The API experience


Several elements create the very heart of “The API Experience”: a custom-crafted program by a member of the Institute’s senior leadership team … a series of topics carefully selected to achieve an intense and transformative experience … knowledgeable discussion leaders who diligently prepare their presentations so that they addresses the attendees’ greatest needs … the Institute staff that takes care of every detail, no matter how small, to create a quality and personalized experience … and, of course, energetic and focused seminar participants, who are passionate about their careers, their companies and their industry.



More than 40,000 media executives and thousands of discussion leaders have had the rich “API Experience,” and over the past half century much about the Institute has changed. But the basic founding principle – providing a forum for newsmedia executives, ranging from recently minted managers to CEOs, to discuss, debate and find solutions to the industry’s greatest challenges – hasn’t.


It’s about people: From the vice president/digital of a major metropolitan newspaper to the city editor from the Heartland, they come from different worlds but they share similar hopes, goals and aspirations.

Cancellation policy

We understand that business or personal matters can interfere with your plans to attend an API seminar. We do our best to be flexible by suggesting you send someone else in your place, or, in some instances, by allowing you to register for a later program instead.

Tuition: All seminar tuition is payable in advance.
  • If you cancel your seminar registration more than four weeks in advance of the seminar’s start date, we will apply the funds to another API program in the same fiscal year or issue a refund, minus a $100 cancellation fee. If you decide to apply the funds, they may be used toward tuition for anyone in your organization to attend API during the fiscal year in which the funds were paid.
  • If you cancel two to four weeks in advance of the seminar start date, API retains 50 percent of the tuition to cover administrative costs. The remaining balance may be applied to tuition for you or anyone in your organization to attend API during the fiscal year in which the funds were paid.
  • If you cancel within two weeks of a seminar start date, the full tuition is retained. 
  • Your organization may substitute another attendee in your place without penalty. 
Hotel: Our conference hotel for seminars at API is the Hyatt Regency Reston. Tuition does not include your hotel room.  The hotel requires 24 hours notice for cancellations. Please call the hotel directly, 703-709-1234.

Questions: Val Williamson, API Seminar Coordinator, (703) 715-3333



Requirements for international participants

API must receive a copy of your visa before seminar registration.  Please fax a copy of your visa to API’s fax # 703-620-5814.

If you do not have a visa, please follow the steps required below:

  1. Apply for your visa early.  The U.S. Department of State recommends that you begin your visa application process well in advance of your travel dates. Visa applications face more scrutiny - and a longer waiting period - than they have in the past.
  2. Visa requirements vary from country to country.
  3. You may apply for a visa at any U.S. consular office, but it may be more difficult to qualify if you apply from outside your country of permanent residence. Contact information for consular offices is available here.
  4. Schedule an appointment with the embassy/consulate.

For more information on applying for a visa, visit the U.S. Department of State Web site.

The decision to grant a visa belongs solely to the embassy/consulate. The American Press Institute cannot promise that you or your colleagues will receive a visa. Likewise, the American Press Institute cannot change the decision of the governmental agency should your application be denied.

Once API receives a copy of your visa and prepayment for the tuition fee, you will be registered for the seminar.

If you have any questions regarding requirements for international attendees, you may contact API Registrar.