DW Global Media Forum 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions
Tickets and registration:
How can I register for the DW Global Media Forum 2026?
Registration for #GMF26 is now open. In addition to standard tickets, special options will be available for students and journalists. A limited number of Early Bird tickets will also be available at a discounted rate from April 1 to May 1.
How much do the tickets cost?
Standard Tickets
- Regular: €349
- Early Bird Special: €299 (available April 1–24)
- Includes:
- Reception at DW Headquarters
- Dinner cruise along the Rhine River Valley
Student Tickets
- Regular: €29
- Early Bird Special: €29 (available April 1–24)
- Includes:
- Reception at DW Headquarters
Note:
For both ticket types (standard and student), accommodation and travel expenses are not included. However, the conference ticket includes a bus and train pass for local public transport (SWB) within Bonn on both conference days.
Bonn offers a wide range of hotels near the conference venues to suit different budgets. The city is well connected by car, train, and plane via Cologne/Bonn Airport or Frankfurt Airport.
Can I refund my ticket?
All ticket purchases are final. Tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be exchanged or resold after purchase.
Can journalists attend for free?
Yes – with press accreditation. Registration opened on April 1.
Important information:
- Accreditation is limited and subject to availability.
- Travel and accommodation costs cannot be covered by Deutsche Welle.
- A valid press ID must be uploaded as part of the application. Both sides of the ID should be included in a single image.
- All documents are subject to verification by the organizer.
- Accreditation decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, based on the following criteria: (1) Thematic relevance to the conference topics, (2) Proof of journalistic activity.
Can non-journalists attend the DW Global Media Forum?
Yes. The forum welcomes participants from a wide range of professional backgrounds and encourages interdisciplinary exchange. Tickets went on sale on April 1, including a limited number of early bird tickets available at a discounted rate until April 24.
How do I receive relevant press information?
Press releases and updates on the DW Global Media Forum are available on the DW press page. For further inquiries, please contact us at communication@dw.com or subscribe to the DW Global Media Forum newsletter.
---
Travel & venue information:
Where will the DW Global Media Forum 2026 take place?
#GMF26 will be held at the World Conference Center Bonn (WCCB) on June 23–24, 2026, under the theme "Journalism out loud."
Does the full-access ticket include accommodation and travel expenses?
No, accommodation and travel expenses are not included. However, the conference ticket includes a bus and train ticket for local public transport (SWB) within Bonn on both conference days.
Bonn offers a wide range of hotels near the conference venue to suit different budgets. The city is well connected by car, train, and plane via Cologne/Bonn Airport or Frankfurt Airport.
How is catering handled during the conference?
Complimentary water will be provided throughout the event. A selection of regional food options, including vegetarian and vegan choices, will be available for purchase on site. Card payments are accepted for all food and beverages.
Food and drinks will be provided free of charge during the evening events.
Is it possible to rent a bike on-site?
Yes, a limited number of bicycles will be available free of charge during the conference. Simply present your ID card at the information desk to borrow one.
Bikes will be stationed directly at the WCCB.
---
Accessibility & conference features:
What about accessibility?
The conference website is screen reader–compatible, and the entire venue is wheelchair accessible. If you require an accompanying person, you can request a complimentary pass.
In addition, selected sessions will be supported by automated transcription and translation via a web-based tool. Transcripts will be available in real time and after the session, and can be accessed directly in a browser on personal devices—no app download required.
Will conference recordings be available?
Yes, plenary session recordings from the 2026 Global Media Forum will be available on our YouTube channel, where sessions from previous years, including 2025, are already published.
Follow our social media channels (LinkedIn,Facebook,X, Threads) and subscribe to our newsletter for updates.
In which language will the conference be held?
The official conference language is English.
Can I download the conference program?
Yes, a PDF version of the program will be made available online shortly before the event.
Are there any accessibility requirements for the boat tour?
For safety reasons, participants should be able to board and disembark the boat independently or with the assistance of an accompanying person. If safe participation cannot be ensured due to significant mobility limitations, access to the boat tour may be restricted. These measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
---
Post-registration & conference tools
I'm having trouble accessing my account. What should I do?
If you haven’t received a password reset email or forgot which email you used to register, please contact gmf.registration@dw.com for assistance.
I forgot my login password. How can I reset it?
Use the provided password reset link.
Can I create my own conference agenda?
Yes, click "Add to my schedule" on any session page. Your selected sessions can be accessed under "My Events" via your profile icon in the upper-right corner of the website.
How does the matchmaking feature work?
Our matchmaking tool connects participants with shared interests. To get started:
Click the user icon in the upper-left corner.
Select "Edit Profile" and scroll to "Self-introduction, expertise and interests".
Choose the attributes that best represent you.
Save your changes and find your matches by clicking on your profile.
---
