AccessFest24 FAQ - Investigative Reporters & Editors

Still need help after consulting these FAQs? Email logistics@ire.org for assistance.

I’m not from an underrepresented or marginalized community. Should I attend AccessFest?

Yes! AccessFest is for everyone. There are many dimensions to diversity and accessibility, and even if you don’t directly relate to a topic, it may impact people you work with or people in the communities you cover. AccessFest offers an opportunity to learn about equity, inclusion and belonging issues so you can empathize with your colleagues and fellow humans and become part of the solution. You are not only welcome to join the conversation – you are necessary!

How do I register for AccessFest?

First, make sure you have a current IRE membership through Nov. 1, 2023. You can do that by logging into your account on the website and going to Manage Memberships in your Member Dashboard.

If you have a current membership, you will see a green ‘Yes’ in the Active column.
If your membership has expired, click the ‘Subscribe’ button to go through the renewal process. (Note: If your membership expired before Dec. 1, 2020, you will not be able to log in to the website. Please create a new account on our website by filling out the Join form.)
If you have never been an IRE member, please apply from the Join page.

Next, go to the conference ticket page. The correct price for your membership level will show up in the ‘Get Tickets’ block. Click ‘Add to cart’ and follow the steps to check out.

If the ticket block is blank, please check that you are logged into your account with a current membership. If you still need help, email logistics@ire.org.

What are the dates and times for the conference?

AccessFest will be October 17-19, 2024 (Thursday-Saturday) online.

What is the cost?

Professional, Academic, Associate and Retiree

Early-bird: $149 through midnight (ET) on Thursday, Sept 16, 2024

Regular: $199 through midnight (ET) on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024

Student

Flat rate: $50

Special price for financial need
We have a discount rate of $100 for independent journalists and others who would otherwise not be able to attend due to financial constraints.
Register at this link for the discounted rate.

Does IRE offer fellowships to attend?

Yes! The application deadline is Monday, Sept. 9, midnight ET

More info here.

Will there be a mentorship program?

For virtual mentorship, IRE has a partnership with Journalism Mentors. We encourage those looking for a mentor, or those who would like to be a mentor, to sign up through Journalism Mentors.

Is there a Slack Workspace for AccessFest?

You bet! We'll use Slack to stay connected throughout the conference. Details coming soon!

Will sessions be recorded?

You know it! Unless otherwise asked by the panel, we'll record all sessions and make them available to IRE members following the conference. Give us a few weeks post-event to make sure everything is cleaned up and ready for viewing.