The Fourth Global Symposium on Health Systems Research welcomes the participation of media editors and journalists.

Registered media will automatically have their details captured on the Symposium media contact list so that they will receive official releases as soon as they are issued.

We also invite registered media to download and register on the Symposium App as this will enable them to connect and engage with a broad range of speakers and participants.

Accreditation and Media Registration

Preference for media accreditation will be given to traditional media, community media, credible online news platforms, media technical staff (cameramen, soundmen, photographers, etc), and relevant bloggers and blogsites; including:

  • Print journalists from newspapers, magazines or journals
  • Broadcast journalists
  • Freelance and community journalists
  • Internet journalists

Applications for media accreditation received from bloggers and media/communications staff from NGOs will be considered based on relevance to the field of health systems research, spread of the platform or publications and the quality of the articles produced.

There is no fee for media registration. Upon arrival, journalists will receive their symposium press badge, the final programme and the final list of participants, as well as other relevant information. Please note that badges are not transferable or exchangeable.

To be able to register as a media representative, you must be at least 18 years old. You may be asked to present an official identity card stating your age. There is no registration fee for accredited media representatives. However, to be accredited as media representative, you must submit the following:

Print journalists – Newspaper/magazine/HIV or scientific journals:

  • Copies of three articles that have been published by a recognised media outlet that you have written, with your by-line on the article. Do not send WORD documents – we require copies of the original published article. If these articles are published online, you may send the complete URL rather than hard copies of the article
  • A letter from your editor (on the official letterhead of your organization) stating that he or she supports your application and that you have been assigned to cover the conference
  • A copy of your press card. If you do not have a press card, your editor must state this clearly in the above letter.

Broadcast journalists and film-makers:

  • Audio or video files of three broadcast programmes you have worked on – you must upload a maximum of one minute of this file, which includes the section with your name on it. If this file is published online, you may send the complete URL rather than upload the film. If you are unable to upload the audio/video files
  • A letter from your editor (on the official letterhead of your organization) stating that he or she supports your application and that you have been assigned to cover the conference
  • A copy of your press card. If you do not have a press card, your editor must state this clearly in the above letter.

Freelance journalists

  • Copies of three articles that have been published by a recognised media outlet that you have written, with your by-line on the article, OR Audio or video files of three broadcast programmes you have worked on – you must upload a maximum of one minute of this file, which includes the section with your name on it. If this file is published online, you may send the complete URL rather than upload the film
  • A letter from your editor (on the official letterhead of your organization) stating that he or she supports your application and that you have been assigned to cover the conference
  • A copy of your press card. If you do not have a press card, your editor must state this clearly in the above letter.

eNews journalists (official news website):

  • The complete URL’s of three articles you have written that have been published by a recognized media outlet, with your byline on the article
  • A letter from your editor (on the official letterhead of your organization) stating that he or she supports your application and that you have been assigned to cover the conference
  • A copy of your press card. If you do not have a press card, your editor must state this clearly in the above letter.

Bloggers:

This category will be assessed on the quality and relevance of material provided. Being published on a blog does not automatically grant media accreditation. Please submit:

  • The URL’s of three relevant blog posts that you have written in 2015/2016 with proof that you have an online following and that you have been re-blogged or published by others or sited on other blog sites.

We ask all those applying for accreditation to indicate how they intend to cover the Symposium.

There will be an orientation session in the afternoon of Tuesday 15 November, when you will have the opportunity to learn more about the Symposium themes, resources and support available; the programme, including highlighting key sessions, e.g. plenaries, launches and the meeting itself. We will advise of the exact time and place in due course.

To apply for accreditation, please contact the communications team (details below).

Media Centre

The Symposium will provide a Media Office, which will be shared with the Symposium communications team.

Symposium communications staff will be able to assist with contacting speakers and setting up interviews upon request.

Materials and Information

A factsheet, photos, and video clips will be posted on the website as they are produced. A table will be made available in the Media Office for the distribution of third-party media releases and other publications. Unfortunately, the Symposium communications staff will not be able to provide dissemination services for third-party announcements.

Journalists are kindly requested to alert the communications team to their published articles or any broadcasts so that media coverage can be promoted widely through Symposium channels.

Access to Sessions

Media participants have full access to all Symposium plenary and concurrent sessions, the marketplace, poster area, and the media room at the Symposium.

As some of the satellite sessions are closed, it is advisable to check with the communications beforehand whether the media attendance will be permitted.

Language

The official language of the Symposium is English with some sessions to be run in French or Spanish.

Visa

Journalists are recommended to check with their local embassy or consulate for visa requirements. Once their accreditation is approved, a supporting letter can be issued.

Virtual Media Centre

It is still possible to be a part of the Symposium even if you are unable to attend in person. If you would like to be kept informed of all happenings, please contact the media officer (details below) with your contact information for our media database. You will be notified as soon as official Symposium announcements are issued.

We look forward to welcoming you and assisting you in Vancouver.

Contact Us

Vivienne Benson
Communications Officer
Tel: +44 1273 915653
Email: v.benson@ids.ac.uk