Meetings & Events Code of Conduct

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (“AANA”) is dedicated to ensuring a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for everyone involved in our meetings and events. This includes members, non-members, residents, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, AANA staff, service providers, contractors and others (“AANA Guests”). All AANA Guests are expected to follow this Meetings & Events Code of Conduct (“Code”) during AANA meetings and related events, including in-person and virtual events as well as those organized by external entities in conjunction with AANA activities.

This Code sets forth AANA’s expectations for all AANA Guests’ behavior and the consequences for not adhering to these standards. AANA is committed to creating equal opportunities and fair treatment for everyone. All AANA Guests should treat each other with respect, adhere to venue regulations, and report any violations of this Code, dangerous situations, or individuals in distress directly to AANA staff.

Ethical Conduct Guidelines

  • Act with consideration, respect, and a collaborative spirit.
  • Avoid any behavior or language that is demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing.
  • Be aware of your environment and fellow participants. Notify AANA staff if you observe any dangerous or harassing situations or if someone appears to be in distress.

Unacceptable Conduct

It is impossible to list all the forms of behavior that are considered unacceptable at AANA meetings and events.  However, the following is a non-exhaustive list of conduct that is considered unacceptable:

  • Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning speech or actions by any AANA Guest at or in relation to the AANA meeting or related events. All who participate in the AANA meeting and related events deserve respectful treatment, regardless of the capacity in which they are attending or participating.
  • Verbal or physical abuse, intimidation, discrimination, bullying or disruptive behavior that creates a disturbance or causes discomfort.
  • Harassing behavior, including offensive remarks related to age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, appearance, body size, race, religion, national origin, or any other protected class; inappropriate use of nudity or sexual imagery; threatening or stalking; excessive or inappropriate electronic communications; intrusive photography or recording; or unwelcome physical or verbal contact.
  • Disruptions of meetings or events, including disturbances caused by intoxication or noisy behavior that interferes with presentations.  AANA Guests must follow instructions from moderators and AANA staff.
  • Illegal possession of firearms or weapons.
  • Destruction, abuse, or removal of property.
  • Request or use of AANA  staff’s personal social media platforms,  home address, or electronic mail address.
  • Engaging in illegal activity or violating venue rules and regulations.

Additional Rules

  • Except for those with prior written approval, direct selling or marketing of products or services by speakers, industry partners, or consultants is strictly prohibited in AANA-sponsored spaces.
  • Except for those with prior written approval, marketing of unrelated meetings or events is strictly prohibited in AANA-sponsored spaces.
  • Except for those with prior approval, use of AANA staff person telephone number is prohibited.   Staff are not required to provide their personal telephone number unless they volunteer to do so.

Reporting Violations

If you feel unsafe, unwelcome, or notice someone else in discomfort, report it immediately. Locate an AANA Team member with an AANA badge.

Consequences for Unacceptable Conduct

Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. Anyone asked to cease unacceptable behavior must comply immediately. AANA may take necessary actions, including immediate removal from the event without a refund or education credit and/or a ban from future AANA meetings or events. AANA Guests must also cooperate with any AANA investigation into Code violations by providing relevant information. AANA will inform those who reported the violation of the investigation’s outcome, including whether a violation occurred, and any resulting actions taken.  All decisions are made at the sole discretion of AANA.