Frequently Asked Questions

Who should attend the conference?

The conference is for anybody who wants to be involved in efforts to reform our media. Activists, policymakers, journalists and other media workers, scholars, students, artists, and concerned citizens will all find opportunities to learn, share, network, and engage at the conference.

Who will be speaking at the conference?

Speakers will include academics, artists, activists, policymakers, journalists, entertainers, and leaders from various local, regional, state and national groups. Speakers will represent a range of backgrounds and experience and will offer diverse perspectives on the state of our media and the need for media reform.

We will be updating our Web site regularly with speaker and program information. A full description of panels, workshops, speakers, and other program information will be available within a month of the conference. Please check the program page regularly.

I'd like to present a workshop or be on a panel at the conference. Is it too late?

Our formal call for suggestions closed on January 7, 2008. We are no longer accepting formal proposals for conference workshops, panels, sessions, or other speaking slots. However, you can still make an informal suggestion for a speaker or a session idea.

Where will the conference be held?

The conference will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center in downtown Minneapolis, MN. More information can be found on the "Venue and Travel" page.

What are the registration fees?

Registration is open now and will be available through May 27th. Registration fees are $295 for supporting registration, $195 for regular registration and $95 for students, seniors, and lower-income activists. Registration rates are sliding scale and based on the honor system. Your selection of the "supporting registration" rate will help to defray the cost of attendance for individuals who otherwise might not be able to afford it.

How do I register for the conference?

We encourage you to register online with your credit card using our safe and secure registration process. If you are unable to register online, you may also register by mail, fax, or phone.

Click here to register online. Or you can download a paper registration form. Please make checks payable to Free Press.

Mailing and fax information:
Free Press
40 Main Street, Suite 301
Florence, MA 01062
FAX: (413) 585-8904

What should I do if I am having trouble registering online for the conference?

If you encounter a problem with our online registration system, please contact us by e-mail or call our offices at 877-888-1533 x 210.

Can I register for just one day of the conference?

No, single-day registration is not available. You must register for the whole event even if there are portions of it you are not able to attend.

How do I reserve a room for the conference?

Free Press has negotiated discounted room rates and reserved a limited block of rooms at four Minneapolis hotels. You must make your own hotel reservations. Click here for details.

We strongly encourage you to reserve your rooms early, as demand will be high for this event and the room blocks are limited.

I can't afford to attend the conference. Is financial assistance available?

Unfortunately, we are no longer accepting applications for the scholarship program. The scholarship application deadline was March 31, 208. We will be providing a limited pool of funds available to assist some individuals who would otherwise not be able to attend the conference. Scholarships will be awarded through an application process supervised by our outreach committee. Read more about scholarships.

In addition to our scholarship program, we also have opportunities to work in exchange for a registration fee waiver. Visit the "Work Exchange" page for details.

Can individuals from outside the U.S. receive scholarships?

Individuals from outside the U.S. are welcome to apply for a scholarship using the regular application process. Note that our scholarship selection and award process will conclude on or around May 1, 2008. This is only one month before the conference and international travelers should be prepared to work quickly to make all necessary travel arrangements, including securing visas.

Can I volunteer at the conference?

We will have a formal work exchange program through which a limited number of qualified conference attendees can volunteer their time in exchange for various conference benefits. For more information on work exchange requirements, click here.

Can my organization exhibit at the conference?

Yes, we will have an exhibit area for relevant organizations and businesses that will provide a forum for media reform organizations, projects and media service vendors to showcase their work for conference attendees. Organizations and businesses wishing to exhibit at the conference must submit an application. For more information, please click here.

Can I purchase an ad in the conference program?

Yes, several promotional opportunities are available, including advertising space in our conference program. For more information on promotional opportunities, please click here. To apply to purchase an ad, please click here.

I registered for the conference but now I can't attend. Can I get a refund for my registration?

Cancellation and refund requests must be made to Free Press via e-mail or phone at 877-888-1533 x 210.

Our cancellation policy is as follows:

Cancellations received before May 9 will be accepted, although a $40 processing fee will be charged.
No refunds will be provided for cancellations received after May 9th.

Refunds will be made in the method of the original form of payment. Any contributions to the Free Press Action Fund added to the registration fee are not refundable.

I have a question that's not answered here. Who do I contact?

You may send us an e-mail or call 877-888-1533 x 210.