Terms & Conditions
Skip to Content

Code of Conduct

We are committed to creating a safe, productive, and welcoming environment that is inclusive and free from discrimination, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, transgender status, age, disability, veteran or marital status, or any other protected categories under applicable law.

All ATC participants, including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, service providers, and all others must abide by the following Code of Conduct:

Expected Behavior
  • Be considerate of those around you.
  • Be respectful of others and their viewpoints that may be different from your own.
  • Be collaborative with others.
  • Be mindful of your words and actions.

 

Unacceptable behaviors may include, but are not limited to:
  • Offensive or unwanted behavior or language related to, but not limited to, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, transgender status, age, disability, veteran or marital status, or any other similar categories.
  • Visual harassment, such as sexual images OR sexual language including in presentations, PowerPoint etc.
  • Sexual harassment of any kind, such as unwelcome sexual advances or words/actions of a sexual nature.
  • Wearing attire that includes harmful or offensive language or imagery that is not appropriate for a professional setting.
  • Disruption of presentations during sessions or events organized by THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANTATION (AST) and AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANT SURGEONS (ASTS) throughout the AMERICAN TRANSPLANT CONGRESS.
  • Abusive action directed at an individual, such as threats, intimidation, or bullying, both online and/or in-person.
  • Sharing your AMERICAN TRANSPLANT CONGRESS registration credentials or badge with any other person(s).
  • Making event content available to a competitor of THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANTATION (AST) and AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANT SURGEONS (ASTS). This includes but is not limited to event materials, speaker presentations, agenda, or log-in details to the event mobile app.
  • Possession of a weapon or something that could be construed as a weapon both online and/or in-person.
  • Possession or mention of illegal substances both online and/or in-person.
  • Inappropriate comments or stalking of fellow attendees.
  • Nudity is prohibited.
  • Any other illegal activity not already covered above.

 

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANTATION (AST) and AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANT SURGEONS (ASTS) has zero-tolerance for any form of discrimination or harassment, including but not limited to sexual harassment by participants or our staff at our meetings. If you are the subject of, or witness to any violations, you can contact us by sending an email toregistration@atcmeeting.org.

 

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated and could result in debarment from current, and/or any future AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANTATION (AST) and AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANT SURGEONS (ASTS) events. If a participant is found or reasonably believed to be engaging in unacceptable behavior, THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANTATION (AST) and AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANT SURGEONS (ASTS) may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including expulsion from the event without warning or refund. If appropriate, local law enforcement may get involved.

 

Lead Retrieval

By allowing an exhibitor to scan your badge you consent to AST and ASTS sharing your contact information with such exhibitors for the purpose of contacting you during or after the event and sending marketing communications. You will be subject to their communications and privacy policy and must opt-out with them directly if you choose not to receive communications. You are under no obligation to have your badge scanned by AST and ASTS's exhibitors if you do not wish to receive such communications.

 

Liability Waiver & Release

In consideration of being allowed to register for, and participate in the AMERICAN TRANSPLANT CONGRESS, you hereby warrant and represent that you are age 18 or above and freely waive, release from liability, assume all risks, and covenant not to sue THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANTATION (AST) and AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANT SURGEONS (ASTS)  or its members, employees, board members, agents, or volunteers for any expense, loss, damage, personal injury, including loss of life, illness, disability, property damage, or property theft or actions of any kind that you may hereafter suffer or sustain before, during, or after the event, unless said expense, loss, damage, personal injury, including loss of life, illness, disability, property damage or property theft or actions of any kind is caused by the sole, gross negligence of THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANTATION (AST) and AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANT SURGEONS (ASTS). This Liability Waiver & Release is specifically binding upon your heirs and assigns and is knowingly given.

 

Photography/Video

On occasion, you may be photographed, video-taped, or audio-taped in connection with THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANTATION (AST) and AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANT SURGEONS (ASTS) activities. As a participant of AMERICAN TRANSPLANT CONGRESS, you agree that THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANTATION (AST) and AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANT SURGEONS (ASTS) is the sole owner of all rights in and to the resulting photographs, video footage and recordings, for all purposes related to THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANTATION (AST) and AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANT SURGEONS (ASTS)'s business (both now and in the future). Your name and likeness may be used by THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANTATION (AST) and AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANT SURGEONS (ASTS) in advertising and promotional materials. Participants shall receive no compensation or royalties for appearance in any materials.

 

Child Policy

By registering for this event, you acknowledge and agree to comply with the following child policy rules. These rules are in place to ensure safety, liability compliance, and a professional environment during all phases of the event.

  • No Children Under 18 During Move-In or Move-Out
    • Children under the age of 18 are not permitted in the exhibit hall during move-in or move-out periods.
    • No exceptions will be made for safety reasons, as these times involve heavy equipment, forklifts, and other hazards.
  • No Strollers in the Exhibit Hall
    • Strollers are not allowed inside the exhibit hall at any time to prevent congestion and reduce trip hazards.
  • Children Allowed During Exhibit Hall Event Hours
    • Children are permitted in the exhibit hall during official event hours, provided they are accompanied by an adult who has an official event badge.
  • Badge Requirement for Children
    • Children under the age of 18 do not need a badge to access the exhibit hall when accompanied by a badge-holding adult.
  • No Children Under 18 During Other Event Activities or Sessions
    • Children are not permitted in education session rooms, or any activity other than the Exhibit Hall where a badge is required. during official event hours or otherwise.

 

Data Privacy

As part of your registration of the AMERICAN TRANSPLANT CONGRESS, THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANTATION (AST) and AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANT SURGEONS (ASTS) will share the data you provide THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANTATION (AST) and AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANT SURGEONS (ASTS) with third party vendors in order to process your registration, to make you aware of goods and services you may be interested in, to perform analytics on behalf of THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANTATION (AST) and AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANT SURGEONS (ASTS), in connection with the AMERICAN TRANSPLANT CONGRESS and for such other purposes as THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANTATION (AST) and AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANT SURGEONS (ASTS) may approve from time to time.

You acknowledge personal information you provide may be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy. For more information regarding your personal data rights, please review THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANTATION (AST) AND AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANT SURGEONS (ASTS) Privacy Policies.

 

Name Badge

Event Participants must always wear their name badge within the Venue and in connection with the Event.  Name badges will be available for printing in the Registration Area.

Event Participants who do not wear their name badge will be denied entry to the Event without refund.  Event Participants who lose their badge may receive a replacement badge for a $75 USD fee. 

Only the person whose name is on the badge is entitled to wear such badge. Event Participants may be asked to provide identification to verify that their identification matches that on the badge.  Any Event Participants wearing another person’s badge will be removed from the Event immediately without refund.

Name changes and substitution of Event Participants may be made onsite at the Event in the Registration Area. 

 

Viewpoints

Any viewpoints, ideas, recommendations, products, services, and opinions offered during the Event are solely those of people making the statement and do not necessarily reflect the position, policy or opinion of AST and ASTS and should not be construed as a recommendation or endorsement of the viewpoints, ideas, recommendations, products, services, and opinions by AST and ASTS. AST and ASTS shall not be liable for any claims arising out of or related to the viewpoints, ideas, recommendations, products, services, and opinions. All attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors are solely responsible for the content of all individual or corporate presentations, marketing collateral, and/or advertising.  Event Participants are encouraged to seek the guidance of trained professionals to address their individual situations.

 

Technology Use

As a courtesy to Event Participants, AST and ASTS requests that all electronic devices be silenced during sessions and other programming. Event Participants needing to use their device for something other than session participation should step outside the meeting room to avoid disturbing other Event Participants.

 

Capacity Limits

Seating for any session during the Event is on a first-come, first-served basis up to the room’s maximum capacity as determined by the Venue’s fire marshal.  Once capacity is reached, the session will be closed.

 

Changes to Sessions/Speakers

AST and ASTS work diligently to verify participation of all speakers on the Event agenda; however, there are times when speakers have unexpected circumstances that impact their ability to present at the Event. In such circumstances, AST and ASTS makes its best effort to substitute speakers and/or replace sessions.

 

Environmental Stewardship

AST and ASTS are focused on providing events which are designed, organized, and implemented in a way that minimizes negative environmental impacts whenever possible. AST and ASTS are doing their part in expanding their sustainability practices.

 

Unauthorized Solicitation and Distribution of Materials

Solicitation of business by anyone other than the exhibitors and meeting room holders is strictly prohibited. Solicitation of business in sessions and meetings is entirely prohibited. Distribution of flyers, pamphlets, notices and brochures in any Venue without the prior written consent of AST and ASTS is expressly prohibited.

 

Suitcasing and Outboarding

Suitcasing is a business practice in which companies will gain access to an event by obtaining some type of event credential and then solicit business in the aisles or other public spaces used for the Event or in a hotel guest room or hospitality suite, or a restaurant. Any vendor who is observed to be soliciting business in the aisles or other public spaces or in another company’s booth will be asked to leave immediately.  Please report any violations you may observe to AST and ASTS.

Outboarding is defined by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) as the creation of a concurrent event that is related to an existing exhibition or event but that is not sanctioned by the organizer, and which seeks to benefit from the audience the organizer attracts.  AST and ASTS considers outboarding to be unethical business conduct and works diligently to protect our exhibitors’ and sponsors’ investment in the event by taking a firm stance against outboarding. AST and ASTS encourages its exhibitors to host parties and special events to enhance the Event before and after show hours, but these activities should never be functions that compete against those who are making an additional investment in their brand at the Event.

 

Allergens and Food Safety

The serving and sampling of food and beverage during the Event is an essential component. As allergens may be present in any food and beverage, Event Participants are responsible to manage any food allergies during the Event by noting any meal restrictions during the registration process and monitoring onsite with catering staff. If you have a food allergy or dietary restriction, please note this in your registration form.

 

Weapons and Hazardous Items

The Event is a completely gun-free zone. Firearms, weapons (including weapon replicas), ammunition, dangerous or hazardous devices or substances, and illegal items are prohibited at the Event. Event Participants are required to adhere to Venue and Event policies regarding firearms as well as all federal, state and local laws regarding firearms. Event Participants acknowledge all bags are subject to search and metal wand screening. 

 

Health and Safety

The responsibility for a healthy and safe event environment is shared by every Event Participant. Event Participants must adhere to and abide by health and safety protocols implemented for the Event including as they may be modified. Any Event Participant who is feeling unwell should not attend the Event.  Event Participants may wear a face covering based upon personal preference.

By attending the Event, Event Participants acknowledge and agree the contagious nature of any communicable disease and voluntarily assume the risk that they may be exposed to or infected by any such communicable disease by attending the Event.

 

Alcohol Consumption

Event Participants who consume alcoholic beverages must do so in a reasonable manner.  Venues, exhibitors, and other hosts may refuse to serve alcoholic beverages at the Event to any Event Participant who appears intoxicated.

 

Recording/Transcribing/Broadcasting; Video and Photo Usage

AST and ASTS reserve the right to restrict an Event Participant from any type of recording, transcribing and/or broadcasting at the Event for any reason. Event Participants agree to adhere to any such restrictions including those relating to special booth appearances or educational sessions. Only authorized media and AST and ASTS representatives may be granted permission to capture audio, video and photographic content at Event. Images or audio obtained at the Event may not be sold or repackaged for commercial use.

 

 

General

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANTATION (AST) and AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPLANT SURGEONS (ASTS) reserves the right to change, amend, add or remove any of the Terms & Conditions in its sole discretion and without prior notice. If one or more of the conditions outlined in these Terms & Conditions should become invalid, the remaining will continue to be valid and applied. These Terms & Conditions apply to all event participants (attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors). Events or circumstances not covered in these Terms & Conditions are expressly reserved to AST/ASTS for review and determination.