ALA LabAutomation2008 Media/Analyst Guidelines
January 26-30, 2008
Palm Springs, CA

The LabAutomation2008 Media Guidelines are designed to provide editors, reporters and health, medical and technology writers information about ALA's policies and procedures regarding coverage of the 12th annual LabAutomation conference, being held January 26-30, 2008 at the Palm Springs Convention Center, Palm Springs, CA.

For information about the LabAutomation2008 annual program and schedule, go to www.labautomation.org/LA08/program.cfm.

For information about ALA, its structure and member benefits, go to www.labautomation.org.

Media must contact Anne O'Day (aoday@labautomation.org or +1.630.305.0003) to register for the meeting and receive a media kit, or for any additional information about the conference. The media registration deadline is January 15, 2008.

Your on-site media contact will be Anne O'Day, +1.630.209.3816 (cell for on-site only).

Overview

The Association for Laboratory Automation (ALA) is a non-profit association committed to driving progress in laboratory technologies through high-quality education that benefits the global scientific community, including its membership of scientists, academicians, and industry thought leaders. Our mission is to advance the science and interests of laboratory automation professionals everywhere.

As a global, virtual organization, our focus is on the benefits and utilization of automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence in order to improve the quality, efficiency, and relevance of laboratory analysis.

Founded in 1996, ALA has more than 7,500 members worldwide. Approximately 5,000 scientists are expected to attend LabAutomation2008. The LabAutomation2008 Scientific Committee will schedule the World's Top 100 Lab Automation Podium Presentations and over 100 poster presentations.

The following is offered to fully accredited members of the media:

  • LabAutomation2008 conference registration (complimentary)
  • Admission to scientific and education sessions
  • Admission to the LabAutomation2008 exhibit show
  • One-on-one interview opportunities
  • Press room access

ALA has set forth these guidelines governing media and corporate/institutional media activities in order to facilitate coverage of news generated by this annual conference.

ALA reserves the right to deny admission to any representative who fails to adhere to these policies or who misuses their media privileges to engage in activities other than journalistic pursuits.

Media Registration

Journalists who are employed by accredited news organizations attending the conference for the purpose of editorial coverage will be granted media credentials. Media privileges are reserved for professional journalists and are granted for the express purpose of gathering news and information to provide editorial coverage of the conference. To qualify, journalists are required to submit media credentials including a letter verifying assignment to the meeting on the letterhead of the news organization being represented. The following types of media are encouraged to apply for a conference press pass:

Business and Trade Publications, News Wire Services
Reporters from magazines, newspapers, trade publications and wire services must provide a business card and a current masthead that includes their name. Contributing editors must verify they have been retained to cover LabAutomation2008 by presenting a letter of assignment.

Television and Radio
Broadcast reporters and producers from news organizations must provide a business card and a letter of assignment.

Analysts
Analysts must provide a letter of assignment from a recognized analyst firm, a business card and one bylined article from the past six months.

University Publications
University publication reporters must provide at least two bylined articles published within the past six months and must verify they have been retained to cover LabAutomation2008 by presenting a letter of assignment from the university. University publications are limited to one media representative.

International Media
Representatives from non-U.S. media are required to pre-register by January 15, 2008 in order to receive press credentials to attend ALA's LabAutomation2008 conference. On-site media registration is not available for non-U.S. media due to the need to verify credentials in advance.

Freelance Journalists
Freelance journalists who wish to cover the conference must submit copies of three bylined articles covering a scientific topic in addition to an official letter of assignment from an accredited news organization. In some cases, a copy of the publication/program, and/or proof of editorial freedom from funding sources may be required to establish media status for registration.

Newsletter Media
Newsletters are invited to register one representative to cover the meeting. Newsletter representatives must submit three issues of their newsletter containing information pertaining to science or laboratory technologies. In some cases, proof of editorial freedom from funding sources may be required to establish media status for registration.

Online Media
Journalists working for online media who wish to register as media must work for organizations that meet the following criteria:

  • The web site must provide original, editorial news coverage
  • Editorial content must be independent of advertising and sponsorship
  • The site and its content must be overseen by an editorial advisory board
  • Advertising must be clearly identifiable as such

The web site must have multiple sponsors and all sponsors must be clearly identified on the web site. Companies or organizations producing publications, videos, and/or other electronic media intended for marketing, advertising or public relations purposes may not register as media. "For hire" analysts, public relations personnel, freelance writers and/or individuals from print and online promotion services without an assignment letter from an accredited news organization may not register as media.

Registered media are required to wear their ALA media badges at all times while on-site at LabAutomation2008. Entry into sessions requires a badge.

Registration is limited to two representatives from any one media outlet. Due to space considerations, newsletters are limited to one representative each. If additional staff is required, please contact ALA's marketing staff. Media are invited to attend all conference sessions and events. Videotaping educational sessions is strictly prohibited.

Special requests related to media facilities must be made in writing no less than three weeks prior to the annual meeting, and must be approved by ALA. ALA's LabAutomation conference has been designated smoke-free. This policy applies to all meeting areas, including the newsroom and other media facilities.

On-Site Guidelines

Media Events
Exhibiting companies and sponsors of the conference are allowed to hold pre-approved press briefings, news conferences and press receptions at LabAutomation2008. A list of briefings and room locations will be published and available on-site in the press room. Only exhibiting/sponsor company personnel and registered media are allowed to attend press briefings. Non-approved press briefings, news conferences and press receptions are not permitted at the convention center or any time during convention hours. Those companies planning press activities on or off-site must contact ALA staff at 888.733.1ALA (888.733.1252) to register their events. Space availability is limited and not guaranteed. ALA's name cannot be used in news releases or in any other manner that gives the appearance of an endorsement. The ALA logo or conference logo cannot be used without explicit written permission from the association.

Press Room
Media credentials are required for entry to the media room. Company and public relations representatives are NOT permitted in the press room. All public relations and corporate representatives are expected to be respectful of reporters' needs and deadlines. Representatives may leave a message for a journalist and/or post a general announcement by providing their name, affiliation and information to ALA's media relations staff. Dissemination of informational material in the vicinity outside the newsroom/press conference room is strictly prohibited.

Press Room Rules
Companies may bring media kits for review by ALA's marketing staff. Information included should be limited to science or technologies being presented at the conference. Media kits can include: fact sheets, backgrounders etc. Corporate brochures will not be allowed in the press room unless they are included as a part of a media kit.

Please note that media kits cannot be reviewed prior to the meeting. Media kits cannot be shipped directly to the convention center or to ALA's headquarters office. ALA reserves the right to remove any media kits from the convention center and press room that it deems to be questionable or objectionable. Copies of ALA's media kit will be located in the press room.

Audio and Video Recording
Public relations firms and company representatives wishing to audiotape or videotape on the premises of the conference or exhibit hall must make advance arrangements with ALA's marketing staff. ALA reserves the right to bar from this and future meetings any representative who fails to adhere to these policies. If you have any questions, please contact:

Anne O'Day
Director of Marketing and Communications
David James Group
One Trans Am Plaza Drive
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
+1.630.305.0003