With increasing acknowledgement of the importance of more and better pain education, there has been a corresponding increase in the level of media interest in PAINWeek and PAINWeekEnd Conferences. We welcome the opportunity to disseminate our message to interested audiences and have developed the following policies to balance this interest against the need to preserve the integrity of the conferences and protect the educational experience for our attendees.

The term “PAINWeek Conference” is used herein to refer to both the PAINWeek National Conference held each September and regional PAINWeekEnd Conferences, held at various times and locations throughout the year. Unless otherwise noted, the policies apply to both.

Press Attendance at a PAINWeek Conference

PAINWeek invites a small number of requesting journalists to cover each conference. We give priority to proposals from journalists

  • who work for mainstream and online media outlets capable of reaching large or influential audiences
  • who have a track record of insightful coverage in areas related to chronic pain and pain education
  • who have a specific commission for coverage of the conference (and not just of speakers or others attending)

If you would like to cover a PAINWeek Conference, send your name, the name of your media outlet, and your proposed area of coverage to PAINWeek media relations at [email protected]. You’ll find date and location information about the conferences on our website at www.painweek.org. All press registrations must be done in advance of the conference; no onsite press registrations are permitted.

Eligible for a complimentary press pass: journalists for legitimate print/online media and who personally will write articles about the conference for publication in external media. Press credentials are nontransferable. Media registrants must present credentials and check in at the onsite registration area. Media pass admission does not include any meals at conferences.

Not eligible: PR people, corporate communications officers, business developers, nonreporting employees of media organizations, consultants, vendors, etc. These individuals should purchase a registration.

Please note:

  • We do not admit outside photographers and cannot accommodate outside cameras for video and TV efforts. We are happy to evaluate all requests for conference footage.
  • We are unable to issue press passes for freelancers without an assignment letter from the outlet for which you wish to report.
  • PDM programs (product theatres) are strictly restricted to practicing healthcare professionals. Permission for press coverage must be arranged by the sponsoring company in advance.

Embargo Policy

PAINWeek does not embargo any work for publication including social media posts. Press releases mentioning PAINWeek should be sent to [email protected] for review 48 hours prior to intended deployment.

Image Requests

Image requests should be directed to PAINWeek media relations at [email protected]and must be accompanied by the following information:

  • Name of publication/outlet
  • Name of requested image
  • Publication date
  • Preferred file format
  • Deadline for receipt of image

A photo credit will be provided when the image is delivered. This credit must run in full.

Conference activities open to news media:

  • Exhibit Hall
  • Regularly scheduled conference sessions
  • Keynote Address and Welcome Reception
  • Closing Reception

Conference activities closed to news media

  • Commercially sponsored symposia
  • Conference sessions that require preregistration
  • Meetings of commercial and professional supporting organizations