1. What is the Global Investigative Journalism Conference?
Every two years since 2001, the world’s investigative journalism community has joined together in a different city, and the results have been extraordinary. The GIJCs are giant training conferences, with practical panels and workshops on the latest investigative techniques, data analysis, cross-border collaboration, and more by the best journalists in the field. Our conferences have trained over 7,000 journalists and resulted in the founding of investigative teams, nonprofit newsrooms, and headline-making stories around the world.
The 11th Global Investigative Journalism Conference (GIJC19) is brought to you by the Global Investigative Journalism Network, Netzwerk Recherche and Interlink Academy. Read more about us here.
2. Who will be the speakers and what can we expect?
We’ll be hosting many of the world’s top investigative reporters, editors, and producers, as well as key resource people on freedom of information, media law, and security. We expect over 150 panels, training sessions, keynotes and workshops. The program will be updated here. Read more about speakers here.
3. Where and when is the conference?
For #GIJC19, the world’s muckrakers are gathering at the Der Spiegel publishing house and the HafenCity University Hamburg, in Hamburg, Germany. Their new buildings offer excellent conference infrastructure, a comfortable working atmosphere and integrated catering facilities. Read more about the venue here.
The conference begins with a reception the evening of Wednesday (6pm to 8pm), September 25, and runs until 12 noon on Sunday, September 29. A pre-conference day will feature workshops and special classes.
4. How can I register?
You can register via our Eventbrite page. The early bird registration fee (until July 15) is 250€ for an individual ticket and 350€ for a business ticket. (Business tickets are for media companies paying for their staff.) After the early bird period ends, the price will be 300€ for an individual ticket and 420€ for a business ticket. Read more about registration here.
5. How can I pay the conference fee?
Eventbrite will give you the option to pay with one of four credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, AMEX, or Discover). The registration page is here.
6. What does the conference fee include?
The fee includes full access to the conference’s panels, workshops and special sessions. It also covers lunches during conference days, two cocktail receptions, and an awards ceremony and dinner on Saturday Sept. 28.
7. How can I become a sponsor?
The GIJC is possible because of sponsors large and small, including foundations, news media, NGOs, schools and training centers, tech companies, and individuals. We raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring talented journalists from around the world to these events, and we need your support. Here’s a chance to support the “special forces” of journalism on the front lines of battling crime, corruption, abuse of trust, and lack of accountability. Contact us at hello@gijn.org. See the list of current sponsors here.
8. Is there financial assistance for journalists to attend?
Yes! The conference hosts and their partners are giving out over 200 travel fellowships for journalists from developing and transitioning countries, as well as to journalists from certain communities (indigenous peoples, exiled media, LGBTQ journalists). The deadline is May 15, 2019. Read more about the fellowship program here.
9. What is the code of conduct for the conference?
The Global Investigative Journalism Conference is a strong believer in diversity and welcomes participants regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, or disability. Discrimination, sexual harassment, or other inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated and will be grounds for expulsion from the conference.
10. Where do I stay during the conference?
We have identified a number of quality hotels in the city and negotiated discounts for attendees. Check our recommended hotel page for booking codes. We expect over a thousand attendees and rooms will fill up, so book early if you can. On a budget? You can find a roommate here. Also, our partner, Hostwriter, offers the opportunity for you to be hosted for free by a journalist colleague in Hamburg, via couchsurfing.
11. Are there childcare services at the conference venue?
For the first time, we will be offering professional childcare at the Global Investigative Journalism Conference. It is free of charge for all attendees, but places are limited and subject to availability. The service will be available on three conference days — Thursday, Friday and Saturday (September 26-28th) — from 10am to 6pm at Hafencity University. More information here.
12. Where can I find the cheapest flights to Hamburg?
The cheapest tickets to Hamburg Airport can be found through sites such as Momondo, Kayak, Expedia, or Hotwire.
13. What about public transportation from the airport to your hotel?
The airport is situated only 8.5 km from Hamburg’s city center and is connected to the city’s comprehensive public transport network via S-Bahn (suburban railway; 30 minutes journey to the venue). Read more about transportation here.
14. Do I need a visa to enter Germany?
Requirements for visitors’ visas differ from country to country. Be sure to review whether you need a visa to enter Germany. You can read more about visas here.
15. What is the currency used in Germany?
Germany’s currency is the euro. One euro is divided into 100 cents. Please note that while German domestic debit cards – called girocard, formerly EC-Karte (and, to a lesser extent, international PIN-based Maestro and V PAY cards) — enjoy almost universal acceptance, this is not true for credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express) or foreign debit cards (VISA Debit/Electron, Debit MasterCard etc.). Credit cards and foreign debit cards may be accepted in several major retail stores, medium-size supermarkets and some fast food restaurants. Read more about currency here.
16. What is the climate in Hamburg in September?
September marks the end of summer turning into autumn in Hamburg and the weather is generally in the range of 10 to 18 degrees Celsius (50 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit). We recommend you bring a warm, waterproof jacket.
17. What is the dress code for the conference?
Dress code for the GIJC is casual. Jeans, shoes or sneakers, shirts or t-shirts are all okay. You might want to dress up for the award ceremony dinner on Saturday evening.
18. How safe is Hamburg for travelers?
Hamburg is a safe place for both residents and tourists. It offers a high standard of security infrastructure and everyone can rest assured they will be well-taken care of in case of emergencies. Nevertheless, as in all bigger cities, it is recommended to remain vigilant in the city center, especially at night and in areas like the main station. It is necessary to pay attention to valuables and act responsibly at all times.
19. Will the sessions be livestreamed?
For those of you who won’t be attending the conference, we’re offering a livestream from two rooms, the Holcim-Auditorium and Room 2.104 (with some exceptions). You can see which events are taking place in these rooms by looking at the online schedule — click on the “Filter by” button, choose “Locations” instead of tracks, and select these two rooms. Exact details of the livestreamed sessions will be updated here later.
