- Intimidating, harassing, abusive, aggressive, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions by any participant at the Analytical Cannabis Expo, at all related events, and in one-on-one communications carried out in the context of the Analytical Cannabis Expo. Event venues may be shared with members of the public; please be respectful to all patrons of these locations.
- Harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments or visual images related to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, race, color, age, marital status, veteran status, socioeconomic status, religion, appearance, or other personal characteristics
- Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces (including presentation slides)
- Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following
- Harassing photography or recording
- Sustained disruption of talks or other events
- Unwelcome and uninvited attention or contact
- Physical assault (including unwelcome touching or groping)
- Real or implied threat of physical harm
- Real or implied threat of professional or financial damage or harm
- Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature
- First steps: Any Analytical Cannabis Expo meeting attendee or participant as defined above who experiences harassment is encouraged to immediately inform the alleged harasser that the behavior is unwelcome. If the person is unaware that their conduct is offensive, simply advising them may be sufficient to cause them to willingly correct the conduct so it does not recur. Anyone who believes they are being harassed is not required to confront the person they believe has harassed them. If suspected criminal activity has occurred, the complainant is encouraged to contact Analytical Cannabis Expo staff and the local police department.
- Reporting to Analytical Cannabis Expo staff: Anyone who experiences harassment is encouraged to report it to the Analytical Cannabis Expo staff, particularly if the discussion with the alleged harasser does not remedy the problem, or if the complainant is not comfortable with such an approach. This can be done by seeking assistance by calling or visiting the Analytical Cannabis Expo meeting organizers. In addition to informing the Analytical Cannabis Expo staff, it is recommended that anyone experiencing or witnessing harassment write down the details, as they may be asked to fill out a report.
- Confidentiality: All complaints of harassment will be taken seriously and will be promptly and thoroughly investigated. Absolute confidentiality cannot be promised or assured, as investigation into the complaint may necessitate limited disclosure of pertinent information to affected parties, including the alleged harasser.
- Follow us on Twitter @cannabis_sci
- Follow us on Facebook at CannaScienceNews
- Blog and tweet about the meeting and what you are hearing and seeing (but without sharing details of any data presented; follow journal rules about data sharing).
- Provide feedback to Analytical Cannabis Expo staff and the Program Committee—discuss topics of interest and/or speakers for next year’s meeting, make suggestions for agenda topics, or workshop sessions, comment on the meeting format, etc.
- Keep criticism constructive and think about whether you’d like your thoughts shared widely—because they may be.
- Use photographic or other recording devices—these are prohibited in scientific sessions, poster sessions, and in the Analytical Cannabis Expo Exhibit Hall.
- Capture, transmit, or redistribute data presented at the meeting—this may preclude subsequent publication of the data in a scholarly journal.
TERMS & POLICIES
Commitment to providing a harassment-free meeting environment
The Analytical Cannabis Expo will bring together an inclusive, international community of scientific professionals from the cannabis industry. We are dedicated to advancing scientific discovery, improving education, promoting professional development, and increasing diversity in the scientific workforce. One of our objectives is to provide for the exchange of scientific knowledge through the Expo.
As such, Analytical Cannabis is committed to providing a welcoming, safe, productive, harassment-free meeting environment for all participants, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, race, color, age, marital status, veteran status, socioeconomic status or religion. Our meeting attendees are conscious and protective of human rights and dignity. Consequently, as a policy matter, all those present at any Analytical Cannabis event, venue, or meeting, including staff, members, attendees, vendors, and exhibitors (“Participants”) are expected to avoid engaging in improper conduct and incidents of harassment, sexual harassment or misconduct, or bias. Violations of this policy can result in removal from the event, with or without refund of fees, as determined in the discretion of the Analytical Cannabis Expo Director.
This policy applies to the Analytical Cannabis Expo event and covers harassment and discrimination by or toward all attendees and participants, including scientists, educators, students, guests, exhibitors, event staff, volunteers, vendors, venue staff, and contractors.
In alignment with other organizations, we indicate below the details of our Anti-Harassment Policy, including how we define harassment, and how potential incidents of harassment should be reported. Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated, and appropriate actions will be taken as necessary.
How Analytical Cannabis Defines Harassment
We expect all attendees and participants at Analytical Cannabis Expo events to abide by this Anti-Harassment Policy in all venues, including ancillary events as well as official and unofficial social gatherings.
Expected Behavior
All attendees should be mindful of their surroundings and of their fellow participants. All participants are expected to exercise consideration and respect in their speech and actions, and to refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.
Unacceptable Behavior
Unacceptable behavior is determined in the discretion of the Analytical Cannabis Expo Director, and includes, but is not limited to:
Exhibitors, including sponsor and vendor booths, are also subject to the Anti-Harassment Policy. In particular, exhibitors should not use sexualized or discriminating images, activities or other material. Booth staff (including volunteers) should not use sexualized clothing, uniforms, or costumes, or otherwise create a sexualized environment.
Be mindful in the words that you choose. Harassment committed in a joking manner still constitutes unacceptable behavior. Remember that sexist, racist, and other exclusionary jokes can be offensive to those around you. Excessive swearing and offensive jokes are not appropriate at the Analytical Cannabis Expo.
Reporting Harassment at an Analytical Cannabis Expo-Sponsored Event
Investigative Processes and Disciplinary Actions
Investigative Procedure
Once a complaint of harassment is received, Analytical Cannabis will begin an investigation. An impartial investigative committee, consisting of the Expo Director, and two key staff members or volunteers will be established. If suspected criminal activity has occurred, the complainant will be directed to contact the local police department.
The committee will review the reported facts (which should be provided in writing), advise the alleged offender of the complaint, give the alleged offender an opportunity to address and respond to the complaint, and as deemed useful contact any witnesses. The investigative committee may seek the advice of one or more Analytical Cannabis Expo Committee members or an outside expert. Once the investigation is complete, the committee will report their findings and make recommendations to the Analytical Cannabis Expo Director for decision in his/her discretion. The Expo Director, in his/her discretion, may expedite the investigation and determination if in his/her discretion it is advisable and warranted to take action during the meeting.
Retaliation Is Prohibited
The Analytical Cannabis Expo will not tolerate any form of retaliation against persons who in good faith file a complaint or assist in the investigation. Retaliation is a serious violation of this policy and, like harassment or discrimination itself, will be subject to disciplinary action. Reporting an incident in bad faith is also a violation.
Disciplinary Actions
Individuals engaging in behavior prohibited by this policy as well as those making allegations of harassment in bad faith will be subject to disciplinary action. Such actions range from a verbal warning to ejection from the meeting or activity in question without refund of registration fees. It is a privilege to attend a scientific meeting and not a right. If this privilege is abused by harassing someone or discriminating against them, the offender can be asked to leave the meeting. Repeat offenders may be subject to further disciplinary action, such as being banned from participating in future Analytical Cannabis Expo meetings or Analytical Cannabis Expo-sponsored. In the event that the individual is dissatisfied with the results of the investigation, they may appeal to the Director of the Analytical Cannabis Expo. Any questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Analytical Cannabis Expo Director or other Analytical Cannabis Expo staff.
Analytical Cannabis Expo Management Responsibility
Every officer, director, supervisor, and manager is expected to help ensure that the Analytical Cannabis Expo provides an environment free of harassing and discriminating behavior and that complaints are handled promptly and effectively. The Analytical Cannabis Expo leadership are expected to inform meeting attendees and all vendors and suppliers about this policy, promptly investigate allegations of harassment, take appropriate disciplinary action, and take steps to assure retaliation is prohibited.
Cancellation Policy
Meeting registration is nontransferable. Cancellation requests received before February 19, 2021, will be issued a full refund. Cancellation requests received after February 19 and before March 19, 2021, will be issued a 50% refund. Meeting registration is non-refundable after March 19, 2021. No refunds will be issued for requests received after March 19. The organizers will honor requests for refunds if they are in writing. Please send a request for cancellation to expo@analyticalcannabis.com
Cancellation of the event by the organizer
In the event that the venue where the event is to be held, becomes unavailable for occupancy, for reasons beyond reasonable control of the organizer, for any reason the organizer is unable to permit delegates to occupy the venue, or if the event is cancelled/curtailed, the organizer will not be responsible for any loss of business, loss of profit, damage or expense of whatever nature that the delegate may suffer.
In the event of a cancellation you will contacted by our delegate sales team and be given the opportunity to transfer your ticket to a future Analytical Cannabis event at no additional cost. You will be able to choose from any Analytical Cannabis event scheduled to take place within 18 months of the start date of the event you originally purchased a ticket for. If we are unable to find a suitable arrangement for you, you may apply for a full refund.
All ticket purchases have a 12-month life span from the time of booking. All expo ticket purchases must be re-arranged within 12 months of the instance of event cancellation/curtailment. After this, no refund or exchange or alternative products will be provided.
Alcohol, Cannabis and Smoking Policy
Alcohol Policy
The Analytical Cannabis Expo encourages responsible drinking for those drinking alcohol. Beer, wine, nonalcoholic beer, and soft drinks may be offered at the event. Alcohol will not be served to anyone under the age of 21; be prepared to show photo identification. Alcoholic beverages are allowed only in specific areas and must not be taken out of these areas.
Smoking Policy
The Venue is a smoke-free facility. Please refrain from smoking within 20 feet of the lobby doors. Smoking is permitted only in designated areas outside the building. Electronic cigarettes are not permitted within the facility.
Cannabis Use Policy
All those present at any Analytical Cannabis event, venue, or meeting, including staff, members, attendees, vendors, and exhibitors understand that use, possession, and/or distribution of cannabis or cannabis-related products at the Analytical Cannabis Expo is strictly prohibited.
Meeting Attendance Etiquette
Analytical Cannabis Expo’s acceptance of your registration entities you to a license (i.e., permission) to attend the meeting conditioned upon you not engaging in conduct that interferes with the opportunity for others to attend, enjoy, and derive value from the meeting. Attendees who Analytical Cannabis Expo determines in its discretion are disruptive to speakers, staff, or other attendees are subject to having their registration and permission to attend the meeting immediately revoked, without refund of their registration fee.
Recording, Photography, and Cell Phone Policy
While you are in a session, please mute all cell phones and other electronic devices. If necessary, please step out to the hallway to make a call or send an email or text. The back-lighting on electronic devices is distracting in a dimmed room.
The Analytical Cannabis Expo does not permit photography or the electronic capture of scientific sessions in meeting rooms or the Exhibit Hall. This policy also includes photographing colleagues against the backdrop of scientific posters on display without the express consent of the presenting author(s).
These policies will be enforced by the Analytical Cannabis Expo. Individuals who do not comply will be asked to leave the session or Exhibit Hall floor and not be allowed room re-entry. Repeat offenders will have their meeting badge(s) revoked and will not be allowed to continue to attend the meeting. This policy is necessary to respect the willingness of presenters to share their data at the meeting as well as their publication opportunities. If you have any questions regarding these policies, please contact the Analytical Cannabis Expo.
Session Overcrowding Policy
If a session room becomes too crowded, the Analytical Cannabis Expo asks that you follow instructions provided by Analytical Cannabis Expo staff, Venue staff, or security. Instructions may include not standing against the walls, not blocking the aisles, or doors, or being denied entry if the room becomes too crowded.
The Analytical Cannabis Expo is obligated to abide by the guidelines established by the Fire Marshal at the Venue. If a room reaches full capacity and we do not have your cooperation, the Fire Marshal has the authority to delay or terminate the meeting until the problem has been corrected. We do our best to try to assign appropriately sized rooms to each session, but sometimes sessions are more popular than anticipated. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.
Social Media Policy
The Analytical Cannabis Expo encourages the use of social media before, during, and after the Analytical Cannabis Expo. Please note the following guidelines and accepted social media etiquette:
Do
Don’t
Speaker Disclosure Policy
Views expressed by speakers at the Analytical Cannabis Expo are solely the views of the speaker. They do not necessarily represent the views of the Analytical Cannabis Expo. The Analytical Cannabis Expo make no representation concerning, and does not guarantee, the source, originality, accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any statement, information, data, finding, interpretation, advice, opinion, or view presented by any speaker or poster presenter.
Photograph Policy/Release
The Analytical Cannabis Expo has an official photographer for the meeting. Photographs taken at the Analytical Cannabis Expo may be used in future Analytical Cannabis Expo promotions or Analytical Cannabis publications, on the Analytical Cannabis Expo or Analytical Cannabis website, or in other materials. By registering for this meeting, you agree to allow the Analytical Cannabis Expo to use your photo in any Analytical Cannabis Expo related publication or website.
Waiver of Liability
Each individual attending the Analytical Cannabis Expo assumes all risks associated with his or her attendance and participation in on- and offsite activities. Each individual attendee agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Analytical Cannabis Expo, and their governing bodies, officers, directors, employees, and/or agents from all loss, damage, or liability arising out of or related to his or her attendance at the Analytical Cannabis Expo.