News media looking to cover the latest in HIV prevention science or to gain additional background and perspective on emerging trends within the field will not want to miss the 2010 International Microbicides Conference (M2010) in Pittsburgh May 20-24. Significantly, M2010 is the first major HIV/AIDS scientific meeting to be held in the United States in 20 years.

This page contains information of special interest to media and will be updated regularly.

Media CONTACT

For more information about media registration, the conference program or to arrange interviews, please contact::

Lisa Rossi

412-916-3315

rossil@upmc.edu

For all other inquiries, please send an e-mail to the conference organizers by clicking here or utilizing this e-mail address: info@microbicides2010.org

Registration

The conference registration fee will be waived for credentialed members of the print, broadcast and electronic media, as well as for community-based journalists.

Individuals who engage in social media (blogs, Twitter) will not qualify for press registration unless the activity is for a legitimate news organization.

Public information officers may qualify for media registration with proof of membership to the National Association of Science Writers (NASW), Canadian Science Writers Association (CASW), Association of British Science Writers (ABSW) or the International Science Writers Association (ISWA).

Publishers and sales, advertising or marketing representatives of publications or other news organizations may not register as media.

Preference will be given to media who register through advanced online registration. The deadline for media registration is May 3. Accommodations will be made for onsite registration only under special circumstances.

To register, please continue on to the following link after reading and understanding the requirements listed on this page.  Continue to Media Registration Form

You will need to send all supporting documents to rossil@upmc.edu.

You will be required to submit the following in conjunction with your registration:

• Copy of your press card; OR

• Official business card from your news organization identifying you as a reporter, writer, editor or producer; OR

• A letter on from your editor (on the official letterhead of your news organization) making the assignment for you to cover the conference; OR

• Copy of your membership card for NASW, CASW, ABSW or ISWA.

AND

• Two copies of or links to recently published bylined stories or broadcast stories, preferentially related to HIV/AIDS.

All submitted credentials will be checked and verified, and if necessary, additional information may be requested. The M2010 Organizing Committee reserves the right to deny press registration to those who, in its sole discretion, cannot present appropriate credentials.

Conference registration for media representatives includes the following:

• Access to all conference plenary presentations, symposia, abstract-driven sessions, poster viewing and poster discussions and the opening and closing ceremonies;

• Conference materials, including the conference program book and abstracts on CD;

• Refreshments offered during breaks and buffet lunch (May 23, 24, and 25); and

• Access to the opening reception (May 22).

All other costs associated with attendance, including travel, housing, and equipment, will be the responsibility of the media representative or sponsoring media outlet. 

Registration Confirmation

When you submit your registration form online, you will receive an e-mail acknowledgement and a temporary confirmation number within approximately two hours, at the e-mail address you provide. (If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within this time period, please contact us by clicking here or at info@microbicides2010.org. )

HOUSING ARRANGEMENTS

Members of the media will be responsible for making their own housing arrangements.  You must be registered in order to reserve housing that has been arranged in conjunction with the conference. Please visit the housing section of the Web site for more information on hotel accommodations for M2010.

Onsite PRESS ROOM

An on-site working press room will be equipped with Internet access, ISDN lines, phones and a limited number of PC work stations. An adjacent room will serve as the venue for daily announcements and press briefings. Media may request use of this room for one-on-one interviews. Press briefings will be available to reporters offsite via teleconference and web hosting.

The Press Room will be open during the following hours:

• Saturday, May 22, 2010 - 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

• Sunday, May 23, 2010 - 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

• Monday, May 24, 2010 - 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

• Tuesday, May 25, 2010 - 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Media representatives who are covering the meeting onsite must pick up their registration materials and badges at the Press Room upon arrival at the conference.  

Media policies

Embargoes

Abstracts and plenary and symposia talks will be embargoed until the time and date of the session at which it is being presented. If an abstract or other presentation is being discussed at a press briefing taking place before the time of presentation, the embargo will lift at the time of the briefing. Any exceptions to this policy will be clearly communicated to news media.

Third-party Press Releases

All press releases related to scientific presentations must be embargoed until the time and date of presentation unless otherwise noted. A separate area of the press room will be designated for third-party and industry-sponsored press materials related to abstracts being presented in poster or oral sessions.

Press Briefings

Registered news media have access to all press brieifings. Invited speakers are allowed no more than two guests. Guests attending press briefings must first register with press room staff.

Cameras

Television cameras are permitted inside scientific sessions and exhibit and poster areas for brief intervals and for b-roll purposes only. The use of lights will not be permitted. Still photographers must not use a flash. The David L. Lawrence Convention Center is a union facility. As such, cameras must be handheld at all times. Use of a tripod requires union camera operators. Arrangements for and the cost associated with this service will be the responsibility of each media representative.

Please check back periodically to obtain updated information.

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Updates / Changes to Media Registration Forms

Updates and changes to existing media registration forms must be submitted in writing through the conference Web site. If you have already submitted a media registration form and need to make a change, such as adding changing your affiliation or credentials, please send an e-mail to the conference organizers by clicking here or utilizing this e-mail address: info@microbicides2010.org

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your media registration at any time.  Notice of cancellations must be submitted in writing.  Please send an e-mail to the conference organizers by clicking here or utilizing this e-mail address: info@microbicides2010.org.  Please allow 3 business days for a response.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

Travel to the US