Apply for MATPRA Media Marketplace

Media applications are now open!
Deadline to apply: March 13, 2026.

2026 MATPRA Media Marketplace
Kent County, DE/ September 22-24, 2026

MATPRA Media Marketplace is an annual conference where both PR professionals and travel journalists get together to discuss story ideas, arrange visits to our destinations across Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Jersey, and West Virginia and talk about what’s new in our backyards.

Please read the details below before submitting your application.

About the Application Process

• All journalists are encouraged to apply.
• A committee of MATPRA members will select 60 journalists to attend the 2026 event.
• When completing this year’s application, be sure to answer ALL fields in the form. Due to issues accessing story links from publications requiring a paid subscription to view content, story submissions must be in a PDF format for review.
• If there are any questions about your submission, email the MATPRA Media Committee at [email protected].
• You will be notified of the result of your application by early May 2026.

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Media Marketplace Attendance Details

• If your application is accepted, you will be invited to attend MATPRA’s Media Marketplace. MATPRA covers your hotel stay, entertainment, and all meals from 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 22 through 1 p.m. Thursday, September 24. However, transportation to and from Central Delaware is your responsibility, as are any additional nights at the hotel you may wish to add.
  
• Accepted journalists are expected to participate in all Marketplace activities.
  
• Accepted journalists will also have the (optional) opportunity to sign up for FAM tours both before and after Media Marketplace. Again, your hotel, entertainment, and food expenses will be covered by the host destination, but travel to/from those destinations is your responsibility.

• For teams/couples only: A new policy is in effect this year for teams/couples who work together and wish to attend Marketplace together. Please apply as a unit, and the selection committee will consider your application as a unit. If you are accepted to attend Marketplace, MATPRA will cover the hotel stay, entertainment, and all meals from 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 22 through 1 p.m. Thursday, September 24 for one member of your team. The second team member will be assessed a $250 to cover their entertainment and meal expenses. You can both stay in the comped hotel room together for no additional charge. If you need a second hotel room, you are responsible for covering that expense. You will also circulate through the Marketplace tables and use the Whova mobile app as a unit. This policy has been implemented to allow for a larger number of journalists to be hosted by MATPRA at Marketplace.