FAQ

General Conference Questions

  • Why would I want to attend the AEJMC 2024 conference?
    • You will want to join us for an enriching array of sessions, socials, job hubs, networking opportunities, exhibit hall & much more!
  • Will we receive a printed program this year?
    • Yes, a limited number of printed programs will be available on demand at registration. All programming information is also available on the conference mobile app and website.
  • Will there be a conference mobile app this year?
    • Yes! We will have the conference app again through Guidebook. Download the Guidebook app and search “AEJMC 2024” – information will be sent to registered attendees before the conference.
  • Will the sessions be live, recorded or both?
    • Sessions will be live, in-person at the conference.
  • What are the hours of the conference registration/information desk?
    • Tuesday, August 6th, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
      Wednesday, August 7th, from 7:45 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
      Thursday, August 8th, from 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
      Friday, August 9th, from 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
      Saturday, August 10th, from 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
      Sunday, August 11th, from 7:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • How many days does the conference last?
    • The conference will run for four days with a pre-conference day.
  • Is there a pre-conference day this year?
    • Yes, pre-conference is on Wednesday, August 7th.
  • What technology will be available in the meeting rooms?
    • Each meeting room will be equipped with a screen and projector. Microphones are not provided in all meeting rooms. Presenters are responsible for bringing personal devices for digital presentations.

Conference Registration

  • What are the registration rates for the 2024 conference?
    • Early Bird Registration through July 15th:
      $285.00 (Regular, Associate
      $175.00 (Student, Retiree)
    • General Registration beginning July 16th:
      $335.00 (Regular, Associate)
      $200.00 (Student, Retiree)
      Membership can be purchased at time of registration if you are not a current member.
  • How can I add workshops, luncheons or tours to my registration if I have already registered?
    • Follow these instructions to add items to your registration:
      >>Login to the AEJMC Community: https://community.aejmc.org/
      >>Click on More under Conference
      >>Click on Visit Conference Website
      >>Click on More under Registration
      >>Click on Register Now
      >>Click View Event Registration Details
      >>Click on the down arrow to right of the 2024 Conference Line
      >>Scroll down to the bottom of page
      >>Click Change Sessions
      >>Navigate through the adding sessions portion
      >>Pay for any additional sessions
  • Will there be onsite registration?
    • Yes, conference registration is available onsite at the registration desk located on Level 4 Franklin Hall Foyer or by using your personal device. We encourage all conference registrants to register in advance to ensure a smooth check-in process.
  • Does conference registration include membership?
    • No, membership can be purchased at time of registration if you are not a current member. Membership shall be by individuals and by educational or professional journalism and mass communication organizations. Eligible individuals and organizations are those concerned principally with teaching, research or public service in journalism or mass communication and those concerned principally with practicing in the various fields of journalism and mass communication.
  • Are refunds available if something happens and I am not able to attend?
    • Refund Policy:
      • Conference registration fees are ONLY available for refunds. Membership fees, workshops, luncheons, and tours are non-refundable.
      • Written cancellation requests reaching the Central Office
        Before July 16, 2024, are eligible for a FULL REFUND minus $75 service fee. 
        Between July 16, 2024, through July 31, 2024, are eligible for a FULL REFUND minus $100 service fee.
        Between August 1, 2024, through August 31, 2024, ONLY AVAILABLE FOR A SUDDEN ILLNESS OR DEATH, are eligible for a FULL REFUND minus $100 service fee. 
        After August 31, 2024, NO REFUNDS AVAILABLE FOR ANY REASON. 

Hotel

  • Is there a conference hotel?
    • Yes, the conference hotel is Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Phone: 215-625-2900
  • Hotel Rates:
    • $214/234 Single/Double (+15.5% room tax)
    • $169 Student Members  (Limited Availability — Student members whose accepted papers have won awards will receive an email May 22 with the link to book in the discounted student block.  All other student members with accepted papers or abstracts will receive the student booking link on May 23.  Limited rooms are available in the discounted student block, and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.)
  • Why should I book rooms at the conference hotel when I can find a cheaper rate elsewhere?
    • The hotel is a beautiful property, and we strongly encourage attendees to book rooms as quickly as possible under the AEJMC room block. Not only will you be close to conference activities and other attendees, but you will also help AEJMC to meet its contracted commitments, helping to keep overall conference costs low for the association and its members.
  • Will there be special hotel rates for students?
    • Yes, the student rate will be $169 plus applicable taxes, based on limited availability. This rate is given on a first-come first-served basis and may not accommodate all student members.
    • Top student paper winners will get the discounted room link. Student paper winners will receive an email with the discounted student hotel booking link on May 22nd. All other student members will receive the discounted student hotel booking link on May 24th.
  • Is there complimentary parking at the hotel?
    • Unfortunately, we do not have complimentary parking at the hotel. On-site valet parking is $66.00 daily.
    • Self-parking is available through Park America Parking Lot located across from the host hotel at 1301 Market Street. Parking is $40.00 daily (possible discount available closer to conference date).
  • Is the concierge lounge at the hotel open?
    • Yes. Operation hours: TBD
  • Will there be an overflow hotel?
    • There is currently no overflow hotel. If the conference hotel block fills before the reservation deadline, an overflow property may be secured. 

Getting Around

Sessions, Presentations and Awards

  • If I’m unable to present my work at my scheduled time, may I assign a proxy?
    • Yes, you may absolutely assign a proxy to present your work.
  • Can I just join via Zoom for my presentation or record my presentation instead of being at the conference?
    • No, virtual paper presentations will not be permitted. It is not financially feasible to make the AEJMC 2024 Conference a fully hybrid event.
  • My Research Chair has told me that I will be in a Poster Session (Scholar-to-Scholar Session) or a High-Density Session to present my paper. What is that?
    • There are three types of sessions for paper presentation. Your Research Chair will tell you the type of session for your presentation. You will be informed of this sometime in May. You may be selected to present your paper in a REGULAR SESSION. Learn about the other two types of special sessions by clicking on the session names below:
  • What virtual components will be available at the AEJMC 2024 conference?
    • AEJMC will make several key sessions available online at no cost to all members. These will include the Keynote, Cornerstone, and General Session. **(This information is subject to change before the conference, and may affect virtual session availability.)**
    • All divisions, interest groups and commission members’ meetings will be hosted virtually the week of July 22nd to facilitate full member participation. Please check with your D/IG for the date and time of its members’ meeting.
  • What are the options if I submit and get accepted, but then can’t attend due to travel restrictions (or other reasons)? Can I withdraw with no penalty?
    • If your paper is accepted, you may withdraw by June 31st with no penalty, or have a proxy present your paper on your behalf. Virtual paper presentations will not be permitted. 

Conference Events and Activities

  • Will division/interest group/commission business meetings be held during the conference or by zoom the week before like last year?
    • All divisions, interest groups and commission members’ meetings will be hosted virtually the week of July 22nd to facilitate full member participation. Please check with your D/IG for the date and time of its members’ meeting.
  • Will there be a Job Hub?
    • Yes, please visit the Job Hub link under Opportunities on the conference website for additional information.
  • Will there be an Expo Hall?
    • Yes, for a full list of exhibitors please see the conference website.
  • What are the hours of the Expo Hall?
    • Thursday, August 8th – 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
      Friday, August 9th – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
      Saturday, August 10th – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Will there be an Opening Reception?
    • Yes, the Opening Reception will be on Thursday, August 8th immediately following the Keynote session.

Accessibility and Support

  • Are there gender-neutral restrooms in the conference hotel?
    • Yes, the conference hotel does have gender-neutral restrooms and family restrooms available to all guests on each meeting room level.
  • Support Spaces
    • The conference can be an exciting and busy atmosphere. AEJMC has prepared special spaces for attendees to accommodate specific needs. Enjoy your conference experience even more by using these designated areas when needed. See the Support Spaces page for location updates.
      • Child/Family Friendly Statement
        AEJMC is a Caregiver and Child Friendly Culture. The AEJMC Commission on the Status of Women has created a policy supporting this practice. Read the statement. 
      • Parents’ Room
        The Parents’ Room is a private space for parents/caregivers to be able to attend to their child’s immediate needs including feeding and changing. There will be private individual areas within the room.
      • Kidz Zone
        This is a dedicated space for children of all ages whose parents/caregivers are participating in the AEJMC conference. This space is available for individually arranged childcare: a sitter/nanny/service that has been hired, a family member/friend/colleague who is providing childcare, or an attendee who would like to use the space for their child/children in-between sessions and activities. This is not provided childcare, but rather a provided space for children with their caretakers. Those using the Kidz Zone may bring their own snacks and things to do. AEJMC will provide small, individual fun packs, with assorted activities. Sign up is required. The location will be given to participating families directly.
      • Students’ Lounge
        This is a special space for our student members to relax, recharge, grab a snack/lunch and connect with other student members. Snacks and lunch will be provided daily. Charging stations are available. The location will be shared directly with student members.
      • Quiet Room
        This room is a designated quiet and comforting space where attendees can relax, take a break and recharge. This room is not intended to be used for meetings, networking, conversations, phone calls or digital communication.

View Philadelphia Marriott Downtown

Accessibility Information 

  • Hotel Accessibility
    • Hotel accessibility information can be found on the hotel website’s overview page.
  • Captions
    • We encourage presenters to use closed or open captions in all video presentations.