(Update) ALEC States & Nation Policy Summit – Phoenix, AZ Nov.30 – Dec.2, 2011

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has updated its web page for its upcoming States & Nation Policy Summit at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, 6902 E. Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale, Arizona from November 30 – December 2, 2011. Register online Registration. Deadline is November 7. The Agenda is here. Hotel accommodations deadline is also November 7.

For news reporters and bloggers who want to try to cover this confab, here is the ALEC Media Policy:

ALEC Media Policy

ALEC Public Affairs Department is available to assist members of the news media with data, tools and policy analysis needed to cover the issues facing state legislatures today.

ALEC invites credentialed members of both traditional and online journalists to attend ALEC events without paying registration fees.  ALEC will recognize journalists who have obtained credentials from a capitol press corps, official press organization or the U.S. Congress. Credentials must be presented to the media registration desk upon arrival to obtain a press pass. Members of the press may apply for credentials to ALEC’s national meetings in advance online, but still must present their media credentials to the onsite registration desk.

Journalists may not register as “media” if their news outlet is funded by a think-tank, political party, lobbying organization, trade association or corporation.  ALEC will not allow journalists to register as “media” for the purpose of writing a personal online blog.

During conferences and other ALEC events, press must have their credentials visible at all times.  They may not distribute materials to any government official or attendee to the ALEC event.  Members of the media may not lobby or collect signatures for any political cause or issue while registered as a member of the press. Reporters are welcome to enjoy meals if they choose to purchase meal tickets, otherwise space at the back of the room will be provided for the press.

Requests to videotape or record any ALEC event must be made to the Public Affairs Department in advance.

Terms and Conditions for Use of Media Credentials at ALEC Meetings:

• ALEC media credentials must be visible at all times at the meeting or networking events.
• Credentials may not be transferred and new credentials must be obtained for each ALEC event. 
• No materials may be distributed by members of the media directly to legislators, legislative staff or attendees of an ALEC meeting. Materials include, but may not be limited to, leaflets, handouts, pamphlets, magazines, newspapers, t-shirts, marketing materials and petitions.
• Members of the media may not solicit, advocate, rally or collect signatures on behalf of a political cause, issue or individual at an ALEC event in which they have registered as members of the media.
• All requests to record or videotape at any ALEC meeting or function for the purpose of rebroadcasting must be made and approved through ALEC Public Affairs Department.
• ALEC will only allow authorized representatives of the entities noted above to be approved and the approval is not transferable.  Approval is needed for each ALEC meeting, event or publication.
• All ALEC publications, including PDFs, are the copyrighted property of ALEC and may not be reproduced, uploaded or distributed in any way in their entirety.
• ALEC has the right to remove individuals from a meeting or function who do not abide by the above terms and conditions.

Oooh! Double super-secret! They really don't want anyone to know what goes on at these events, do they? Just the prepared press release for the stenographers in the corporate media. Blog for Arizona will submit a request for media credentials, but don't hold your breath.

Learn more at ALECWATCH.