Convention Policies

Health and Safety

I understand and assume the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 or other illnesses to and from and during and after the APA event(s) that may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of others who may participate in the APA event or APA event related activities, or visitors, vendors, presenters, or others.

I agree not to attend APA events if I feel ill (for any reason, including COVID-19) or if my attendance may jeopardize the health of those with whom I come into contact at the APA event. Moreover, I will immediately stop participating in the APA event(s) if, once at the event, I have a temperature and am experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms.

The health and safety of our in-person APA participants remains our highest priority. APA seeks to minimize the risk of infection exposure, including COVID-19 and its variants, by establishing health and safety protocols.

These health and safety protocols may be modified at any time by APA based on its professional judgment about how best to protect the health and safety of APA participants. Such changes will consider CDC and WHO guidance, emerging scientific evidence, and existing venue rules and APA policy. APA’s health and safety protocols will be based on federal, state, and local regulations, with APA setting its own protocols based on the aforementioned input.

In 2024, APA will no longer require proof of vaccination status to attend its events and programs. Nor will it be offering rapid tests. Rather, APA expects attendees to take responsibility themselves for following guidance from the WHO and CDC on measures to reduce infection from COVID-19 and to protect against severe complications. APA strongly encourages COVID vaccination and boosters, as vaccines are proven to prevent the threat of critical illness. APA also strongly encourages attendees to get an annual flu shot to further reduce the threat of illness.

An event participant’s failure to follow the above APA health and safety guidance may result in loss of entry to APA events and programs, including forfeiting paid registration and/or fees and access to future APA events.

APA may change the above health and safety protocols at any time. It is the responsibility of event registrants to regularly check the APA website and carefully read all APA event-related correspondence, electronic or otherwise, that may include updates about health and safety protocols.

Meeting Code of Conduct

The American Psychological Association’s Meeting Code of Conduct

(for Virtual and In-Person APA Events)  

The American Psychological Association (APA) is committed fostering a welcoming and collegial community at APA events to ensure that all participants may participate in a safe and productive environment. Individuals should exercise consideration and respect at all APA meetings and social gatherings related to or in conjunction with APA functions, including receptions and dinners. The purpose of the code is to protect participants in APA sponsored or co-sponsored events from harm.

This policy applies to all APA event participants and APA staff. A non-exhaustive list includes meeting attendees, guests, vendors, exhibitors, and presenters.

Examples of unacceptable behavior include but are not limited to

Promoting or participating in harassment, bullying, discrimination, or intimidation on-site, online, and/or on social media.
Physical, verbal, written, or other forms of abuse of any attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, staff member, service provider, or other guest.
A non-exhaustive list of examples of abuse includes verbal conduct related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, national origin, socioeconomic class or other protected categories under an anti-discrimination law; inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces or in presentations.
Threatening or stalking in-person or online.
Disrupting, disallowing or interfering with the participation by others.

In addition, meeting attendees may not:

Engage in conduct that could harm another’s privacy or professional reputation, including:
Defamation
Criminal offense
Conflict of Interest
Recording of presentations without written consent of APA;
Promoting or selling of products/services offered by speakers, vendors, industry partners, or consultants except in APA-designated exhibit space (virtual or physical). If such materials are posted, APA may remove such messages and take steps to prevent such policy violations in the future.

If a person at an APA event engages in such unacceptable behavior, APA reserves the right to take appropriate action(s), including immediate removal from the meeting without refund, restricting or banning from future events, referring the matter to the Ethics Committee, contacting law enforcement, or other actions as may be deemed appropriate.

Individuals who witness or experience inappropriate conduct should report such conduct onsite to the APA Registration Staff. Any person submitting a written or oral complaint to APA about another’s conduct must act in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the action indicates a violation of this Policy. Any allegations that an individual makes that prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly false will be considered a serious offense by the APA and the APA reserves the right to take actions it deems appropriate. Retaliation against an individual who has filed a complaint is strictly prohibited.

APA will promptly investigate all reports of harassment, discrimination, and other misconduct. All investigations/actions will be handled as confidentially as practicable in accordance with applicable legal requirements with the guidance of APA’s General Counsel or their designee.

Safety and Security

By participating in an APA meeting or event, I voluntarily relinquish any potential claims against APA, its officers, directors, employees, agents, affiliates, presenters and speakers. I release APA from any liability for damage or injury resulting from my attendance, acknowledging that involvement in APA events carries inherent risks, and I take responsibility for my own well-being.

APA is committed to establishing a safe and secure environment during its meetings and events. Collaborating with venue staff, APA strives to ensure the safety of all meeting participants. APA urges attendees to promptly report any questionable or troubling conduct to APA staff for immediate action.

During APA networking events, alcoholic beverages may be offered. APA anticipates responsible drinking by all participants. APA and the venue staff, including the meeting host and/or (co)sponsor, retain the right to refuse service to a participant for any reason and, if necessary, may ask a participant to leave the event.