Press

Welcome to the Worldcon 76 Press page. Worldcon 76 will provide support for members of the press and writers for online media who are covering the convention before, during, and after the event. You can find information on this page for obtaining press passes, approved logos and preferred fonts and colors, and usage guidelines, as well as basic event data.

Please note: This page is being updated constantly and may not have all of the above information until a later date.

Contact Us

For questions or general information on press relations that cannot be found on this page, please send email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Or leave a voicemail message for us at +1-408-905-9366. For additional needs, please refer to the Contact Us page on this site.

Press Releases

You can find press releases from Worldcon 76 here.

Media Packet

A media packet, including biographies and images of our Guests of Honor, information about the Hugos and Worldcon, and approved logos and guidelines can be found here.

Press Registration Information

Thank you for your interest in Worldcon 76, to be held August 16-20, 2019 in San Jose, California at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. Worldcon 76 actively supports members of the press and writers for online media who are covering the convention before, during, and after the event. We aim to provide information about this convention specifically, and about Worldcon, science fiction conventions, and the science fiction and fantasy genre in general.

As a representative of a media outlet, including professional and genre-related online sites, we at Worldcon 76 want to provide you with the opportunity to experience the most prestigious gathering in the Science Fiction & Fantasy community. We have listed the qualifications for credentials below, as well as common questions and answers for your convenience. If you have further questions, please feel free to email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This document applies to everyone granted media access, whether audio-visual, traditional press, or non-commercial press (as defined below). The terms Media Pass and Press Pass should be considered interchangeable for these purposes.

Worldcon 76 reserves the right to remove anyone approved under this license if it deems that the company or its representative (s) in any way has violated stated Worldcon 76 policies, common courtesy, violation of state and federal laws, and/or misrepresented itself or the nature of its business. Worldcon 76 has a Code of Conduct which is applicable to everyone attending this convention.

Press Pass Registration and Guidelines

Working members of the press must register prior to the convention. Please register as early as possible. We recommend that you register by July 15, 2018 to ensure that we have sufficient time to verify your credentials and arrange for your visit to the convention and any interviews with the guests or staff.

We will have a Press Relations office on-site at the Convention Center. Please check in at the Media Registration Area on site to obtain credentials. Credentials will not be mailed.

Worldcon 76 Press Relations will coordinate media access to the Art Show, Dealers Room, Hugo Ceremony or any other event(s) requested. Please note that individual events may have additional guidelines. Media / Press Passes are a privilege and are subject to being withdrawn if these guidelines are violated. We expect to have more detailed guidelines for the events prepared in July and will email a copy of these guidelines to approved Press Pass holders. Registration information will be kept confidential.

Worldcon 76 Press Relations will coordinate and arrange accommodations for setup, convention memberships, and access. All requests for interviews and space allocation for reporting, are handled by Press Relations and not individual guests or participants. Please include these requests in your registration, or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please note that we may not be able to accommodate all requests, so the earlier you make them, the better the chance will be that we can arrange it. A Worldcon 76 Press Pass is a complimentary license to be present and report on Worldcon 76 activities and does not grant any other privileges of membership.

The Press pass is not a standing group credential, but is individually issued, and all members of media teams are required to apply. Please make sure that you list all names and positions you wish the Press Pass to include in your application process to avoid confusion.

Please also note that while San Jose McEnery Convention Center offers free WiFi, WiFi access, electrical connections for equipment or special preparation gear will not necessarily be accessible during this event. Please list these requests when you complete the Press Pass Application. We will do our best to accommodate your requests, but cannot guarantee availability.

We request that media representatives who are granted Press Passes submit a link to or copies of their published works referencing Worldcon 76 to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. within 2 weeks of publication.

Non-Editorial Press Registration

Non-editorial employees of media organizations, including but not limited to, marketing, public relations, advertising, sales, publishers, etc., do not ordinarily qualify for Press Passes.

Please note that publishing companies do not qualify as media outlets.

All Non-Editorial Press must register through the standard membership page.

Freelance Reporter Registration

Freelance reporters must complete the online application. Please note that all Freelance Press Registration should be received no later than July 15, 2018. While every effort will be made to accommodate those replying after this date, verification of credentials is not guaranteed.

Eligibility is subject to approval by the Press Relations staff, who will notify you if your request for a Press pass is confirmed or denied, or if additional information is needed to confirm your status.

Professional Online Media

Worldcon 76 defines Professional Online Media as journalists who represent commercial news websites. Sites must be established and updated regularly with original and current news. To qualify as online media, online reporters must provide in their online application a link to your online publication with your name and title appearing in an editorial capacity, and a link to a bylined, industry-related article from your publication written by you and published within the last six months (the copy must clearly show the name of the publication and byline). Please note that online media must meet all criteria below:

The website must have a paid reporting staff of two or more. The website must post original, dated, industry-related news at least twice per month. Website content must extend beyond newsletters, links, forums, or blogs.

Non-Commercial Press Including Bloggers and Podcasters

Worldcon 76 supports the growing class of independent reporters and columnists who reach their audience via blogs, podcasts, video, or other nonprofessional online media, and is committed to allowing independent media access to the event on a limited slot availability.

We have a short list of guidelines below that will be used in evaluating the slots available for independent media. Please fill out our online application no later than July 15, 2018. We cannot guarantee independent media credentials for applications received after that date.

Worldcon 76 prefers to work with online media outlets that have an established track record covering aspects of Science, Science Fiction, Fantasy, and related works. We would prefer to work with websites that have been in continuous operation for at least six months.

Worldcon 76 reserves the right to request traffic data from a third party (e.g., Sitemeter, Technorati, Feedburner, iTunes, etc.) in the evaluation process when necessary. While the decision to grant access is not based solely on traffic/subscriber data, we do ask that applicants provide some degree of transparency into their operations for us to make a fair and timely decision on any media registration.

Obtaining press credentials is an opportunity to meet and interact with key industry and professionals as well as a solid Science Fiction/Fantasy fan base. While continued access to Worldcon 76 is not directly contingent on producing coverage during the convention, due to space limitations, Worldcon 76 Staff will take it into consideration when granting Press Passes.

All online media must sign an acknowledgement that they agree to abide by the Worldcon 76 Code of Conduct.

Production Company/Videography Crew Registration

Worldcon 76 requires that all film crews requesting permission to film at the convention register in advance as either a production company or a videography crew. If you are registering as a production company or videography crew, please complete our registration for media credentials. We will then contact you regarding your request. Worldcon 76 Press Relations maintains sole discretion in determining whether a network or station is a recognized media representative. A videography crew is defined as a videographer contracted by a conference exhibitor to film solely in that exhibitor's booth for that company's private/non-broadcast use only.

Due to limitations of space and access to our Media Rooms, all crew members engaged by an attendee, exhibitor, or guest at Worldcon 76 to film or record, need to be registered as media outlets. Unregistered crews not only run the risk of interfering with our members’ convention experience, but often have equipment that needs to be handled accordingly with our on-site manager and in compliance with our contract limitations. Videography crews must submit a letter from the exhibitor stating that the company will be working under contract to film at their booth for private/non-broadcast use only. Worldcon 76 reserves sole discretion to determine if a videography crew meets the requirements and be granted permission to film at the convention.

Production companies and videography crews must preregister. Onsite registration will not be available. The preregistration deadline is July 15, 2018.

Worldcon 76 reserves the right to remove representatives of any production company or videography crew from the show if it deems that the company or its representative(s) in any way violated stated conference policies and/or misrepresented itself or the nature of its business. There are no refunds for those who are removed or barred due to behavior or unqualified incidents, unprofessionalism, or any other reason that constitutes removal from Worldcon 76.

General Rules for Recording and Photography

  1. Coordination: All photographers please coordinate with Press Relations.

  2. Do not occupy or block any spaces designated for Accessibility purposes.

  3. Do not occupy reserved seats or sections not marked for Press.

  4. During the opening ceremony, the Masquerade, and the Hugo Ceremony, no flash photography is permitted, and photographers are not permitted to bring in additional lights.

  5. Publishing pictures of a person in a public space, e.g. a group shot, may require their consent, unless the person clearly is not the main subject of the image and the picture does not cause them any damage, suffering or harm. Please do not take pictures or video of individuals without their explicit permission.

  6. It is never acceptable to disrupt a program item or other event. The moderator/organizer of any event has the right to ask anyone to leave the room if they believe they are being disruptive. Please ensure any photography is non-disruptive, and respect the moderator/presenter, and/or panelists’ wishes regarding taking of photos and/or video.

  7. Please do not film signings. Many people are present and identifiable at these events, not just the author, and for many people meeting their favorite authors in person is a very personal moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who may receive complimentary Press Passes?

A: Complimentary Press Passes will be issued only to reporters, editors, freelance writers, photographers, and videographers working for recognized professional publications of national news services, local television or radio stations, or nationally-recognized independent media outlets. They must also cover an area that is relevant to Worldcon 76 such as community news, science, science fiction, fantasy, artists or authors, conference, or topics relevant to our event. Each media request is different and will be fully assessed before being issued.

Q: How do I register for a Press Pass?

A: Complete our Press Pass application. The application period will close July 15, 2018. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and you must agree to abide by the Worldcon 76 Code of Conduct.

Q: How will I know if my request was approved?

A: You will be notified by email from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if your request is approved.

Q: How do I pick up my Press Passes?

A: You pick them up at the Press Relations Office at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center starting on August 15, 2018 after 2pm. No registration material will be mailed by the Convention to any of its members.

Q: When I register for Press Credentials, will Worldcon 76 distribute my information?

A: Worldcon 76 will not distribute your contact information and respects the privacy requests of all who register. If requested, we will pass along your contact information to the 2019 Worldcon to be held in Dublin, Ireland.

Q: Will there be a working Press room on site, hours and access during the event?

A: To be determined. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with specific questions.

Q: Will I be able to store equipment on site?

A: All equipment brought to Worldcon 76 by attendees are the sole responsibility of the owner. While we will do our best to accommodate, Worldcon 76 cannot be held responsible for lost, abandoned, or discarded equipment and materials.

Q: What is included in a Press Pass?

A: Press Passes provide general access to convention events. Individual events and areas of the convention may have limitations on general access, audio and/or video recording, or photography. If you want to cover a specific item or interview one of our guests, please indicate your preferences on the application and we will attempt to honor these requests if possible. Worldcon 76 reserves the right and discretion to close receptions, workshops, panels, presentations or keynote speaker access to media at any time.

Q: What if one of our team members is unable to attend. Are Press Passes transferable?

A: If one of your team is unable to attend, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will do best to approve the substitute. At the convention, we will make every effort to accommodate you.

Q: Will media representatives be allowed to photograph or film the Art Show?

A: In general, photography and video is not allowed in the convention Art Show. If access is to be granted, permission from individual artists will be required.

Q: How do I arrange an interview or ask about covering a specific event?

A: Please indicate specific requests on the application form. Please do not contact the guests directly.

Q: Will wired or WiFI internet be available for the Press?

A: San Jose McEnery Convention Center offers free high-speed Wifi, but Worldcon 76 does not run its own access lines in the Convention Center or the Hotels which will have their own rules and guidelines. Access may be purchased on site through the Convention Center and/or the hotels.

Q: Does my Press Pass include parking?

A: No. the convention center has ample public parking, and there are several parking lots nearby. General information can be found at https://www.sanjose.org/trip-ideas/parking.

Q: What if my questions is not answered here?

A: Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for any other questions.