SECURE MEDIA ACCESS

Issued to journalists, editors, producers, podcasters and filmmakers (and supporting production crew – camera operators, audio, lighting, etc.) creating editorial or documentary coverage distributed through recognized, established media-owned platforms.

Primary Purpose at the Event

• Producing editorial, news, features or documentary content for distribution on a media-owned platform

Eligible Individuals Include

• Journalists, reporters, editors and correspondents (and supporting production crew – camera operators, audio, lighting, etc.)

• Broadcast, print and digital editorial staff
• Podcasters and producers whose programs are distributed by a media-owned network or platform
• Freelance journalists or filmmakers on assignment for an established media outlet
• Independent film crews producing documentary or editorial content acquired or distributed by a recognized media organization

Qualifying Criteria

• Content is distributed via a recognized media-owned platform (broadcast network, publisher, media group, or media network) that reports on golf, sports or golf lifestyle content
• Editorial control resides with the media organization or outlet, adhering to established editorial standards
• Content is not commissioned, owned or directed by an exhibiting brand
• Applicant will be asked to provide
  • Copy of valid press pass issued by a bona fide news organization, or
  • Copy of a recent issue of a publication, with masthead listing of your editorial position, or
  • Copy of a recent bylined story that clearly identifies you as writer, reporter or contributor to a publication.
  • Original letter of assignment from an established media outlet.
  • URL of an established media outlet with identification of editorial staff.
  • URL of an established website that reports/opines on relevant subjects related to PGA Shows, golf industry and/or participating exhibitors, with clear identification of the requesting writer/contributor.
  • Other appropriate documentation that clearly demonstrates, as solely determined by show management, you are on staff or on assignment with a media platform regularly covering golf, sports business and/or golf lifestyle topics.

Issued to independent creators producing original content – directly related to golf, sports, golf lifestyle – distributed through personally owned or creator-controlled platforms, including social media channels, creator-owned podcasts, video platforms and digital newsletters.

Eligible Individuals Include

• Independent video, audio or written content creators
• Social media influencers
• Podcasters distributing content through personal or creator-owned platforms
• Independent filmmakers releasing content through creator-controlled digital channels
• Supporting production crew – camera operators, audio, lighting, etc. – for above independent content creators

Qualifying Criteria

• Golf, Sports and/or Golf Lifestyle content is distributed through personally owned or creator-controlled platforms meeting the PGA Show standards of audience reach, engagement and/or emerging creator status (final determination subject to PGA Show media review)
• Creator maintains primary creative and editorial control
• Audience relationship is direct and platform-based
• Content may include sponsorships or brand partnerships
• Applicant will be asked to provide:
  • URL to social platform(s) showing a combined following of 100,000 followers* or more across Instagram, “X”, TikTok, Facebook or YouTube.
  • Clear identification of applicant role within the platform “about/description” section
  • Average engagement rate
  • Primary audience demographic
  • Golf-related content percentage
  • Emerging content creators: growth over past 6 months
    • *If your follower count is less than 100,000, but your content/audience hits the mark, we encourage you to apply as an emerging content creator. Emerging content creators can be approved depending on the volume of applications we receive.

Issued to professionals representing the commercial, strategic or operational functions of established media outlets, registered content creators and allied golf organizations; individuals producing brand-commissioned content; and exhibitor-contracted media/marketing staff who are not employed by the exhibitor. This badge supports business activity within the media ecosystem.

Primary Purpose at the Event

• Business meetings, partnerships and relationship development
• Sales, marketing, advertising, public relations, sponsorship or licensing activity
• Producing commissioned content on behalf of brands or media organizations

Eligible Individuals Include

• Sales, advertising and sponsorship professionals of an established media outlet
• Marketing, communications and public relations staff
• Media executives and business development professionals
• Video and film production crews contracted by exhibiting brands, sponsors, or agencies
• Agency or freelance professionals creating brand-owned or brand-directed content

Qualifying Criteria

• Individual represents the business or commercial side of a media organization
• Content produced is commissioned, owned or directed by a brand or exhibitor
• Role is not primarily editorial or creator-led
• Distribution is brand-owned, brand-directed or commercially commissioned, regardless of format or storytelling style
• Applicant will be asked to provide:
  • Company URL identifying business staff
  • Other appropriate documentation that clearly demonstrates, as solely determined by show management, you or your company is affiliated with the golf media outlet, independent content creator, allied golf organization or exhibitor-contracted media agency.