The Mid-Atlantic Association of Community Health Centers (MACHC) is pleased to welcome the media to the 2007 Health Empowerment and Resource Symposium (HERS!).

Media credentials for HERS! are available to reporters, editors, and publishers of publications that regularly cover issues related to the health industry. Journalists who receive credentials should be on assignment for a specific media organization. Requesting media credentials does not automatically qualify you to receive a media badge for the HERS!.

Registration for these conferences is complimentary for those who may provide editorial coverage and who meet the eligibility criteria.

Media Eligibility Criteria:

Media qualifications: You must be currently employed by a news publication or you must be currently employed with a recognized (network, cable, independent) news organization. You also may be required to submit credential information to support your qualifications. If you are selected, HERS! will contact you upon receipt of your media registration form.

Media credentials are given to members of the working media whose attendance at the HERS! may result in coverage, whether print or broadcast, of the efforts of MACHC and its members.

Business/Trade Publications and News Wire Services

• Current masthead with your name
• Contributing editors and reporters must supply an original letter of assignment, on the organization’s letterhead, stating they have been retained to cover the HERS! Conference.

Broadcast Media – Television and Radio

• An original letter of assignment on the organization’s letterhead

Freelance Writers

• An original letter of assignment on the organization’s letterhead stating they have been retained to cover the HERS!

Journalists:
Journalists are required to submit supporting documentation as part of the registration process.

• A copy of business card with name, editorial title and media outlet's logo. 

University/College Publications

• An original letter of assignment on the organization’s letterhead from the university/college stating they have been retained to cover the HERS!

Individuals who do not qualify for media credentials:
Individuals representing companies or organizations listed below do not qualify for media registration:

• Book authors
• Freelance writers who are employed by non-news organizations
• Freelance writers must submit a letter of assignment from the media outlet for which they are working. The letter must be signed by the editor.
• Publishers, editors or reporters from manufacturers
• Companies/organizations producing publications, videos, and/or other items solely for the purpose of marketing, advertising, financial analysis, or public relations
• Public relations staff and/or representatives from communications, print, and on-line promotion organizations
• Financial analysts and consultants
• Other representatives who are not reporting on the HERS! symposium

HERS! reserves the right to refuse media credentials for publications that cannot be verified or that it deems not substantive in reach or content; all requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
All approved media credentials can be picked up at registration during HERS!

Conference Media Credentials

Number of Media Who May Register for Each Organization: Registration is limited to two individuals per media outlet; newsletters and college publications are limited to one representative per outlet. Organizations that wish to send more than two representatives should contact deitra.bell@machc.com or call 301-577-0097, ext. 23.

Broadcast Media Guidelines: Photographers, television and video crews must obtain media credentials per the guidelines. When covering HERS!, photographers and broadcast media must check in at the registration area before going on the exhibit floor or to an education session. A HERS! staff member must accompany the photographer/broadcast crew when shooting any of the conference’s activities.

Media Advance Registration: Deadlines for media registration will appear on the MACHC Web site. Check that site for the registration form and deadlines for advance registration.

Upon receipt of your registration for HERS!, you may be contacted by MACHC and asked to provide supporting documentation to receive your media credentials. All media registering in advance will receive an e-mail confirmation of their registration. Media registering on-site for the HERS! must bring all documentation and qualifying materials to receive media credentials.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact:
Deitra.bell@machc.com, 301-577-0097, ext. 23 or deitra.bell@machc.com
To access the conference Web sites visit: www.machc.com

Requests for media credentials can be sent to:
Mid-Atlantic Association of Community Health Centers
Attn: HERS!
4483-B Forbes Boulevard, Suite B
Lanham, MD 20706
301-577-0097 (phone)
301-577-4789 (fax)
deitra.bell@machc.com

If you are unable to complete the online application, please mail a letter of assignment to the above address.