BWRC offers free conference press passes to certain media agents. Our aim in granting these passes is to increase public awareness of, and general support for, the educational value and opportunities presented at our conferences. Press passes are handled on a case-by-case basis.

BWRC press passes are available to full-time credentialed staff writers employed by a trade publication or mainstream media outlet (newspaper, magazine, radio, television, etc.) and are issued to working press only. Only bonafide representatives of the mass media will be accredited to cover the Black Writers Reunion & Conference educational programs. Please note: Requests from freelancers on assignment must be made by the assigning media outlet (on their letterhead). Non-eligible persons should follow the standard registration process.

Applicant must include the following items with their application. Should any items be omitted, the application may not be considered.
1. A letter of assignment from your editor/publisher on your media outlet’s letterhead with circulation / distribution, frequency, etc. Freelance writers or contributing editors may request press credentials with a letter from the managing editor of a magazine / newspaper stating that said individual has been hired to cover the event on behalf of that particular media outlet. We may request a sample issue of his/her publication.
2. Copies of published articles attributed to the applicant.
3. A company business card bearing the name and position of the person applying for press pass MUST accompany the application.

Press passes must be requested in advance—at least three weeks prior to a conference. Please note:
A. Press passes are generally offered to one agent per publication.
B. Low-cost, wide-circulation media are the preferred recipients of passes.
C. High-cost, limited-circulation industry publications may also receive passes. However, we may request advertising of equivalent value to a conference registration. This kind of arrangement needs to be formalized well in advance.
D. Use of cameras by press is restricted. Agents must obtain prior written permission to film any presenter during regular sessions. We can provide an agreement form in advance of the conference. To prevent conference piracy, no more than 10 minutes of any given session may be filmed.
E. We do not provide a press room nor equipment storage. We are not responsible for agents’ equipment.
F. Agents are not permitted to advertise their publications or invite subscriptions while attending the conference unless a sponsorship agreement is in place. We do, however, offer opportunities for promoting sample issues.
G. We appreciate receiving copies of articles resulting from our conferences.
H. Any agent who is disruptive or otherwise behaves in a manner contrary to BWRC’s educational purpose, policies, or hotel/venue policies will be asked to leave the conference.

Submit your request on company letterhead by fax, mail, or scan/email (PDFs) to:

Black Writers Reunion & Conference
PO Box 542711
Grand Prairie TX 75054-2711
Fax: 413.235.4002
conference (at) blackwriters.org