Press Badge
Interested in covering #OffKaiGen5 for your outlet?
OffKai Expo offers complimentary Press badges to members of the press who intend on providing editorial coverage of the event. Apply for a Press badge using the application below!
The Press badge is for active editorial journalists only. “Editorial journalists” include writers, reporters, photographers, videographers and broadcast journalists on assignment to cover OffKai Expo Gen 5 for a reputable outlet. Non-editorial staff are ineligible for a Press badge.
The deadline to apply for a Press badge is Friday, July 17th, 2026, 11:59 PM PT. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered for a Press badge.
Acceptance emails are sent out on a rolling basis until Tuesday, July 21st, 2026. If you do not receive an acceptance email by this date, you may still provide media coverage at OffKai Expo as an attendee.
A Press badge is not required to take photos, record video, vlog, or stream at OffKai Expo. Please follow the Attendee Media Guidelines below when conducting these activities.
Content creators, VTubers, influencers, or individuals who intend to livestream or otherwise create content for primarily social media are not eligible for a Press Badge. Content creation does not require a Press Badge and may be conducted with a general membership badge.
ATTENDEE MEDIA GUIDELINES
Last Update: May 15, 2026
OffKai Expo has established the following guidelines to ensure a groundwork where all staff, guests, affiliates, and attendees can feel comfortable, respected, and safe.
These guidelines apply for all individuals attending OffKai Expo with intent to record, photograph, and/or stream in a personal, non-personal, or professional capacity.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO RECORDING
- Follow Signage. Respect all signs regarding photography and recording restrictions.
- Photography and recording not permitted during panels or events unless stated otherwise.
- Obtain permission before photographing or recording attendees, guests, or cosplayers.
- Flash photography is not permitted inside the venue for safety reasons.
- Please do not block high-traffic areas when photographing or recording.
LIVESTREAMING AND TELEPRESENCE
OffKai Expo permits all attendees to stream their experience and/or use telepresence devices in publicly accessible areas of the event, provided they follow the following guidelines:
- Please display a sign that is visible to other attendees whether you are streaming or not streaming to social media. For your convenience, you may use our printable Streaming Signage.
- Follow all signs restricting photography and video recording, which also applies to livestreaming and telepresence.
- Attendees may not stream panels or events unless stated otherwise.
- Please do not block high-traffic areas with streaming or telepresence equipment.
- OffKai Expo does not guarantee a stable streaming connection at the event via publicly available WiFi, nor is able to provide a dedicated access point for unofficial streaming or telepresence activities.
EQUIPMENT RESTRICTIONS
The San Jose McEnery Convention Center prohibits equipment inside the venue under their “Professional Broadcast” policy for all staff and attendees without an accredited broadcast license. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Boom microphones
- “Professional” sound mixers
- Cameras mounted over-the-shoulder
- Tripods
- Large, two-handed gimbals
- Lighting equipment with stands
We ask you to please consider these rules as you attend the OffKai Expo, and limit the equipment you are bringing inside the San Jose McEnery Convention Center.
The following list are examples of equipment that may be permitted inside the San Jose McEnery Convention Center:
- DSLR cameras
- Small, handheld LED lighting that may be attached to the camera
- Lavalier microphones
- Handheld audio recorders
- Monopods
- Zoom lenses
- small one-handed gimbals
- Other handheld accessories
Unfortunately we cannot make any guarantees that your specific equipment will be allowed in with San Jose McEnery Convention Center’s “Professional Broadcast” policy. This is at the discretion of the Convention Center’s union and venue representatives.
If you have any questions about equipment restrictions, please contact press@offkaiexpo.com.
PRESS RULES
The following rules apply to any individuals with a Press badge. “Press” refers to any individual accepted to report on/record/cover the activities at OffKai Expo in an official capacity, as well as their assistants and helpers.
- Press must apply for a Press badge using the provided application and be accepted to receive a Press badge to be considered Press.
- Press must agree to the standard Attendee Code of Conduct on top of the other requirements listed in these rules.
- Press must always display their Press badge while they are participating in press activities at the convention.
- Press must ask for express permission from the Special Guest/Panelist or OffKai Expo staff to record any certain panel or event they wish to cover. It is best to obtain permission BEFORE the event begins.
- Any photography or recording of any area restricted only to OffKai Expo staff are prohibited at all times.
- Press are otherwise generally allowed to record and photograph any public area of the event accessible by an attendee badge unless restrictions are stated by signage.
We ask Press to request consent from any individual or group being the focus of any photograph, recording or other form of media and inform them about their Press status.
PRIVACY
We want to highlight this section in the Attendee Code of Conduct and put emphasis on these points to all attendees.
As a VTuber-centered convention, OffKai Expo believes that the right to privacy is paramount for all attendees, staff, volunteers, and guests. To ensure a safe environment, OffKai Expo may revoke badges and/or remove from the convention any individuals who endanger the privacy of others. Actions that violate this policy include, but are not limited to:
- Attempting to gain access to private details of anyone without their consent.
- Spreading, discussing, questioning, or making threats regarding private details in public spaces.
- Any and all actions that could be considered doxxing or revealing private information.
While gossip and speculation may be tempting, all participants at OffKai—including attendees, staff, volunteers, and guests—are asked to refrain from discussing the private details of any individual in public settings or presentations. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Personally identifiable information and private life details, such as legal names, gender identity, age, addresses, places of work, sexual orientation, relationship or marital status, etc.
- Unconfirmed connections between an individual and their past, such as past professional or personal affiliations.
- Making jokes or implications that suggest connections to private or sensitive information.
Please remain mindful of everyone’s privacy and consider the safety of all individuals at OffKai Expo. The final decision on what constitutes a breach of this policy lies with OffKai Expo staff.
INDEMNIFICATION
By attending OffKai Expo, all attendees, including Press, acknowledge and agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless OffKai Expo, its organizers, staff, volunteers, affiliates, and venue partners from any liability, claim, or responsibility for any loss, theft, damage, or injury to equipment, personal property, or individuals occurring during, or related to, participation in OffKai Expo. Attendees accept sole responsibility for the safeguarding of their equipment, belongings, and personal safety throughout the duration of the event.