Code of Conduct

Purpose and Applicability

Participation in any SUSAR event or activity, and submission of a registration and payment, constitutes agreement to this Code of Conduct and these event terms and conditions. The right to participate is essential to open dialogue among attendees, and SUSAR acknowledges the freedom of expression of speakers, participants, sponsors, and exhibitors. All participants are subject to the laws of the United States and of the state or territory in which the event is held. This Code also applies to Directors, Officers, volunteers, and others conducting SUSAR business, in conjunction with the disciplinary provisions of Article IX of the Bylaws.

Expected Behavior

• Be considerate, respectful, and collaborative with fellow participants; SUSAR values a diversity of views and opinions, and all participants, staff, volunteers, and vendors shall be treated with respect.

• Use alcohol responsibly; SUSAR staff, vendors, sponsors, and servers may deny service to any participant and may require a participant to leave an event.

• Be mindful of your surroundings and fellow participants, and alert SUSAR staff to any dangerous situation or person in distress.

• Respect the rules of all venues.

Unacceptable Behavior

The following are examples — not an exhaustive list — of unacceptable behavior. The Board of Directors reserves the right to make the final determination as to whether conduct is unacceptable.

• Harassment, intimidation, stalking, or discrimination in any form, including comments related to gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, national origin, or political affiliation, and inappropriate use of nudity or sexual images in public spaces or presentations.

• Sexual harassment: any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or perceived to cause offense or humiliation, whether verbal, nonverbal, or physical, including written and electronic communications, between persons of the same or different genders.

• Physical, verbal, or nonverbal abuse, or threats of violence, toward any attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, vendor, staff member, service provider, or guest.

• Disruption of presentations or events at any SUSAR-hosted session or venue.

Reporting

If you or anyone else is in immediate danger, contact local law enforcement (911) and notify facility security. All other reports should be made at the SUSAR Registration/Information Desk by asking to speak with a member of the SUSAR management team, or by contacting the Executive Committee. SUSAR prohibits retaliation against any person who reports a concern in good faith.

Consequences

If SUSAR determines that a person has violated this Code, SUSAR may, in its sole discretion: issue a verbal or written warning; expel the person from the event without refund; suspend attendance at SUSAR events; prohibit attendance at future events or participation with SUSAR; report the conduct to the sponsoring organization; and/or report the conduct to law enforcement. Attendees expelled for Code violations receive no refund or credit, and SUSAR is not liable for their hotel or travel costs. Discipline of members, Designees, Directors, or Officers is subject to the procedures in Article IX of the Bylaws.

Event Terms and Conditions

Registration and Fees. Registrants agree to pay in full the registration fee applicable to their category. Fees and deadlines are published on the SUSAR event website. Registration confirmations and receipts are sent by email; registrants who do not receive a confirmation should check spam filters and contact SUSAR staff. The agenda and event information are posted on the event website and/or mobile application and updated regularly.

Images and Recordings. Registration for, attendance at, or participation in SUSAR conferences, meetings, trainings, and other activities constitutes agreement to SUSAR’s use and distribution, now and in the future, of the registrant’s or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videos, electronic reproductions, and audio of such events. Attendees are strictly prohibited from video or audio recording any part of an event without SUSAR’s written permission; violation is grounds for immediate ejection and confiscation of recording materials.

Off-Schedule Events. No company or organization, regardless of sponsor or member status, may hold events at SUSAR forums — including sessions, receptions, demonstrations, meetings, social events, and hospitality suites — without SUSAR’s express consent. Violators may be subject to expulsion.

Cancellations, Refunds, and Admission. Registration cancellations, refunds, and substitutions are governed by Policy 330 (attendees) and Policy 340 (exhibitors) and the terms published on the event site. SUSAR reserves the right to cancel any registration or refuse admission to any individual or group that has previously advocated or supported violent, destructive, or disruptive behavior, or previously violated any rule of conduct or applicable law at a SUSAR event, and to revoke the badge, registration, and materials of, and deny access to, participants who do not adhere to this Code.

Travel and Hotel. Attendees are responsible for securing and paying for their own travel and accommodations, including any cancellation costs. SUSAR does not guarantee or warrant the headquarters hotel, other venues, or any form of transportation.

Badges and Security. SUSAR badges are required for admittance to all events and must be worn and conspicuously visible at all times. Lost badges must be reported immediately to SUSAR staff. SUSAR is the sole proprietor of badges and lanyards; badges are nontransferable; and misuse of badges, false certification of attendees, or efforts to assist unauthorized access are cause for reclaiming the badges of all individuals involved.

Health and Safety. Attendees shall adhere to government-issued travel restrictions and guidance applicable to their origin and destination, evaluate their own health before traveling, contact the organizers with concerns, and stay home if sick. Failure to adhere to posted health and safety rules may result in warning, expulsion, or exclusion from future events.

Disruptions; Public Statements; Disclaimer. Physical force, threats, destruction, or theft will be addressed under applicable law, and participants may be escorted from the venue. SUSAR may withdraw admission and suspend or cancel event access for harassment or other conduct inconsistent with this Code, and may issue a public statement concerning such actions. SUSAR is not responsible for errors or omissions; schedules, speakers, and program content are subject to change.

Questions and Exceptions

Questions regarding this policy, and requests for policy exceptions, shall be directed to the Executive Committee. Exceptions may be granted only by the Executive Committee or the Board of Directors and shall be documented in the minutes.