SHRM Conference Press Registration

If you have questions after reading the Q&A below, please email the Media Affairs team at press@shrm.org.

Who can receive complimentary press registration to SHRM's conferences?

Complimentary registration is available to credentialed journalists (i.e., professional reporters, editors, writers, news photographers, producers and online editors) who work for a publication, news service, broadcast outlet or news site that is regularly issued and published primarily for the dissemination of news, and operates independently from any commercial, political, government or special interest.

Only media whose primary responsibility is the coverage of the human resources industry, workplace and workforce issues, business and related news will be considered for credentials.

Sales, advertising and marketing staff, analysts, brand content producers, researchers, authors, consultants and others are not eligible for press registration. Non-media attendees can visit the SHRM Online site for conferences and events​ for information on registration.

The number of press credentials for each media outlet is limited. Press credentials are not transferable.

How do I request press credentials?

To request credentials: If you meet the required criteria, please email Media Affairs (press@shrm.org) with the following information: News organization, first name, last name, address (including city, state, and zip code), country, phone number, email address, Twitter handle, and dates that you plan to attend the conference.

Confirmation of request: We will respond within three business days letting you know whether your credentials have been approved.

Deadline: Press credentials should be requested as soon as possible, and no later than one week before a SHRM event. Onsite requests will not be granted.

How can bloggers register?

Blogger registration is handled by SHRM's social media team. Bloggers seeking press credentials must be working journalists or be affiliated in an editorial capacity with a qualified news outlet as described above. As a general rule, bloggers must also have been writing daily or weekly posts for at least six months. Consideration will be given to student bloggers who are enrolled full-time in graduate business or HR programs, or who can demonstrate involvement in producing editorial content for collegiate publications, broadcast outlets, or news Internet sites. A social media lounge, separate from the media press room, is available. Bloggers are asked to use the lounge and not the pressroom.

SHRM Annual Conference and Exposition

What is the next step after receiving press credentials?

SHRM's website is the best resource for information regarding conferences. One week prior to the SHRM Annual Conference and Exposition, you will receive an electronic press kit, which will include all the information you will need right at your fingertips (i.e., press room information, program, SHRM media affairs team contact information, etc.).

Print copies of the media packet will also be available in the conference press room. Don’t forget to bring photo identification when you arrive at the conference.

What other benefits are available to credentialed journalists?

The Annual Conference press room offers complimentary items including water, sodas, lunch, wireless Internet, and a comfortable and quiet workspace.

Several press briefings will be held in the press room, and SHRM staff, member expert and concurrent speaker interviews can be conducted in the press room.

Interviews of exhibitors can take place only in the exhibition hall.

What restrictions are there on video, photography, speaker interviews, etc.?

Advanced permission is required for news cameras and radio broadcast onsite during SHRM conferences, and recordings of all or portions of conferences without prior approval from SHRM are prohibited.

Video of general sessions is prohibited, and keynote speakers generally are not available for interviews. B-roll video of public areas of the conference -- exhibition hall and SHRMStore, for example --- and video interviews of SHRM staff and member experts are possible.

Please check with SHRM Media Affairs staff for any restrictions on photography.

Many concurrent session speakers are available for interviews; check with Media Affairs for possibilities.

What do I do once I arrive at the conference site?

All members of the media must pick up their own press badges at the press room check-in desk. A photo ID is required. Press credentials are required for access to general and concurrent sessions and the press room.  Media visitors or family members are not permitted inside the press room.