AOTA welcomes journalists, reporters, radio personalities, photographers, film crews, and other members of the traditional news media at our conferences and events. These guidelines serve as rules of engagement to protect our attendees while sharing stories from these events with public audiences.
Media representatives must present identification to verify affiliation with print, broadcast, or recognized Internet media. Freelance writers must submit a letter of assignment or letter of intent from the media outlet being represented. Unassigned freelance writers must present bylined articles from a recognized news organization for consideration. Business cards or membership cards from communications or writers’ organizations are not sufficient to establish eligibility.
Press passes are available only to working media representatives who can show evidence that their attendance is expected to result in coverage of the meeting or event in print, broadcast, or Internet media.
Filming and photographing for public consumption of any kind anywhere within AOTA conference and events is allowed only at the discretion of AOTA’s Media Relations Team. To apply for permission, email AOTA's Communications Team, praota@aota.org.
Camera crews and photographers must be accompanied at all times by AOTA staff.
In addition to following all AOTA rules and regulations, film crews and photographers must also follow the city’s fire safety and union regulations.
Live broadcasts from any AOTA event or session may occur only with written consent from AOTA’s Media Relations Team. To apply for permission, email AOTA's Communications Team, praota@aota.org.
Media representatives will not be given Conference tote bags or other complimentary items (e.g., food, beverages, Expo Hall giveaways).
Dual-role publishers/editors may obtain a press pass if they meet the other criteria outlined in these guidelines. Exhibitor passes limit access to the Expo Hall area only. Any media activities in the Expo Hall must be approved by AOTA's Communications Team.
Exhibitors who plan on having a film crew videotape their booth must contact the AOTA Media Relations Team. Exhibitors may hold their own press conferences and are responsible for making their own arrangements. Please notify the Communications Team in advance so we can reroute press queries.
AOTA will not issue press passes to a publisher’s or publication’s advertising, marketing, public relations, or sales representatives; publishers, editors, or reporters from manufacturers’ house or promotional publications; public relations staff of exhibitors; writers creating analyses or reports sold as a commodity; or other individuals or their representatives who are not actually reporting on the meeting or event.
Any press pass holder who sells, markets, or represents a company or organization for the purpose of obtaining advertising, sales, or subscriptions from any meeting registrant or exhibitor will be asked to immediately forfeit press credentials.
AOTA reserves the right to limit media access to AOTA-sponsored meetings and events.
AOTA reserves the right to inspect the credentials of anyone registering as media.
AOTA reserves the right to limit the number of press badges issued to a single media organization.
AOTA program content may not be used to develop continuing education materials without the express written consent of AOTA.