SIGMA Conference Policies

 

Code of Conduct

SIGMA members, SIGMA event attendees, partners, sponsors, and staff (collectively, the “Attendees”) are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism, dignity, equality, fairness and integrity.

Respectful and Professional Behavior

  • SIGMA prohibits any offensive behavior including use of offensive language and any form of discrimination or harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, genetic information, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation (including gender identity), pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, marital status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
  • Attendees must:
    • treat all other Attendees with respect regardless of an Attendee’s race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, genetic information, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation (including gender identity), pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, marital status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law;
    • refrain from engaging in discriminatory, offensive, or harassing behavior, whether verbal, written, or physical; and
    • refrain from conduct that may be disruptive, unproductive, unethical, or illegal.

Compliance with Laws and Policies

  • Each Attendee must follow all applicable laws, SIGMA policies, and the applicable policies of the venue hosting the SIGMA event.
     

Violations

  • Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in the removal from the event and a prohibition from participating or attending in future SIGMA events, or both.
  • Violations of this Code of Conduct may be reported to a member of SIGMA staff or SIGMA Board of Directors.

 

Hotel Policy

The SIGMA block at conference hotels is for the exclusive use of registered attendees to the SIGMA event. To ensure as many registered attendees as possible can get a room in SIGMA’s block, registration to the conference is required before access to the SIGMA room block is received. Once a registration is complete, a link to the hotel to reserve a room will be provided. One hotel room per registration is allowed.

Consent to Record Policy 

By participating in the Event, you hereby consent that that your name, photograph, voice, biographical information and likeness (collectively, “Images”) may be used in Association publications, website, and on social media sites without compensation and without additional notice.  This consent to use Images includes but is not limited to photo, video, streaming and audio captured by Association staff and/or professional service providers hired by the Association.  Attendee further grants the Association a royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable license to reproduce, distribute and publicly display the Images in a manner or medium now known or hereinafter devised.

Suitcasing Policy

“Suitcasing” refers to the practice of meeting with registered SIGMA conference attendees without having paid the applicable conference registration fee or having conference registration included as part of a SIGMA sponsorship package.

In an effort to protect the integrity of SIGMA’s conferences and to ensure the value of the conference to SIGMA members, attendees must register and pay the applicable registration fee in order to participate in the conference.

Non-registrants who have not paid a registration fee or had their registration included as part of their sponsorship contract with SIGMA will NOT be allowed to attend ANY conference events.

Non-registrants who are caught “suitcasing” will be asked to leave the conference. Any suitcasers should be reported to a member of the SIGMA staff.

Conflicting Event Policy

Events that conflict with SIGMA conference events are not permitted. Conflicting events include, but are not limited to, hospitality suites, group functions, and private golf tournaments.

Use of private meeting spaces arranged through SIGMA is allowed.

Minor Policy

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a registered, responsible adult at all SIGMA conferences.