​​Event Code of Conduct

• All attendees at SPESA events are expected to behave in a courteous and professional manner during the event and at any time during which they are representing SPESA.

• Attendees are expected to treat all participants with respect and consideration, welcoming differing and diverse views and opinions. 

• If an event speaker or attendee ever feels disrespected by another event attendee, please let SPESA know so that the situation can be swiftly addressed. 

• Any instances of harassment among event attendees may result in the perpetrator’s expulsion from the event, as well as the forfeiture of event registration fees (for attendees), the forfeiture of any expected compensation (for speakers), and the nullification of any relevant contracts or agreements.

 

Health & Safety

• Please do not attend any SPESA events if you are ill or have recently tested positive for Covid-19.

• Masks are not required at SPESA events for vaccinated attendees. However, attendees are welcome to wear masks based on your own comfort level. We ask all attendees to be kind and courteous to one another at all times.

 

Event Attendees

• SPESA has permission to use attendees’ likenesses (pictures or video taken during the event) and comments in post-event materials and future related marketing materials.

  • If an attendee would like to opt out of their likeness being used, please contact Marie@spesa.org and Maggie@spesa.org.

• Event attendee names, titles, and companies (but not contact info) will be made public on the event website.

  • If an attendee would like to opt out of this, please contact Marie@spesa.org and Maggie@spesa.org.

• As part of SPESA’s contractual sponsorship agreements, attendee contact information will be shared with event sponsors.

  • If an attendee would like to opt out of their contact information being shared, please contact Marie@spesa.org and Maggie@spesa.org.

• Event attendees will be added to SPESA’s private internal database and mailing list.

 

Event Speakers

• Unless explicitly stated otherwise, SPESA has permission to use speakers’ headshots, bios, and public statements in promotional materials ahead of the event. SPESA also has permission to use speakers' event content and photos taken of speakers during the event in post-event materials and future related marketing materials. In these instances, SPESA will only reference speakers within the context of their speaking roles. (For example: A social media post looking back at previous events and speakers.)

• While presenting, speakers are asked not to share political opinions beyond what is directly relevant to the topics of the conference.

 

Press & Social Media

• Event attendees are encouraged to capture your event experiences and post your own social content from the event, provided that such content is not defamatory or disparaging and does not infringe upon the intellectual property or rights of any other attendee.

• Unless explicitly stated otherwise, SPESA public events are open to the press. Event attendees, including members of the press, are allowed to take photos, record content, and share event takeaways with colleagues or on social media platforms.

  • If a speaker would prefer their individual content be considered “off-the-record,” please let the SPESA team know in advance.

• For press inquiries, please contact Maggie@spesa.org.

 

Event Cancellation

• In general, attendees can request a cancellation of their event registration and refund up to two weeks prior to the event. After such time, refunds will be considered on a case by case basis.

• If the event has to be cancelled, all attendees will be issued refunds.

• In the event a SPESA event cannot be held or is postponed due to a reason beyond the association’s control, SPESA shall not be liable to attendee for any damages, costs, or losses incurred, such as transportation costs or accommodations costs.