Trade Press at NACS Events
NACS believes that a strong trade press is integral to the success of our industry.A close, vibrant, productive and mutually beneficial relationship between the trade press and NACS, the leading association that advocates on behalf of the industry, is vital in producing that success.

For over a year NACS has been engaged in a process to review and enhance our engagement policies with the trade press.We’ve surveyed over 25 other trade associations on their editorial, advocacy, membership and conference trade press engagement policies in order to identify best practices and to incorporate them into our policies and programs.We held several group meetings with FMI, GMA, NACDS and NRF to discuss in depth their varying approaches to productive trade press engagement.As a result we’ve crafted a new Trade Press Editorial Policy and a new approach to trade press engagement that takes into account the best practices that we’ve uncovered and the unique aspects of trade press involvement in our industry.

Below are our new resultant Trade Press Editorial Policy and our Trade Press Exhibitor Benefit Programs.

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NACS Trade Press Editorial Policy NACS welcomes members of the working editorial press to cover its events and report upon its activities, and provides complementary registration to qualified media. Because of the increasing breadth and diversity of media attending our events, NACS has examined how similar associations interact with the media in developing a media registration policy that ensures that those who qualify for media registration are issued credentials. This policy was developed to ensure that the value of media credentials is maintained for qualified journalists.

Overall guidelines NACS media registration is open to working journalists with commercial-news organizations only. Sales representatives/public relations staff with exhibiting publications should register for exhibitor passes; sales/marketing representatives from non-exhibiting companies should register through general registration. Media credentials/badges from other shows that are not related to NACS events are not considered valid media credentials. Companions and other non-credentialed guests of media representatives are not eligible for complimentary media registration. NACS reserves the right to refuse media credentials for publications that cannot be verified or that it deems not substantive in reach or content; all requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. NACS reserves the right to revoke previously issued media credentials when appropriate. The number of complimentary trade press registrations issued will be a function of the event size and content diversity. Credentialing Requirements Only reporters or editors of consumer, industry trade or business media publications are eligible to attend. Publishers do not qualify unless they have regularly bylined articles. Specialty publications that cover other industries and do not have a regular focus on the convenience store industry are not eligible for complimentary media registration, nor are internal corporate newsletters. One only editorial director or equivalent title per publishing organization (as opposed to a specific publication within a group) is eligible for media registration, and that person must have editorial responsibility and regularly bylined articles. Publishers, sales vice presidents, advertising and sales representatives and other non-editorial staff must register through general registration and are not eligible for media credentials. Freelance writers and photographers covering NACS events must present a letter of assignment from a publisher, editor or producer (on letterhead) of the media outlet to be considered for media credentials. Online Publications Only journalists with news web sites or blogs qualify for media badges. Sites that are primarily for business or sales purposes (i.e., B2C or B2B) do not qualify. Online journalists must have bylined articles on the site, as well as business cards verifying their positions/titles. Non-editorial positions are not eligible for media credentials. Broadcast Media Reporters and camera crews from broadcast television or radio stations must present a letter of assignment (on letterhead) from an approved outlet to receive media credentials. Reporters and camera crews for web-based programs will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis based on written proposals of coverage that are submitted to NACS. All credentialed media companies are expected to publish coverage of the event within 90 days of the event. Failure to do so may result in denial of press credentials for future NACS events. All media requesting credentials may be asked to provide any or all of the following: A business card with name, editorial title and media outlet’s logo; A copy of the masthead, which clearly displays name and editorial title; and/or A bylined industry-related article written and published within the last 12 months. Non-Editorial Attendance at NACS Events Non-editorial personnel from trade press organizations will be able to attend the NACS Show either through the Trade Press Exhibitor Program or by paying the appropriate non-editorial trade press registration fee. Non-editorial personnel will not be able to attend other NACS events.

Trade Press Exhibitor Benefit Programs Effective January 2010

Due to the unique relationship and role that the trade press plays in industry affairs most trade associations of similar scope to NACS either do not permit the trade press to be association members or they have a special class of membership for the trade press with limited benefits. All associations of substance have well developed trade press editorial policies. Very few trade associations allow the trade press to serve in their governance structures. NACS has adopted a comprehensive Trade Press Editorial Policy and has created two Trade Press Exhibitor Benefit Programs to provide levels of benefits to trade press that desire an association relationship beyond editorial activities principally involving exhibiting at NACS events. We have elected to discontinue trade press supplier membership and to implement these programs instead of creating separate membership classes. They will go into effective January 1, 2010. Base Level Trade Press Exhibitor Benefit Program Trade press companies that elect to participate at this level pay no annual fee and receive the following benefits. Member expo rates Eligible for purchasing full conference credentials and tickets to special events Free subscription to NACS Magazine Premier Level Trade Press Exhibitor Benefit Program Trade press companies that elect to participate at this level pay an annual fee of $10,000 and receive the following benefits (in addition to Base Level benefits). Priority booth selection Booth mystery shopping report Advance selection of hotel rooms and Business Appointment Centers Complimentary furniture upgrades for Business Appointment Centers /meeting rooms Exhibitor discounts - 10% off of all "non-exclusive” Freeman Services VIP registration Free base level publication bin slot at the NACS Show and at NACStech Industry updates via webinars Complimentary SOI report Invitation to the NACS Industry Update Luncheons (editorial personnel only)