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Communications & External Affairs | Contact: media@iasp-pain.org 

1. Purpose & Scope

This policy governs media accreditation for the IASP 2026 World Congress on Pain, hosted by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) in Bangkok, Thailand, on 26-30 October 2026. It clarifies eligibility, verification, access rights, usage conditions, embargoes, and revocation/appeal procedures.

2. Definitions

  • Media representative: Reporter, editor, producer, photojournalist, or freelancer operating under recognized editorial standards.

  • Outlet: News organization with original journalism, an editorial process, and an audience relevant to IASP’s mission.

  • Embargo: A specified date/time before which coverage of certain content may not be published.

  • Qualifying editorial outlet: A news organization that produces original, independent journalism under a recognized editorial process. It has professional editors, publishes content on a consistent schedule, maintains a clear separation between editorial and advertising content, and serves a public audience. Outlets whose primary purpose is marketing, promotion, advocacy, or corporate communications are not eligible

3. Eligibility Criteria

3.1 Eligible Media 3.2 Not Eligible

Qualifying editorial outlets of the following kinds:

  • General news organizations (print, broadcast, online).

  • Trade/industry media in pain science or clinical pain management.

  • Wire services.

  • Freelancers with a current assignment letter and recent, relevant clips.

  • Photo/video journalists with a portfolio of published work.

Entities that do not meet the definition of a qualifying editorial outlet, including but not limited to the following:

  • Marketing/PR/advertising staff, brand content teams, exhibitors/sponsors’ communications teams.

  • Consultants, lobbyists, and advocacy groups without independent editorial oversight.

  • Personal blogs, content farms, sites with primarily promotional or pay-for-play content.

  • Social media influencers who are not affiliated with a qualifying editorial outlet.

4. Verification & Documentation

All applicants must provide the following:

  1. full name and contact info

  2. outlet name and URL

  3. role/title

  4. three recent bylined articles or broadcast clips (past 12 months)

Freelancers: editor’s assignment letter. Digital-only staff may provide a link to the outlet’s masthead/team page. On-site pickup requires a government-issued photo ID.

5. Accreditation Decisions

IASP reviews applications on a rolling basis and may request additional documentation. Credentials are limited and not guaranteed. Prior-year accreditation does not guarantee current-year approval.

6. Access Rights & Limitations

Press badges are complimentary and provide access to the following: 

  1. scientific/educational sessions

  2. exhibit hall

  3. press room/briefings (as scheduled)

  4. media materials

Badges do not include paid or ticketed events, meals, industry symposia, closed meetings, or backstage/green rooms. Separate registration may be required for select activities. Permission for these may be granted on a case-by-case basis for requests made in advance to media@iasp-pain.org. Only those granted permission in writing will be permitted into these other sessions.

7. Embargo, Recording, and Photography

Embargoed content must not be published before the stated embargo date/time. If the embargo date/time is unclear, it is the media representative’s responsibility to confirm the date/time (media@iasp-pain.org). Recording and photography may be restricted for certain sessions; signage and/or moderator announcements will indicate restrictions. Obtain explicit consent for interviews, patient-identifying content, and close-up imagery. Drones and tripods may be restricted by the venue and fire code; follow onsite instructions.

8. Interviews & Speaker Access

Interview requests should be coordinated via media@iasp-pain.org or at the on-site press room. Speaker participation is voluntary and at the speaker’s discretion. Media must not disrupt sessions or block aisles/exits.

9. Exhibitors, Sponsors, and Commercial Entities

Press interactions with exhibitors/sponsors must comply with exhibit hall rules. Product claims should be presented with appropriate context and disclaimers. Media may not imply IASP endorsement of products or services.

10. Code of Conduct & Safety

All accredited media must abide by the Congress Event Policies, this Comprehensive Press & Media Accreditation Policy — IASP 2026 World Congress on Pain, and applicable laws. Harassment, aggressive behavior, or safety violations may result in badge revocation and removal without refund of any ancillary purchases.

11. Privacy & Data Protection

Personal information collected via the application will be used to process credentials and manage communications related to the event. IASP processes data under applicable laws. Applicants may request access or deletion as permitted by law by contacting media@iasp-pain.org.

12. Revocation & Appeals

IASP reserves the right to deny or revoke credentials at its sole discretion, including for policy violations, disruptive conduct, or misrepresentation. Appeals may be submitted in writing to media@iasp-pain.org within 10 business days, accompanied by additional documentation.

13. Onsite Badge Pickup

Bring a government-issued photo ID to the registration desk during posted hours. Badges are non-transferable and must be worn visibly at all times within event spaces.

IASP may add, omit, or change content in this policy at any time. It is the responsibility of media representatives and outlets to comply with the version of this policy that is published at the time of the activity/event.

Submit a Press Pass Application