Topics
Your Experience
I'm a fundraiser. Is this still a conference for me? What happened to the PMDMC?
For years, we’ve gathered as the PMDMC to fund our greatest ambitions. That mission hasn’t changed, but we must evolve to an event where the silos no longer exist. That’s why we’re building a “bigger tent” to bring fundraising, programming, and leadership together.
The Public Media Growth Conference will still include sessions on membership, major giving, planned giving, corporate support, and marketing, just like the PMDMC. In addition, we are focused on connecting content, audience, and revenue with silo-busting sessions for everyone at the organization.
What is the dress code for PMGC?
The PMGC 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?
Wednesday, July 8: Light hors d’oeuvres are provided for conference attendees at the evening opening reception.
Thursday, July 9: Conference attendees will receive breakfast and have an opportunity to leave the hotel for lunch. Lunch will not be provided by the conference. The evening event will have light hors d’oeuvres.
Friday, July 10: Conference attendees will receive breakfast and have an opportunity to leave the hotel for lunch. Lunch will not be provided by the conference. The closing event will feature light happy hour munchies.
Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free dietary restrictions will be accommodated.
How do I book my hotel room?
Once you complete your conference registration, you’ll receive a link to complete your hotel reservation.
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 15, 2026. But keep in mind that our room block in the past has sold out before the early bird deadline, which is May 1, 2026.
How much does the hotel cost?
Rooms that are part of our discounted room block at the Hilton Chicago are $249 per night plus taxes. You must book no later than June 15, 2026 to receive this rate.
What is the hotel’s cancellation policy?
A deposit equal to one night’s stay is required to hold each individual’s reservation. Personal check, money order or a valid American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Card or Carte Blanche card number and expiration date or a guarantee to the master account are acceptable. Should a guest cancel a reservation, the deposit will be refunded if notice is received at least three (3) working days prior to arrival, and a cancellation number is obtained. Check-in time is 3:00 p.m. and check-out time is 11:00 a.m.
When/where should I fly in?
The conference content starts at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8th. 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. More information can be found on our Hotel & Travel page.
Is Wi-Fi provided?
Wi-Fi is free in the meeting spaces. Network information will be provided to you upon check-in.
Guest room internet is also provided to PMGC attendees.
When/where/how should I download the conference mobile app?
We recommend that you download the Public Media Growth Conference mobile app before you arrive in Chicago . The updated app will be available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store about two weeks before the start of the conference. Registrants will receive an email reminder with download instructions in the days before the conference. If you’ve attended previous conferences, please note that the conference app is from a new provider in 2026 and will need to be re-downloaded. We will provide instructions on how to download the PMGC26 app once it is available.
Please note: To access the PMGC26 mobile app, you will need to register using the same email you used to register for 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 Public Media Growth Conference. The PMGC 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.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions? How should I communicate my dietary needs?
The hotel will provide clearly labeled gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options on each buffet; you can let us know of your needs in the conference registration form. 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 hotel.
How can I request accessibility accommodations and/or services at PMGC?
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 the Public Media Growth Conference social events may be purchased during the event at the PMGC information desk at the hotel. Please contact us a few weeks prior to the event for pricing information.
I am interested in exhibiting or sponsoring. How does that work?
Learn more on our Sponsors & Exhibitors page.
Registration & Billing
Who qualifies for the member pricing?
Member pricing for PMGC is available to Greater Public member stations only. PBS members who are not Greater Public members do not qualify for this pricing. You can see whether your organization is already a Greater Public member here, you can read about the benefits of membership here, and you can reach out to Leah Manners at lmanners@greaterpublic.org if you’re interested in joining or renewing your membership.
Do you offer group pricing?
For 2026, we have not created any group pricing discounts.
What's your cancellation or transfer policy?
If circumstances change and you can no longer attend the Public Media Growth Conference, you may cancel your registration for all conference events by providing written notice to Greater Public via our contact form. Registrations will be fully refunded, minus an administrative fee of $150, if a cancellation request is made up to 45 calendar days prior to the in-person conference start date of July 8, 2026. Cancellations received after the cancellation cutoff date of Sunday, May 24, 2026 or nonattendance will not be refunded. For cancellations received after the cutoff date with a balance due, the registration amount remains due in full. Please remember that canceling your registration does not automatically cancel your hotel and travel arrangements.
You may transfer your registration to someone within your organization at no additional fee. Registration transfers may be made at any time up to the conference start date. Submit a transfer request through our contact form. Greater Public staff will carry out all transfer requests at their discretion.
No refunds will be issued for participants who register but do not attend the event.
Any payment disputes or chargebacks initiated by the participant will result in immediate cancellation of event access without a refund.
For refund-related inquiries, please contact us.
How do I cancel?
In order to cancel your registration, please contact us. Cancellation requests received by Sunday, May 24, 2026 will receive a full refund minus an administrative fee of $150.
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 get an invoice?
Attendees may choose to pay via invoice if needed. To do so, select “Invoice” in the payments section of the registration. An invoice will be generated instantly that you can print or download. Payments must be received no later than Friday, June 26, 2026. Please allow ample time for postal mail.
Where can I get a copy of my confirmation email or receipt?
Your invoice or receipt is available when you click Modify Ticket on your email confirmation.
How do I add/remove or change items from an existing registration?
Use the Modify Ticket button on your email confirmation to get a copy of your registration, invoice, or receipt; or to make changes to your registration.
Speakers
I am speaking at the PMGC. Do I get a complimentary registration or free hotel rooms?
We do not offer discounted or complimentary registration to speakers because there is a good deal of overlap between conference attendees and presenters. To show our gratitude for your hard work and inspiring content, you will receive special speaker recognition and unique networking opportunities. Presenters and speakers are responsible for booking their own hotel and travel accommodations.
Do I need to register if I’m only speaking in one session?
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?
Most speakers will receive the following, but please check with your session producer to confirm:
- Wi-fi
- Podium + stationary mic
- Panelists table with microphones
- LCD projector and screen
- Audio patch cord
- Presenter laptop
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 periodically in the months leading up to the conference. Anyone can submit a session proposal. The content committee selects ideas to develop based on the criteria outlined for this year’s conference. Subscribe to the PMGC email list (in the footer of this page) to be notified about the next 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 May 30, but intend to inform submitters of their proposal status before then.
When will the full schedule for the PMGC 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 mid-April and most of the schedule announced in early June.
Can I still get a paper or PDF version of the conference schedule?
The conference schedule is available online and in the PMGC mobile app. We no longer offer a paper version of the agenda. If you require a paper version, please contact us and we’ll be happy to arrange a paper version of the agenda for you.
Will I be eligible for CFRE points for attending the PMGC?
Yes! Participation in PMGC will be eligible for CFRE points.
Check back in June for more information about CFRE credits and to download the worksheet.