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.

Be aware of your surroundings at all times
Regardless of where you are, use the buddy system when walking to and from the conference location, networking event locations, etc. – especially during early or late hours.
Do not wear your meeting badge on the street. Take it off as soon as you leave the venue.
Do not carry a lot of cash or credit cards.
Do not leave personal property unattended anywhere at any time.

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:

Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form.
Any abuse, including physical, verbal, or non-verbal abuse.
Disruption of presentations at sessions, in the exhibit hall, or at any events organized by IMATA at the meeting venue, hotels, or other IMATA-contracted facilities.
Comments related to gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation.
Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces or in presentations.
Threatening or stalking any person.

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:

Andy Horn, IMATA President
Michelle Shoemaker, IMATA Vice President
Michele Sousa and Krysten Wrobleski, IMATA Co-Conference Chairs

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:

Verbal or written warning
Suspension from the current IMATA conference
Denied registration for future IMATA events
Report of unacceptable conduct to employer

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