Dream Con 2027 Press Application

Thank you for your interest in being press for Dream Con 2027!

Important: Only one application per outlet. Please do not submit multiple applications under different contact names. The person submitting the form will be considered the primary contact and will receive all communication moving forward. Other members must correspond with the original primary contact for updates.

All applicants will undergo a careful screening process, which may require additional information from the respective outlet. Please note that submitting an application does NOT guarantee approval. Acceptance in prior years does NOT guarantee acceptance this year.

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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.

QUALIFIED 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.
• 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.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR PRESS AND 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 for a Dream Con Press badge, Press and Media Outlets must publish about Dream Con in the 60 days before the con and submit coverage within 60 days after.

Note: Freelancers must name the assigning outlet and provide an assignment letter. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR INDEPENDENT PHOTOGRAPHERS/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.
• 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.

BENEFITS 
FOR PRESS AND MEDIA OUTLETS:

• Three (3) complimentary badges which includes three (3) days of entry to the event-at-large
• 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 
• Access to the 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. 
• Press Badges do NOT provide free accommodations, travel, parking or food
• Limited priority entry to main events and pLimited 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
• 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.

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 unless you have received selected assignments that include this 
• Press Badges do NOT provide free accommodations, travel, parking or food
• Limited priority entry to main events and 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

Content Ownership and Usage

Independent photographers and videographers retain ownership of their original work unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Content produced for designated Dream Con assignments may be submitted for use across Dream Con's official platforms, subject to agreed usage terms. These terms should specify permitted uses, submission expectations, and crediting practices.

A Press Badge does not automatically grant Dream Con unrestricted rights to independently created content. Any additional commercial usage, licensing, or production arrangements must be agreed upon separately.