Cover Anime Weekend Atlanta as Press
To receive press credentials to cover AWA, applicants must first pass a screening process, based on information about planned coverage, examples of previous AWA coverage or coverage of similar events, a valid press pass (if applicable) and photo I.D., and other information as requested by AWA Press Relations staff. Applicants should keep in mind that, just because a given reporter or organization was approved in a prior year does not guarantee credentials for the current year. AWA does not provide press passes to cosplay photographers or online photo galleries.
Each approved organization will receive up to two complimentary press badges to attend the convention. Extra comp badges and press credentials will be provided only to those applicants that can provide a demonstrated need for more. All press badges are comped and must be obtained through the Press Registration process. Press access will not be given to any individuals who are not approved for a comped press badge.
Registration at the door can only be made for exceptional circumstances by the Head of Press.
Privileges and Limitations
Receipt of press credentials provides the following privileges:
- Access to press-only rooms such as special press interview rooms.
- Access to at-con press releases, briefings, and Internet communications from Press Relations about planned press events.
- Entrance to press conferences with guests, subject to space and time availability.
- Access to press-only seating when provided at AWA events, subject to space availability and other restrictions.
- The ability to schedule interviews through AWA Press Relations staff with guests, subject to guest availability.
Press credentials are subject to the following limitations:
- Registered members of Press must obey all AWA policies.
- Registered members of Press must arrange for and finance their own travel and room and food.
- Failure to comply with the Press policies as well as AWA policies may result in revocation of Press Badge(s).
AWA Interview Procedures
Interviews with official AWA guests must be requested and arranged through AWA Press Relations staff.
- Only registered members of Press may request interviews with official AWA guests. Interviews will be arranged as guest availability allows; simply requesting an interview does not guarantee that one will be arranged.
- AWA staff works with guests, their publicists and managers, and their industry reps to schedule the guests’ time. This policy is necessary to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Ad Hoc Interviews
Ad hoc interviews with general members, dealers, and people other than guests and industry do not require AWA Press Relations approval. In the event you wish to conduct such interviews in one of the available press rooms, you will need to coordinate the space reservation with us.
Since guests’ time is limited, registered members of Press are asked to refrain from requesting autographs or personal photos with guests at the close of an interview. Photos of guests to accompany coverage are sometimes allowed, subject to the convenience of guests and to time constraints. All such photos must be prearranged at the time of scheduling the interview
Proper Behavior of Registered Press
Registered members of Press are reminded to conduct themselves in a professional manner when acting in a press capacity.
Professional behavior includes but is not limited to:
- showing respect to AWA guests, staff and other participants;
- showing up early for scheduled interviews or press events, or notifying AWA Press Relations staff of any delays;
- arriving prepared to conduct scheduled interviews;
- obeying the moderator’s rules for any press conferences and complying to all photo restrictions, as conveyed by AWA staff or by the guests themselves.
