Your Experience
Will there be a virtual PMDMC?
No, however there will be a handful of virtual sessions presented in the fall, featuring some of the most popular keynotes and sessions from the in-person conference.
PMDMC 2022 is an in-person experience.
What is the dress code for PMDMC?
The PMDMC is a business-casual event; what’s most important is that you’re comfortable and able to focus on the great content we have planned for you. Hotel conference rooms can be chilly so we recommend that you pack layers to stay comfortable.
What food is included in my conference fee?
Tuesday, July 19: Lunch is not provided. Light hors d’oeuvres are provided for general conference attendees at the evening opening reception.
Wednesday, July 20: Conference attendees will receive breakfast and lunch. The evening event will have light hors d’oeuvres.
Thursday, July 21: Conference attendees will receive breakfast. Lunch is on your own. The closing event will feature light happy hour munchies.
Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free dietary restrictions will be accommodated. When you check in, you will receive information about the process for receiving your meals for sit-down meals.
How do I book my hotel room?
Once you complete your conference registration, you’ll receive a link to use to complete your hotel reservation.
How much does the hotel cost and do I need to pay up front?
Rooms that are part of our discounted room block at the Hilton Chicago are $219 per night + taxes and fees (about 17%).
You will be charged at the time of booking for one night, including the tax deposit. Then, upon arrival in July, you will be charged the remainder of their stay plus incidentals with the card that you provide.
What is the hotel’s cancellation policy?
Rooms booked within the conference block prior to June 27th are fully refundable up to 72 hours prior to arrival. Cancellations made within 72 hours of arrival will forfeit one night’s room and tax.
When is the last day to book my hotel room at the discount rate?
The last day to book your room at the reserved block rate is June 27, 2022. But keep in mind that our room block in the past has sold out before the early bird deadline, which is May 5, 2022.
When/where should I fly in?
You can fly into Midway International Airport (MDW), which is 12 miles from the Hilton Chicago, or into Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) which is 18 miles from the Hilton Chicago. Masks must be worn inside all U.S. airports per federal regulation. For more information please visit our Hotel & Travel page.
Is Wi-Fi provided?
Wi-Fi is free in the meeting spaces. If you’re booked in one of the conference-block rooms, you’ll receive complimentary standard Wi-Fi in your room, discounted from $12.95 per day.
When/where/how should I download the conference app?
We recommend that you download the PMDMC22 mobile app before you arrive in Chicago. The updated app will be available in early July. Registrants will receive an email reminder with download instructions in the days before the conference.
Will I have access to a list of conference attendees and their contact information?
Networking with colleagues is a huge part of the value of the PMDMC. The PMDMC22 mobile app will include a list of all attendees, along with job title and organization. In order to respect people’s privacy, we give each attendee the option to opt in/out of sharing an email address and allowing direct messaging within the app. That said, go ahead and bring along some old fashioned business cards to share.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions? How should I communicate my dietary needs?
The hotel will provide gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan meals; you can let us know of your needs in the conference registration form. When you check-in at the conference, you’ll receive instructions on how to communicate your dietary restrictions to hotel staff. If you have additional needs (i.e. Halal, Kosher, allergies) please contact us and we’ll be happy to arrange a special meal program with the Hilton.
How can I request accessibility accommodations and/or services at PMDMC?
When you register, check the box that reads “I require accommodations for a disability.” We’ll get in touch with you a few weeks before the conference for information about the services you require.
I am traveling with family. Can I bring a guest to any of the conference events?
Guest passes for PMDMC social events may be purchased during the event at the PMDMC information desk at the hotel. Please contact us a few weeks prior to the event for pricing information.
Where is the hotel located? Should I be concerned about safety in the surrounding neighborhood?
The Hilton Chicago is located at 720 S Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60605. We recommend you use the common-sense precautions you’d exercise in any large city.
I’m the only person from my station attending, are there any ways to connect with other solo attendees?
Yes. Don’t miss the Conference Cohort Day on Tuesday, July 19. This event is designed for small groups, creating a space to meet new colleagues with similar challenges in public media. Also, keep an eye out for facilitated networking and additional newcomer opportunities.
Registration & Billing
What's your cancellation policy?
For Those Registered After May 26, 2022
- If you cancel prior to Monday, June 27th, you’ll be refunded your conference fee minus $150 cancellation fee.
- If you cancel between Tuesday, June 28th and Tuesday, July 12th you’ll be refunded 50% of your conference fee.
- No refunds will be issued after July 12.
Reminder: You can always substitute another attendee from your organization at no cost by contacting us at PMDMC.org/contact
For Those Registered Prior to May 26, 2022
If you need to cancel your registration for any reason, you can substitute another attendee from your organization or receive a full refund as long as you let us know by the end of the day on Tuesday, July 12th. No refunds will be issued after July 12.
If you become ill prior to the PMDMC you can substitute another attendee from your organization or receive a full refund at any time.
Registration for the Public Media Women in Leadership Conference is not refundable.
Terms vary for exhibitors and sponsors. See your sponsor agreement or get in touch with us with questions.
How do I cancel?
You can make a request for cancellation by filling out the form on our contact us page.
Can I attend the conference for just one day at a reduced rate?
We offer day passes on a case-by-case basis. Contact us for pricing and details.
My employer does not allow me to pay by credit card. Can I request an invoice?
Certainly! In the payments section of the registration, select “Send me an invoice / Pay by check.” Payments must be received no later than Thursday, June 23, 2022. Please allow ample time for postal mail.
How do I add/remove items like Brave Talk or cohorts from an existing registration?
You can make changes to your conference events by contacting us.
Speakers
I am speaking at the PMDMC. Do I get a complimentary registration or free hotel rooms?
We’re grateful to the large number of speakers and presenters who make the PMDMC inspiring and informative each year. Because we’re a smart, specialized bunch, there is a good deal of overlap between conference attendees and speakers. We do not provide complimentary registration or accommodations for conference presenters.
Speakers are responsible for booking their own hotel accommodations. Most speakers will receive a 10% discount on registration or the member rate if they’re not a Greater Public or PBS member organization; a discount code will be provided by your session producer or you’ll receive a refund within three weeks after the conference if you’ve already registered.
Do I need to register if I’m only speaking in one session?
As a general rule all speakers need to register for the conference. If you are an exception, your session producer will let you know.
What is the standard setup for the room I’ll be presenting in?
- Wi-fi
- Podium + stationary mic
- Panelists table with corded mics
- LCD projector and screen
- Audio patch cord
Conference Content
I’d like to present a session or be on a panel. How does that work?
Our session proposal submission period is open from February 7-25. A second call for proposals will run from April 11-22. Anyone can submit a session proposal and our content committee selects ideas to develop based on the criteria outlined for that year’s conference. Subscribe to the PMDMC email list (in the footer of this page) to be notified about the call for session proposals.
I submitted a proposal for a session. When will I hear back?
The content committee will finalize the session offerings by June 3, but intend to inform submitters of their proposal status before then.
When will the full schedule for the PMDMC be posted?
In the months before the conference, we publish sessions and keynotes as they are confirmed, although shifts and changes sometimes occur. We aim to have at least half of our sessions finalized by early May and most of the schedule should be final by mid-June.
To view the sessions that have been confirmed, please visit our 2022 Sessions page.
Can I still get a paper version of the conference schedule?
The conference schedule is available online and in the PMDMC mobile app. When you arrive at PMDMC22, you will receive a printed at-a-glance version of the agenda.