A press badge is not obtained by ticking a box: for CES 2027, Slush or Web Summit Qatar, organisers check that applicants are genuinely covering the event for a media outlet. CES publishes very detailed rules, useful for preparing any application. Here is what the major winter tech shows require and how to put together a strong application.
CES 2027: specific proof depending on your profile
The Las Vegas show, from 6 to 9 January 2027, reserves media status for working professionals who cover technology, whatever their sector: journalists, analysts and content creators. The Media section of its registration page explicitly excludes publishers, CEOs, sales staff, account executives and brand ambassadors, as well as public relations and marketing roles.
Each category must provide a specific type of proof:
- print and online press: three recent bylined tech articles, an assignment letter from the editorial team, or the outlet’s masthead listing the contributor;
- freelancer: three bylined articles published in the past nine months, or a commissioning letter;
- television and radio: a letter from the editorial team and three examples of recent tech stories;
- analyst: a bylined article, a press quote as an analyst, or coverage of one of their market reports, not commissioned by an exhibitor;
- content creator: 30-day audience statistics, three pieces of tech content and minimum thresholds, for example 40,000 monthly views on YouTube or 25,000 followers on Instagram.
Review can take up to five working days. A recent photo, a date of birth showing that the applicant is at least 18, and an individual email address for each registrant are required. Badges are collected in person on presentation of official photo ID. The show’s media guides add that Media Days, held before the opening, are reserved for registered press.
Slush and Web Summit Qatar: newsrooms first
In Helsinki, on 18 and 19 November, Slush’s media page reserves its passes for journalists and newsroom staff. Freelancers, podcasters, bloggers and independent creators can apply, but their applications are closely scrutinised. All applications are judged on relevance and audience, and high-audience outlets as well as journalists specialising in startups, tech or venture capital get priority. PR or non-editorial profiles are invited to buy an Ecosystem pass or a Thursday pass. The page specifies neither cost nor deadline and refers any questions to a dedicated address.
For Web Summit Qatar, from 31 January to 3 February 2027 in Doha, the media section offers an application form that asks straight away for a professional email address. Detailed criteria are not set out there: an address linked to the outlet, rather than a free email service, is therefore the first signal to send.
In Dubai and Africa: dedicated portals or direct contacts
The GITEX Global website, for the event from 7 to 11 December in Dubai, points to a media registration portal hosted by the Dubai World Trade Centre, which does not detail any eligibility conditions. The form asks for the publication’s name and website as well as the applicant’s job title, and allows applicants to request a visa invitation letter. Expand North Star, held alongside it, points to the same form, where you choose GITEX, North Star or both. Both shows distinguish individual accreditation from media partnerships, which involve a separate process with the organiser.
On the African side, procedures are less formalised. The Cyber Africa Forum press release for Cotonou, on 16 and 17 November, ends with two press contacts, one of them named. The African Startup Conference in Algiers, from 5 to 7 December, links its “Press” button to the event’s registration app. For events without a dedicated section, the organiser’s general contact remains the only route.
Five tips for a successful application
- Apply early: allow at least a week, more for the biggest shows.
- Gather your proof: three recent bylined tech articles, or a dated commissioning letter signed by the editorial team.
- Use a professional address linked to the outlet.
- Explain your coverage plan: angle, format, planned publication date.
- Do not confuse accreditation with media partnership: GITEX and Expand North Star both treat them as two separate processes.
To spot the shows worth covering in the coming months, simply see the full calendar kept by 24h00. The 24h00 press page also lets you request accreditation.
Frequently asked questions
Can a blogger or influencer get press accreditation?
It depends on the show. CES only accepts them if they meet its content creator criteria, including audience thresholds; otherwise they must register as a trade visitor. Slush reviews these applications on a case-by-case basis.
Is press accreditation free?
Neither the CES registration page nor Slush’s indicates a price for press. CES visitor passes, on the other hand, cost $149 until 30 November, then $349.
How long does it take to get a response?
CES announces a review period of up to five working days. Other organisers give no timeframe: it is best to submit your application several weeks before the event.
Sources
- CES 2027 Registration Information — CES (Consumer Technology Association), 2026-11-12
- CES Media Guides — CES (Consumer Technology Association), 2026-11-12
- Slush Media — Slush, 2026-11-12
- Web Summit Qatar : media — Web Summit Qatar, 2026-11-12
- GITEX Global 2026, 7-11 December, Dubai — GITEX Global (DWTC), 2026-11-12
- Expand North Star 2026 — Expand North Star (DWTC), 2026-11-12
- Cyber Africa Forum 2026 : communiqué de presse — Cyber Africa Forum, 2026-07-06
- African Startup Conference 2026 — African Startup Conference, 2026-11-12
- GITEX Global 2026 / North Star 2026 : Media Registration — Dubai World Trade Centre, 2026-11-12