2027 Media Policy

1.0 Policy Goals and Overview

Furry Fiesta aims to provide a welcoming space for attendees and does its best to welcome media guests in a way which promotes healthy and productive discussion. To help facilitate this goal, the convention has a few requirements for media wishing to visit and learn more about our event, fandom, and attendees.

Furry Fiesta reserves the right to deny admission to any person, at any time, for any reason. Every year our event brings thousands of individuals together for a weekend of fun, socializing, friendship, and charity. However, our first priority is always the safety and security of our attendees.

This being said, the staff of Furry Fiesta welcomes accredited and meritorious media outlets to schedule a visit, meet some of our community, and join in the fun! We are on the larger side of conventions in our fandom and work with our amazing charity (C.A.R.E.), which could greatly benefit from more exposure. Furry Fiesta will respond to requests for interviews and inquiries from authorized and accredited members of the press and select media outlets prior to the convention, and offers Press Passes for media outlets wishing to cover the event.

To ensure the event runs smoothly and the interests of attendees are protected, there are set guidelines for media that are strictly enforced. Violation of any of the conditions below may result in immediate termination of assigned Press Passes, security escort from the premises, and barring from future media interaction with affiliated events.

Furry Fiesta is a private organization and event. It is not considered a public venue. Usage of any footage filmed at Furry Fiesta or using the name of Furry Fiesta without our prior approval and permission is a violation of state law and will be reported. All footage obtained at the convention must be used in a way which is not deceptive or intended to defame individuals or the event.

In summary, Furry Fiesta reserves the right to decline media entry at any time to preserve the reputation of our charity, our organization and the privacy of our members.

2.0 Press Memberships (Press Pass)

Press Memberships are made available to those who can prove that they are employed by a reputable broadcast, print, or web-based media organization. Requests must be made at least 15 days prior to the start of our event, and all onsite visits must be arranged with our Onsite Media and Public Relations team via e-mail. If media arrives at our event without making these arrangements with our team they will be denied admission and may be escorted out of the event by security. This may also result in the banning of the individual and affiliated organization from future events. We implore you to please make the proper arrangements.

If you have been granted a Press Membership and given a timeslot for an onsite visit, you must check in at our convention’s Con Ops to receive your credentials. Logistical information on this will be provided by our Media Relations team prior to the event. You must be in possession of your media credentials before media-related activities can take place. Failure to check in before conducting media activities will result in revocation of the Press Membership and you being asked to leave. When checking in at Con Ops, please have the following with you: a valid government-issued picture ID, a letter on your organization’s masthead stating your role with the organization or two (2) business cards featuring the outlet and contact information, and contact information for the publication editor should we need it to validate your credentials before issuing you a pass.

2.1 Required Information for Press Membership Applications

When applying for a Press Membership, please be able to provide us with the following:

Your name(s) and full contact information (address, telephone and email – please note that the telephone must be a direct line.)
Contact information for your editor
Name of your publication
A brief summary of what you are seeking to cover at the event
What type of information and media you will be gathering at Furry Fiesta. (Cosplay photos, videos of events, interviews with attendees, chats with our convention leadership, etc.)

2.2 Restrictions on Coverage and Recording

All external media personnel are to be accompanied at all times by a member of Furry Fiesta staff. This is to ensure attendees and media are treated with respect by one another, and to provide assistance to media in arranging opportunities for quality material.
Coverage must be limited in time and scope. Furry Fiesta loves hosting media guests, but it is a large event and our staff have a finite capacity for providing access.
Media Pass holders will be required, at all times, to visibly display their assigned press credentials (Badge and Lanyard). You may not alter, obscure, or hide your Press Badge and Lanyard or otherwise attempt to conceal the fact that you are a member of the press.
Furry Fiesta can, at your request, provide you with a quiet area to conduct interviews but cannot guarantee availability of the space unless previously requested.
Media Pass holders must respect attendees who do not consent to being interviewed, photographed, or recorded. Our convention’s focus is providing a comfortable environment for our attendees and charity and if consent is not given by an individual, we kindly request Media Pass holders respect the will of the individual(s) and move on from those who decline an interaction.
Media Passes may not, under any circumstances, be shared and are issued to a single person only (Individual members of a multi-person team will each require registration onsite to receive their own pass.)
Please be aware that hidden cameras, microphones, or other concealed means of recording are not permitted. Our event space and hotel are considered private spaces during our event and attendees have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Use of such concealed recording devices will result in removal from our event space, barring from future events and referral to local law enforcement for unlawful activities.
Coverage of attendee-only events is not allowed. At the discretion of the convention leadership, this rule may be waived for individual events. (Ex: Coverage of Opening or Closing Ceremonies, Dance Competitions, etc.) Any event held behind closed doors is considered attendee-only.

3.0 How to Apply for Press Membership

To apply for a Press Membership to cover/visit Furry Fiesta an e-mail must be sent to media@furryfiesta.org no less than fifteen (15) days before the starting date of the convention. Please include or confirm you can provide the information listed in Section 2.1 in the initial email. Failure to do so may result in your request being declined.