#IOA2021 Virtual Event Terms, Conditions, and Policies

Please be sure to fully review all of the policies before registering.

All event #IOA2021 Conference participants must read and follow applicable policies. 

Registration Cancellation Policy

All cancellations requests received on or before Monday, March 1, 2021, will be issued a refund less a $75 processing fee. No refunds will be given thereafter except in the event of extenuating circumstances such as hospitalization or death. Requests for registration cancellation must be submitted in writing via email to  [email protected]. If you are not able to attend one or more sessions, IOA will not prorate or refund any part of your registration fee. Substitute attendees will be permitted. Substitution requests must be in writing via email to [email protected] no later than 7 days prior to the event start. 

Technical Failure Policy

It is the responsibility of the registrant to confirm system requirements and test their computers prior to the start of each virtual session. If a technical failure is the fault of the service provider and the session is not able to be broadcast as planned, IOA reserves the right to reschedule the session. If an attendee experiences a technical failure on their end, IOA is not responsible for refunding the participant or providing applicable PDH hours.

Registration Nonpayment Policy

Full payment of conference fees is due before the start of the virtual sessions. If fees are not remitted by March 15, 2021, the associated registration may be canceled.

Recording Release

Each virtual session may be recorded, including chat transcripts. These recordings may be provided for later viewing and may be used for promotional purposes, advertising, and other print and online materials at the sole discretion of IOA. By registering for IOA's Annual Conference you consent to be recorded by IOA when attending live sessions.

Code of Conduct for All Participants

IOA events are community events intended for education, networking, and collaboration. We value the participation of everyone and want all attendees to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Accordingly, all attendees are expected to show respect and courtesy to other attendees throughout all events hosted in the IOA  space. To make clear what is expected, all attendees, speakers, exhibitors, organizers, and volunteers at any virtual event are required to conform to the following Code of Conduct. Organizers will enforce this code throughout the event. In registering for and/or participating in this event, you consent to comply with the following Code of Conduct.  Examples of encouraged behavior that contributes to a positive environment include:

  • Using welcoming and inclusive language
  • Being respectful of differing viewpoints and experiences
  • Gracefully accepting constructive criticism
  • Focusing on what is best for everyone at the event
  • Showing empathy towards other participants

We do not tolerate the following:

  • Spam (verbally or in chats), including saying or re-posting the same word/content repeatedly in order to disrupt the conversation
  • Harassment, bullying, and intimidation
  • Harassment and bullying are defined as:
    • Negative comments about race/ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, physical appearance, citizenship, or other protected categories
    • Intimidation or threats, including sharing images or text especially to threaten
    • Unwelcome sexual attention, including sharing images or text especially to sexually harass
    • Threatening or other endangerment of minors or any persons
    • Any activity meant to convey or cultivate hostility
    • Ad hominem insults or other attacks
    • Encouraging the above behavior

IOA Ombuds

The IOA Ombuds can provide assistance with the full range of issues or concerns relating to their ombuds practice and the profession including, among others:

  • All types of identity-based concerns
  • Harassment (including sexual harassment)
  • Free speech and free expression
  • Integrity issues / Intellectual property / Research concerns
  • Conflicts of interest
  • Issues related to the IOA

Ombuds Terminology

The term “ombudsman” may be used during this event, the term ombudsman is used to communicate to the widest possible community and is not intended to discourage others from using alternatives. IOA respectfully acknowledges that many practitioners use alternative forms of this word.

Ethics & Standards of Practice

The organizational ombuds is mindful of the Standards of Practice and the IOA Code of Ethics. An Ombuds should not use the names of individuals or mention their employers without express permission. The ombuds, as a designated neutral, has the responsibility of maintaining strict confidentiality concerning matters that are brought to their attention unless given permission to do otherwise. The ombuds holds all communications with those seeking assistance in strict confidence except in the presence of an imminent threat of serious harm. We hold these principles to be essential in all professional discussions including those at the conference.

Consent to Receive Communications from IOA

Registering/attending this event constitutes consent for the IOA to communicate with you via fax, email, mail, text messaging, instant messaging, and social media to make you aware of products and services.

Disclaimer

While these programs are designed to provide accurate information regarding the subject matter covered, the views, opinions, and recommendations expressed are those of the authors and speakers, not the IOA. By producing publications and sponsorship of this event, the association does not guarantee the accuracy of the information disseminated and is not engaged in rendering professional advice; if such advice is desired, you should seek the services of a competent professional.

Antitrust Compliance

It is the undeviating policy of IOA to comply strictly with the letter and spirit of all federal, state, and applicable international trade regulations and antitrust laws.

Any activities of IOA or IOA-related actions of its officers, Executive Committee members, or members that violate these regulations and laws are detrimental to the interests of IOA and are unequivocally contrary to IOA policy.

Intellectual Property Rights

All content on the IOA website, such as presentations, algorithms, program code, text, graphics, logos, button icons, images, audio clips, digital downloads, data compilations, and software, is the property of the speaker or its suppliers and is not to be used for personal gain, publication, and cannot be used without referencing the speaker and the source of the information. As property of the speaker or its suppliers, it also cannot be used by others to obtain a patent or claim royalties.

Virtual Event Terms, Conditions, and Policies for Sponsors & Exhibitors

Acceptability of Exhibits

All exhibits shall serve the interests of IOA attendees and shall be operated in a way that will not detract from other exhibits or from the Exhibition. Exhibit Management determines the acceptability of persons, things, conduct, and/or digital materials and reserves the right to require the immediate withdrawal of any exhibit, which is believed to be injurious to the purpose of the Association. In the event of such restriction or eviction, IOA is not liable for any refund of exhibit fees, or any other exhibit-related expense.

Sponsorship & Exhibiting Payment

Full payment for sponsorship, marketing, and exhibitor packages is required with the completed contract to receive benefits.

Sponsorship & Exhibiting Cancellation

IOA must be notified in writing in the event of tabletop and/or support cancellation or space reduction. If cancellation of exhibit tabletop occurs prior to 15 February 2021, the exhibitor/supporter/sponsor will be refunded 50% of the payment received. After 15 February 2021, no refunds will be made.

Failure to Create a Virtual Exhibit Booth

Should the exhibitor not set up their virtual booth, no refund will be given.

Cancellation of Meeting & Exhibition

If IOA should be prevented from holding the Exhibition by reason of any cause beyond its control (such as, but not limited to, damage to buildings, riots, labor disputes, acts of government, or acts of God), then IOA has the right to cancel the Exhibition with no further liability to the exhibitor other than a refund of the Virtual Exhibit Booth.

Conflicting Events

The exhibitors attending the IOA Annual Conference will be required, as a condition of their participation, not to sponsor conflicting events. Conflicting events are educational or social events that are scheduled during the same time frame encompassed by the IOA Annual Conference.

Copy & Content Regulations:

  • The advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher against any and all claims or suits arising out of the publication of this advertising.
  • All copy is the responsibility of the advertiser.
  • Advertising placement is subject to the editor’s discretion.
  • Ads are non-commissionable to agencies and payment is the ultimate responsibility of the advertiser.
  • IOA assumes no liability, including but not limited to, indirect, special, or consequential damages, for any errors or omissions in connection with any ad. IOA reserves the right to reject any ad.