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

IASP provides complimentary Editorial Press Accreditation to qualified journalists and editorial staff whose primary purpose is to produce independent news coverage of the World Congress on Pain.

This policy applies only to editorial news media. Organizations participating primarily for commercial publishing, advertising, sponsored content, marketing, business development, lead generation, or other commercial purposes should email media@iasp-pain.org and request information about the Commercial Media Access & Distribution Program.

1. Purpose & Scope

This policy governs complimentary Editorial Press 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  • Embargo: A specified date/time before which coverage of certain content may not be published.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 an identifiable public or professional audience. Outlets whose primary purpose is marketing, promotion, advocacy, or corporate communications are not eligible

3. Eligibility Criteria

3.1 Eligible Media

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.

Eligibility is based on editorial independence and the intent to produce objective news coverage for an established audience.
  3.2 Not Eligible

 

The following are generally not eligible for complimentary Editorial Press Accreditation:

  • Public relations agencies 

  • Marketing agencies 

  • Advertising agencies

  • Corporate communications teams 

  • Exhibitors promoting products or services 

  • Organizations producing primarily sponsored or promotional content 

  • Individuals attending primarily for sales, marketing, advertising, recruiting, or business development 

  • Organizations whose proposed Congress coverage will be available primarily through a private, sponsor-controlled, or industry-registration platform rather than through an independently governed editorial outlet.

These organizations may be eligible to participate through IASP's Commercial Media Access & Distribution Program.

4. Verification & Documentation

All applicants must provide:

  1. Full name and contact information 

  2. Outlet name and URL 

  3. Current role or title 

  4. Three recent bylined articles, broadcast clips, photographs, or other published work from the past 12 months that include the applicant’s byline, on-air credit, photo credit, or other identifiable contribution 

  5. Evidence of a current editorial relationship with the outlet 

Freelancers must provide a current assignment letter from an editor. Staff applicants may provide a link to the outlet’s masthead or team page, an email address associated with the outlet, or other documentation reasonably requested by IASP. On-site badge 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

Editorial 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

Editorial Press 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

Editorial Press interview requests may be coordinated through media@iasp-pain.org or at the on-site Press Office. 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 Editorial Press Accreditation Policy — IASP 2026 World Congress on Pain, and applicable laws. Harassment, aggressive behavior, or safety violations may result in Editorial Press 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. Commercial Media

Organizations whose primary purpose is commercial publishing, advertising, sponsorship, business development, lead generation, or other commercial activities are not eligible for complimentary Editorial Press Accreditation.

IASP offers a separate Commercial Media Access & Distribution Program that provides paid access for qualified organizations wishing to cover or participate in the Congress in a commercial capacity. Participation is subject to application review, approval, and payment of the applicable Program fee. Organizations seeking information about commercial participation should contact media@iasp-pain.org

13. 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.

14. Onsite Editorial Press Badge Pickup

Bring a government-issued photo ID to the registration desk during posted hours. Editorial Press 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.

Apply for Editorial Press Accreditation