., professional reporters, editors, writers, news photographers, producers, and online editors) are generally defined as those whose primary occupation is to work for a publication, news service, broadcast outlet, or news site that is (a) regularly issued, (b) published primarily for the dissemination of news, and (c) operates independently from any commercial, political, government, or special interest entity. Bloggers seeking press registration to AAM events must be working journalists or be affiliated in an editorial capacity with a qualified news outlet.

Policy Details

  • Journalists who provide adequate credentials will be considered for a press registration for AAM events.
  • Press credentials to be submitted and reviewed may include:
    • Official press pass
    • Letter of assignment from the media organization being represented
    • A description of the media organization that confirms it is a publication, news service, broadcast outline, or news site that meets the criteria listed in Definitions section
    • An industry-related article from the applicant’s publication created by the applicant and published within the last twelve months, or a link to the applicant’s online publication with the applicant’s name and title appearing in an editorial capacity
    • Past coverage of AAM event
  • AAM retains the right to evaluate press credentials and grant or deny press registration at its discretion. Receiving press registration one year is not a guarantee of receiving it in future years.
  • Sales, advertising, and marketing staff; brand content producers; researchers; authors; consultants; and association staff are among those not eligible for press registration.
  • During the AAM event, journalists must identify themselves at all times and visibly wear their press badge as well as an AAM name badge with press ribbon. During sessions, journalists shall introduce themselves and their reporting publication or affiliation before asking their question.
  • Individuals who have received press registration are prohibited from soliciting business from sponsors, speakers, or attendees.
  • For copyright reasons, recordings of any kind are prohibited without prior written consent of the presenter(s). Journalists/attendees may not capture nor use the materials presented in any meeting room without written permission of the presenter(s).
  • Registered journalists may visit exhibitors in the exhibit hall. For any interviews, explicit permission must be received from any exhibitor, presenter, or subject matter expert who the journalist plans to interview, film, photograph or record (audio or video).
  • All journalists must clearly state their purpose and that the interview is intended for potential publication.
  • Press registrations are complimentary and entitle media to all educational sessions, as capacity allows, except those that AAM deems private. Ticketed events (i.e., those that require pre-registration and/or a fee to attend, such as receptions or meals) are not included in registration.
  • A press code for registration will be given to credentialed press by a member of the AAM communications team. Press badges will be handed to members of the press onsite by a member of the communications team. Press registrations are not transferable.