Conference Policies

IMATA Conference Code of Conduct

The International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association (IMATA) is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all. All participants, including attendees, speakers, volunteers and exhibitors, are expected to understand and follow this conference code of conduct. These expectations apply to all IMATA events.

Personal Safety and Security

IMATA will work with venue staff to make sure participants are safe. We ask that all attendees report any questionable activity to any IMATA board or committee member. No concern is too small – if you see something, say something.

Responsible Drinking

At many IMATA networking events, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are served. IMATA expects participants at our events to drink responsibly. IMATA and conference event staff have the right to deny service to participants and may require a participant to leave the event.

Unacceptable Conduct

Examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to:

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is unacceptable conduct of a sexual nature which makes a person feel uncomfortable, offended, humiliated, and/or intimidated. Examples of conduct or behavior which constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:

Physical Conduct

  • Physical violence, including sexual assault
  • Unwelcome physical contact or inappropriate touching
  • The use of threats or rewards to solicit sexual favors

Verbal Conduct

  • Comments or insults based on appearance, age, private life, etc.
  • Sexual comments, stories, or jokes
  • Sexual advances
  • Repeated and unwanted social invitations for dates or physical intimacy
  • Condescending or sexist remarks
  • Sending sexually explicit messages

Non-Verbal Conduct

  • Display of sexually explicit or suggestive material or images
  • Sexually-suggestive gestures
  • Whistling or “cat calling”

Reporting Unacceptable Conduct

If you or anyone else is in immediate danger at any time, please contact local law enforcement by calling 911 and immediately notify facility security.
 
IMATA has zero-tolerance for any form of discrimination or harassment. If you experience or observe harassment, or if you hear of any incidents of unacceptable behavior, please inform any IMATA board or committee member so that action can be taken. Listed below are a few executive board members for this conference:

Please alert IMATA to any unacceptable conduct regardless of the offender’s identity or job title. Incidents will be handled with respect for the privacy of the victim and will remain confidential to the extent practical given the circumstances. The IMATA board member receiving the report will respond appropriately and promptly. Upon receiving a complaint, the matter will be recorded and addressed confidentially. If the complaint is of a criminal nature, legal authorities will be notified. Reports made will be handled with one or more of the following actions towards the offender:

For more information on other IMATA policies, please visit our website:
www.imata.org/code_of_ethics

www.imata.org/mission_values