If I am shooting for an attendee of a conference, should I be getting a media pass instead of a ticket?

Client (owner of non profit) has asked me to photograph his non-profit speech at one of the world's biggest multi-day business/tech conference. Attendee tickets start at $800, to over $2000. I am not being paid, but my ticket to access this conference is paid for. He is one of my first paid clients, and I've shot event photography for his events for over a year now. Mind you I am in my "photo student, emerging business, grind phase".

"Tickets in exchange for the service" "Our partners are issuing the tickets"

They asked me and my videographer friend to come shoot, but my friend is not available, in which they asked me if I know anyone else. I don't know anyone else honestly that does video other than my friends and peers from my photography school that have some experience in basic short form content video creation (we have to take a course on it in our program). As I am writing a posting, I'm thinking:

If I am shooting this client, for multiple days even, whats the point of a ticket when I am not really utilizing the benefits of being an attendee? I'm working, and documenting you and your partner's activities at this conference? Is there a media pass even though I am not shooting directly for the conference itself? Is this ethical? especially in which if I were to find someone to do video, it would take a long time in post? I'm not sure what I am doing,, could use some tips and insight.

It's a great portfolio builder for where I am at and for an emerging videographer. which I feel I cannot skip out on and the relationship as me and this client met at this conference last year.