LAcon V, the 84th World Science Fiction Convention, welcomes members of the press and online media covering the convention before, during, and after the event. Our goal is to provide accurate information about LAcon V, the World Science Fiction Society (WSFS), the Hugo Awards, and our Guests of Honor.
For press inquiries, please contact the LAcon V Press Office at press@lacon.org.
Press Credentials and Press Passes
Press Credentials are available to registered, paid LAcon V members who are covering the convention for recognized media outlets or established online publications. These credentials identify the wearer as a member of the press but do not include admission to the convention.
A Press Pass is a complimentary, limited-access admission provided to qualified working journalists assigned to cover LAcon V on behalf of recognized mainstream news organizations. Press Passes do not include any membership or voting rights under the World Science Fiction Society (WSFS). Individuals receiving a Press Pass will also receive Press Credentials.
The only difference between Press Credentials and a Press Pass is complimentary admission. All accredited members of the press are welcome to make use of the services offered by the LAcon V Press Office.
All accredited media are expected to comply with the LAcon V Code of Conduct and all applicable convention policies.
Applying for Press Accreditation
Applications for Press Credentials and Press Passes will open prior to the convention. Details, deadlines, and application procedures will be published on the LAcon V website.
Submitting an application does not guarantee accreditation. The Press Office reserves the right to approve or decline applications based on editorial purpose, demonstrated publication history, and available resources.
Press Accreditation Request Form
Press Pass Eligibility
Press Passes are intended solely for working journalists employed or contracted by recognized professional news organizations, such as newspapers, magazines, television and radio stations, news websites, and similar outlets. Eligible applicants may include reporters, editors, photographers, videographers, producers, camera operators, and audio technicians.
Press Passes are not intended for individuals attending primarily as fans, volunteers, convention staff, dealers, exhibitors, program participants, or members of the science fiction and fantasy fan press. Consistent with long-standing Worldcon practice, members of the community (including professionals, creators, staff, and most program participants) are expected to purchase memberships if attending in a personal or professional capacity beyond news coverage.
Genre publications, podcasts, YouTube channels, blogs, fanzines, and other fan media are encouraged to cover LAcon V. Unless specifically approved by the Press Office based on demonstrated journalistic need and audience reach, representatives of these outlets should plan to purchase convention memberships and may apply for Press Credentials rather than complimentary Press Passes.
Photography, Recording, Privacy, and Consent
LAcon V is committed to fostering a welcoming environment while respecting the privacy of attendees.
Members of the press are expected to obtain consent before conducting interviews or recording individuals in situations where consent is reasonably expected. While photography and video recording in public areas of the convention are generally permitted, attendees who indicate they do not wish to be photographed or recorded should have those wishes respected whenever practical.
Photography or recording in designated restricted areas may require prior authorization from convention staff or the relevant department head. This will include the Art Show, Dealers Room, Exhibits, Green Rooms, Operations areas, and any backstage or staff-only spaces.
Press representatives must comply with all applicable federal, California, and local laws regarding photography, recording, privacy, and intellectual property, including California’s consent requirements for audio recordings. Recording private conversations without the legally required consent is prohibited.
We ask all members of the media to remember that LAcon V is, first and foremost, a community convention. Many attendees, including authors, artists, editors, scientists, and other professionals, are participating as fans and should be afforded the same courtesy and respect as every other member.
When available, the LAcon V Press Office may provide staff assistance or escorts for accredited press covering convention activities, helping facilitate interviews and answering questions about the event.
Arranging Interviews
If you would like to interview guests or other panelists (writers, editors, artists), please look up the list of program participants that can be found here. The list contains participants’ websites and social media links.
A reserved Press Interview Room, Balboa B room of the Hilton (which is just off of the Press Office in Balboa A room of the Hilton, is available for scheduled interviews. Members of the local press have the first chance to reserve the Press Interview Room on Thursday or Friday for interviews that are less than an hour long. If you have longer interviews or you are not local press, you can reserve the Press Interview Room on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Please apply the day before, so we can plan appropriately. Open slots will be offered up to (anyone such as podcasts) to use.
