National Press Club Definition of a Member of the Working Press

Media Definitions

Media Eligibility

IMTS offers media badges to active members of the press who regularly report on technology in any field. This includes journalists, analysts, and digital creators whose primary role is to produce editorial manufacturing technology and industry coverage.

Individuals working in non-editorial roles – such as publishers, general managers, sales staff, marketing/PR professionals, brand reps, or anyone attending for purposes other than generating news or content – will not qualify for media accreditation.

Media registration is now open - Register now for IMTS 2026

Verifying Your Media Status

To confirm eligibility, IMTS requires documentation that shows you actively work in technology-focused media. Please do not upload personal or confidential information. If you're not able to meet these media criteria, you will need to register as an Individual Visitor instead.

You must create written or editorial content for a news outlet, magazine, or digital publication that covers technology. Provide one of the following:

  • Technology/industry-related articles with your byline published within the last nine months
  • An assignment letter from your editor (on official letterhead or sent from the publication's email domain) confirming that you're reporting on IMTS
  • A masthead or “about” page that lists you as part of the publication's editorial staff

You must work for a research or analysis firm and contribute insights on technology markets or industry trends. Provide one of the following:

  • A bylined article from the past nine months
  • A published piece from the past nine months quoting you as an analyst
  • The cover page of a research report released within the last nine months that credits you as a contributor

Creators must produce original technology/industry content on a consistent basis. To qualify, submit both:

  1. A listing of socials and recent analytics or follower report (from the past 30 days) showing
  2. Links to three tech-related pieces of content from the past nine months—on the same platform where your analytics originate

LinkedIn creators may alternatively qualify if they have been named a “Top Voice” in Technology within the last six years.

Note: Individuals providing production help (e.g., videographers) must apply under “Content Creator Crew” and will only be approved once the main creator is accredited.

For team members assisting a digital creator – such as camera operators, editors, or producers – submit:

  • An assignment letter from the approved content creator, using their official letterhead or the email associated with their IMTS registration

Applicants must be on-air reporters or hosts covering manufacturing technology/industry for a TV/streaming or radio network. Provide:

  • An assignment letter from your editor or producer (on network letterhead or from an official network email)
  • Three recent examples of technology-related segments aired in the last nine months

Behind-the-scenes broadcast professionals (producers, directors, camera operators) must submit:

  • An assignment letter from a producer or editor using official station/network letterhead or email confirming IMTS coverage

Independent contributors (writers, photographers, videographers) working with established media outlets must provide one of the following:

  • Three tech-related pieces published in the past nine months with your byline
  • An assignment letter from an editor or producer (on official letterhead or from a company email) confirming that you are covering IMTS and/or manufacturing technology

Content from forums, user groups, or non-editorial community platforms does not qualify for media accreditation.

National Press Club Definition of a Member of the Working Press:

  1. Work as a:
    • Reporter, editor, writer, publisher
    • Editorial or news cartoonist or artist
    • News photographer or videographer
    • Producer, president or general manager
    • Librarian, Web master or other editorial employee
  2. For a publication, news service, broadcast outlet or news Internet site that is:
    • Regularly issued
    • Supported by advertising or paid subscriptions or published or funded by a non-profit organization
    • Operated with editorial independence from any political, governmental, commercial or special interest
    • Not a house organ of any organization or movement
    • Published primarily for the dissemination of news
  3. Teach journalism at the college level as your primary professional activity and are an instructor, professor or dean
  4. Are principally a non-fiction author whose work has been published by a commercial printing house