ARIJ Forum Q & A

1. What’s the ARIJ Annual Forum?
ARIJ’s Annual Forum is one of the largest and most influential gatherings for investigative journalists and editors in the Middle East and North Africa region. At ARIJ17, participants will learn skills and exchange information with media trainers from leading media and tech companies, global investigative journalists, and award-winning pioneers in those fields.
2. Who is speaking 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 are planning for more than 40 panels, training sessions, keynotes and workshops. Check out the program agenda here. Read more about speakers here, and about trainers here
 
3. Where and when are the Forum?
#ARIJ17, will be held Dec. 1-3 t at the Mövenpick Resort and Spa Dead Sea, in Dead Sea, Jordan. The forum begins with an opening ceremony 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, then runs through a closing ceremony at 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3.
 
4. How can I register?
Forum registration is now open. You can register via our page. The Early Bird registration fee is US$250 (until Nov. 1). After that, the fee will be US$280. Read more about registration here.
5. How can I pay the forum fee?
Eventbrite will give you the option to pay with one of four credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, AMEX, or Discover). You can register at the forum venue, with a credit card or cash, but we do encourage you to register in advance to avoid waiting in line. Registration page is here.
6. What does the forum fee include?
The fee includes full access to the forum’s panels, workshops, and special sessions. It also covers lunches Dec. 2 and 3, two snack dinners on Dec. 1 and 2, and the gala dinner on Sunday Dec. 3.
7. Where do I stay during the forum?
We have identified a number of quality hotels in the Dead Sea area and negotiated discounts for attendees. Check our recommended hotel page for booking codes. Many attendees are expected and rooms will fill up, so book early if you can.
8. What about public transportation from the airport to the hotel?
We have many trips running between the airport and the hotel. To secure a place send an email to Lina@ARIJ.net with the Subject Line “Airport Transport” along with a copy of your E-ticket and we will arrange to have an airport pick up, the transport costs are split among the number of people arriving with you, the costs are: Small Car = 55 JOD = 78 $ Minivan    = 80 JOD = 113$ Bus 18 pax = 150 JOD = 212$ Bus 50 pax = 250J OD = 353 $
10. Do I need a visa to enter Jordan?
There is a long list of countries that do not require visas to enter Jordan. You can read more about visas here. If you need a visa to come to Jordan, once your registration is confirmed on Eventbrite website, please send an email to Lina@ARIJ.net with the subject line “Request for Invitation Letter- Your Name” in order to send you an invitation letter to submit when submitting your visa application. Note: Journalists from Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Somalia require security clearance from the Jordanian Interior ministry in addition to their visa, the clearance can take 6 weeks therefore we urge you to register as quickly as possible and send us a copy of your passport in order to obtain the security clearance.
11. How can I become a sponsor?
Each year we depend on the generosity and support of media outlets, foundations, law firms, banks, and corporations in organizing the Annual Forum for Arab Investigative Reporters and Editors. The Forum is the centerpiece of our mission at Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ) to train and equip journalists to serve as society’s “watchdogs” in favor of democracy, transparency and rule of law. The forum also provides a great recruiting opportunity for major sponsors. Sponsor support helps us keep registration fees low, thus ensuring attendance remains robust even when training and travel budgets are lean. Contact Yazan Abu Al Rous Yazan.rous@ARIJ.net See the list of current sponsors here. Our sponsors and partners choose our annual Forum for the following reasons: ­Media around the world are facing declining revenue even as they struggle to embrace new tools and technologies for disseminating information to the public. “Good journalism practices” go by the wayside while scores of journalists are being laid off due to worsening economics in the media industry. Your company can help by supporting training that enhances Entrepreneurial Investigative Journalists (EIJ). Being EIJ means they can develop multiple sources of revenue as independent media practitioners relying on new professional tools that allow work in a fast changing sector. Supporting independent media quickens the pace towards democracy and across­ the ­board reforms and gives a “voice to the many voiceless”. It allows people to make fact­ based decisions, thus contributing to local decision­making and accountability.
12. Is there financial assistance for journalists to attend?
Yes! ARIJ and its partners are giving out more than 100 fellowships for journalists from developing Arab countries to attend. The deadline is Oct. 20. Read more about the fellowship program here.
13. What currency is used in Jordan?
Jordan uses the Jordanian Dinars (JOD). Bank notes are issued in 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 JOD, and coins come in denominations of 5p, 10p, 25p and 50p, please note that debit and credit cards are widely accepted, particularly MasterCard, Visa and American Express. You can read more information about Jordan and its currency here. You can also a currency converter tool here
14. What is the weather like at the Dead Sea in December?
Winters in Jordan are generally short and cool. December to January is the coolest month, with temperatures of 5-10°C. About 70 percent of the average annual rainfall in the country falls during this period. Amman can be especially cold in January and February and snow is not uncommon. However, during these months the Dead Sea, Jordan Valley and the area around Aqaba are reasonably warm during the day, with chilly evenings. You can read more about the weather in Jordan here and weather forecasts can be found  here
15. What is the dress code for the forum?
Dress code for ARIJ17 is casual. Jeans, shoes or sneakers, shirts or t-shirts are all acceptable. You might want to dress up for the award ceremony dinner Sunday evening. Pack a warm, waterproof jacket, just in case.
16. How safe is Jordan for travelers?
Jordan is a safe and relaxed forum environment. Authorities take security very seriously, and Jordanians pride themselves on how safe and hospitable their country is. You can read more about safety in Jordan via the World Economic Report Index here
17. Are there any social events during the Forum?
There will be many networking opportunities during the forum, from the reception on opening day, networking lunches, Snack dinners, movie screenings and of course the Gala Dinner and Ball dance on the closing night.
18. What languages will be used at the forum?
The official languages of the forum are Arabic & English, there will be simultaneous interpreters present in all sessions during the Forum, simultaneous translation of all materials and announcements will also be provided.
19. What can I tell my employer professional benefit of attending the Annual Forum?
ARIJ’s Annual Forum is one of the largest and most influential gatherings for investigative journalists and editors in the Middle East and North Africa region. At it, they learn and exchange skills with media trainers from leading media and tech companies, global investigative journalists, and award winning pioneers in those fields. More than 400 people will meet in Jordan Dec. 1­3, 2017, to recharge skills, learn new tools, get acquainted with latest trends in investigative reporting, and network with TV broadcasters, technology companies, and universities from around the globe. Journalists will be learning how to counter the legal, political, professional, economic, and societal challenges hindering the role of the “Fourth Estate” in ensuring accountability.

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