FAQ: Industry Conference & Market

Registration

• Where do I pickup my industry pass?
  You can pick up your Hot Docs pass and industry guide from the Registration & Information Desk, located in the Mayfair Room at The Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel, on the second floor. The address is 220 Bloor Street West, Toronto ON M5S 1T8.
  
  Registration Desk Hours
  Wednesday, April 23: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  Thursday, April 24: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  Friday, April 25 to Sunday, April 27: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  Monday, April 28 to Wednesday, April 30: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  Thursday, May 1 to Friday, May 2: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  Saturday, May 3: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  
   Please note: You must wear your pass at all times, including social events.
• I have registered but have not received a confirmation email. Should I be concerned?

  You should receive an email within 48 hours of submitting your registration form. If you have not received your confirmation email, please contact registration@hotdocs.ca. 

• Will I receive a receipt/invoice for my registration fee?

  Yes. Once your registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation email. Your receipt will be attached to that email.
  
   

• If I’ve submitted a film to the Festival, do I still have to pay for my pass?

  Applicants will be notified by email in early March if their work has been selected to screen at the Festival. If your film has been selected, you will receive two complimentary passes. 

• I am unable to attend. Can I transfer my pass to a colleague or receive a refund?

  If you are unable to participate in Hot Docs, you may request a full refund or transfer your pass to a colleague until March 31, 2025. Partial refunds (50%) will be offered until April 17, 2025. All pass transfers and refund requests must be formally submitted by email to registration@hotdocs.ca.

  We do not allow deferrals.

• I usually get a press pass. Do I still need to register online?

  Yes. Visit the Media section of this website and apply for media accreditation once available.

• Will passes be on sale during the Festival?
  Passes will be on sale during the Festival, subject to availability. Passes are limited this year so we recommend purchasing them in advance.

Attending Hot Docs Festival

• How can I use my industry pass to access film or event tickets?
  Industry Pass holders can claim one ticket to all non-concurrent film screenings. A block of tickets for each screening is held for pass holders. Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, subject to availability. 
  
  Detailed instructions on obtaining tickets will be posted in March.
• Will there be a digital component for this year's Festival?
  There is no virtual component at this year’s festival.
• I have accessibility needs. How can you help?
  Hot Docs value inclusivity and accessibility for all guests, staff and volunteers​. Details about venue accessibility can be found HERE and our full accessibility policy is available HERE.
• What is Hot Docs' Code of Conduct?

  Hot Docs is a forum to share stories and perspectives on the people, issues and events that shape our world, and we encourage respectful discussion and debate to foster greater understanding and empathy.

  For this important exchange of ideas, the Festival is committed to providing a friendly and safe environment in which all can comfortably participate. We welcome diversity and do not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or abusive or threatening behaviour of any kind.

  Hot Docs reserves the right to rescind the credentials of those who engage in harassment, discrimination, or abusive or threatening behaviour, and to prohibit access to venues and events, without warning or refund.
  
  The full Code of Conduct is available HERE, and Hot Docs Values can be found HERE.

  If you feel you have been the target of, or have observed, such behaviour, please notify a Hot Docs staff manager at the venue, or contact conduct@hotdocs.ca.

  All violations of the law should be reported to local law enforcement. For emergencies, immediately dial 9-1-1.

• How is Hot Docs funded?

  In addition to ticket revenue and individual donations, Hot Docs is also funded by a variety of public and private partners who will be acknowledged at screenings and events as well as on promotional materials. This support is essential to Hot Docs’ ability to produce the Festival and industry events and programs on the scale that it does. For a current list of partners, visit Sponsors & Partners.

Online Community

• How do I access the Online Community?

  All-IN Pass and Industry Screening Pass holders received an email with online community login information to view the list of attendees.

• Where can I access the Guide to Decision Makers?

  If you’ve registered, you can view the list of attendees in the Online Community, where you can also explore this year’s sessions and social events, and create your personalized schedule. Plus, check out our Financiers & Industry Representatives list on the website.