Media Credentials

Media credentials are reserved for working members of the press only and are not for personal use. This includes editors, reporters, bloggers, book authors, producers, camera crews and photographers. Credentials will not be granted to non-editorial media professionals, as well as anyone whose primary purpose for attending The Big E is, in our judgment, for reasons other than covering it as working news media. All freelance reporters must provide a verifiable letter of assignment from a bona fide media outlet and complete the press credential process.

Print Media – Publications must have an audited circulation of at least 50,000. In order to be considered for a Media Credential, you must be a bona fide news organization that produces and publishes original content.

Electronic Media (Radio/TV) – Radio and TV outlets must have a dedicated format in order to be considered. If it is necessary to bring a live truck for your broadcast, please contact the Marketing department.

Photographers – Photographers must be on assignment from a publication that meets the publication requirements listed above. All photographers applying to cover The Big E are required to use professional photography equipment only.

Bloggers - Blogs must be established and reflect fair or festival related news. New posts must be published at least weekly. Blog traffic must exceed 2,000 unique visits per month. Individual company and personal blogs will not be considered for credentials.

Social Media Influencers - Influencers must have at least one verifiable social media account with a relevant and substantial following of more than 5,000 followers and demonstrated active engagement. Applicable social channels include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Video Production Companies - Production crews hired by non-media companies to film at The Big E will not be considered for media accreditation. Please contact the Marketing department for more information.

Yes! As much as we would like to take all applicants, we have a limited number of credentials available. The review is greatly weighted on the content and thoroughness of the application.

Yes. We recommend getting in your application as soon as you have an assignment. You can wait until the deadline of August 30, but there will be a smaller pool of credentials available.

All media credentials will be mailed. Please allow enough time for your request to be completed. Please call the Marketing department if you have special circumstances.

We don’t have a dedicated work space for media but we do have plenty of areas where media can work or relax, like Storrowton, the Coliseum or the West Side Grill in the Young Building. We do offer special media WiFi access and more information about this will be included with mailed credentials.

We will provide parking in our Gate 3 Press Lot for working media while they are covering the fair. If the lot is full, you will be directed to Lot 1. We try our best to acommodate everyone but keep in mind that parking is limited.

The Big E is fun! Family or friends can join you after your assignment, They must, however, purchase admission tickets and enter via Gates 1A, 4, 5, 7 or 9A for security checks.