1. Code of Conduct & Purpose

ObesityWeek is an apolitical, accredited scientific conference. Our goal is to provide a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment conducive to scientific exchange and accredited continuing education. All participants are expected to conduct themselves in a professional, respectful, and lawful manner at all times.

Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated and may result in immediate removal from the event without refund or appeal.

2. Expected Behavior

All participants are expected to:

• Be considerate, respectful, and professional in all interactions, in-person and online.
• Engage in constructive and collegial scientific exchange.
• Be collaborative and provide opportunities for colleagues to respond to queries or scientific disagreement in a respectful manner (e.g., don’t interrupt or talk over others.)
• Be cognizant of time at the mic and remember to speak clearly. Please focus on asking specific questions of the faculty that are related to content being discussed or presented.
• Respect differing viewpoints and evidence-based discussion.
• Be mindful of language, tone, and conduct in all settings, including sessions, networking events, and digital platforms.

3. Prohibited Conduct

Harassment & Discrimination

• Offensive, unwanted, or discriminatory behavior or language based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristic
• Intimidating, harassing, abusive, derogatory, or demeaning speech or actions
• Bullying or intimidation, either in-person or online

Disruptive & Unsafe Behavior

• Inappropriate disruption of sessions, discussions, posters, or other events
• Real or implied threat of physical, professional, or financial damage or harm
• Physical altercations or failure to comply with instructions from conference staff or security
• Possession of a weapon or anything that could be construed as a weapon during the event
• Possession of illegal substances or engagement in any illegal activity

Content & Recording Violations

• Display of offensive or inappropriate images, language, or materials in presentations, slide decks, posters, mobile apps, as backgrounds, or clothing visible to attendees
• Video or audio recording of scientific sessions
• Distribution of materials (e.g., audio, video, print materials) within a session without explicit permission of the session faculty and The Obesity Society
• Possession of a weapon or anything that could be construed as a weapon during the event
• Sharing conference credentials, badges, or access to platforms with unauthorized individuals

Scientific Integrity & Commercial Conduct

• Political advocacy or political speech unrelated to patient care, public health, or scientific discussion while using microphones or during official conference sessions
• Promotional activities in scientific sessions, in keeping with ACCME standards
• Use or reproduction of the ObesityWeek® logo to promote non-sanctioned products or services

4. Enforcement

ObesityWeek reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to take any action it deems appropriate in response to violations. Such actions may include, but are not limited to:

• Issuing a warning
• Removal from a session or event
• Revocation of conference credentials
• Expulsion from the conference without refund
• Notification of venue security or local authorities

By registering for and attending ObesityWeek, all participants agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.

5. Age Restriction

Infants may be brought into sessions by a parent or guardian but must be removed immediately if disruptive. Children must be accompanied by an adult when in the exhibit hall. Children may only enter the exhibit hall during show hours. Children are never allowed in the exhibit hall during set-up and dismantle. Children may not participate in conference exercise events or social events where alcohol is served due to insurance restrictions.

6. Solicitation Policy

Solicitation is prohibited in aisles, event venue spaces not leased to exhibitors, or via the mobile app/attendee portal chat functions. Distribution of materials requires prior written authorization.

7. Photography, Recording & Media Consent

Consent for Official Photography

By attending, you acknowledge your image may be captured on video or in photos by ObesityWeek. You grant ObesityWeek the right to use candid individual and group photos and videos without additional permission, provided images are not accompanied by further personally identifying information.

Photos, recordings, and presentation materials are the exclusive property of ObesityWeek and cannot be copied, altered, sold, or distributed without prior written consent.

Personal Photography & Social Media

ObesityWeek encourages sharing photos on social media unless a speaker prohibits photos of their content. By posting, you consent that ObesityWeek may reshare those posts during and after the event. Video and audio recording of scientific sessions is prohibited. Disruptions caused by photography could result in loss of attendance privileges.

Media Shared by Presenters

Resources shared by presenters are for personal use only and may not be distributed unless explicitly stated or written permission is granted. Proper attribution is required.

8. Accessibility & Accommodations

ObesityWeek believes in providing equal opportunity for everyone. We provide standard accessibility accommodations and will review ad hoc requests on a case-by-case basis.

Requests should be submitted via the conference registration system at least 2 weeks before the conference, or by contacting the conference registrar at [email protected]. Reserved accessible seating may be released 10 minutes before the session starts if unclaimed.

9. Health & Safety

The Obesity Society and ObesityWeek follow all federal, state, local, and facility regulations, including rules around COVID-19 vaccination and mask-wearing.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY

You hereby release ObesityWeek, its affiliates, officers, and agents from any liability related to COVID-19 and other communicable disease exposure while participating in conference activities. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from related claims.

Please contact the registrar if you fall ill with a communicable disease immediately before the conference to discuss converting to on-demand recordings or refund.

10. Security & Badge Requirements

For security, conference badges must be worn at all times and picked up in person by the individual attendee. Badge sharing is prohibited. Pass types indicate varying levels of access.

11. Information Sharing & Privacy Policy

Obesity Week LLC and The Obesity Society respect the privacy of our attendees and do the utmost to protect personal data. Please see our privacy policy at https://obesityweek.org/privacy-policy/.