Registration Policy

SME offers member and nonmember registration options. For more information about a specific type of registration, please review the information below.


REGISTRATION TERMS & CONDITIONS

This document sets out the terms and conditions between SME and you when you register for any event or conference organized by SME, including Midyear and THIRVE. By registering for an event or conference organized by SME you are agreeing to comply with these terms and conditions. You should read this document carefully.

Prior to your registration, you must acknowledge and accept the SME Registration Terms & Conditions (the “Terms & Conditions”) contained herein. Should you not wish to accept the Terms & Conditions you should not register.

Submission of a registration is regarded as affirmation of your acceptance of the Event Terms & Conditions.

Membership Discount Rates

Individuals must be members in good standing at the time of registration in order to qualify for discounted member rates.

Additional Options & Events

Pre-conference short courses (if applicable) and ticketed networking events are additional options for attendees and are not included in a regular conference registration. Registrants can purchase ticketed functions within the registration process and can only be purchased in conjunction with a full conference registration.

Cancellation Policy

If circumstances require you to cancel your registration, you must do so in writing. Written notice must be sent via email to cs@smenet.org or meetings@smenet.org. Cancellations received by August 18, 2022 will receive a full refund, less a $100 processing fee. There are no refunds for no-shows and cancellations postmarked after August 18, 2022. Registrants are responsible for cancellation of their own hotel accommodations. Substitutions will be accepted in writing at no charge until Monday, August 18, 2022. NO REFUNDS for registration will be issued after the August 18, 2022 deadline.

Attendee Conduct

SME is committed to creating a professional and respectful conference experience for attendees, exhibitors, vendors, contractors, sponsors, and event staff. Individuals should immediately report any behavior inconsistent with these principles to onsite event staff. You may also contact SME directly to report a concern at meetings@smenet.org. We will look into and review every allegation of inappropriate conduct and respond appropriately. We value your attendance.

Privacy Policy and Personal Data

Registrants who opt-in during the registration process agree to share their provided contact details including name, company name, title, mailing address and email with exhibiting companies and sponsors of THRIVE.

Photograph and Video Use Permission

Attendees acknowledge and grant the right, in perpetuity, to SME and their contracted agents, to take photographs and video of me and my property, with or without naming and without compensation, in connection with attending THRIVE and hereby authorize SME and their contracted agents to copyright, use and publish any and all photographs and video taken at same in print and/or electronically for any lawful purpose, including publicity, illustrations, advertising, marketing and internet content all related to promoting SME, mid-Year and their educational activities.

Attendees agree to not capture audio or visual recordings of THRIVE elements (including sessions, social function, etc.) in any medium and to not distribute audio or visual recordings of THRIVE (via social media or any other means) without the express permission of the subject, speaker, author, SME or THRIVE representative.

Attendees also agree to not take or distribute pictures of or copy research posters/presentation materials unless explicit permission is granted.
Permission must be granted by SME or THRIVE and press credentials issued for any entity that desires to film, interview or capture attendees within all areas of THRIVE. Non-credentialed press, photographers and associated crew are subject to specific limitations for the time and placement of filming locations. Violations of these specifications may result in removal from THRIVE.

Distribution of Materials

SME and THRIVE retain the right to approve all materials distributed and displayed outside of exhibit hall booths. Any non-approved materials distributed will be immediately removed and disposed of.

Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability

Attendee assumes all risks and accepts sole responsibility for any injury (including, but not limited to, personal injury, disability, and death), illness, damage, loss, claim, liability or expense, of any kind, that attendee may experience or incur in connection with attending the event. Attendee hereby releases, covenants not to sue, discharges and holds harmless SME and THRIVE, its employees, agents, and representatives, of and from any such claims, including all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs or expenses of any kind arising out of or relating thereto.

Specifically relating to the global COVID-19 pandemic, attendee acknowledges the contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assumes the risk of exposure or infection by attending the event, and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability and death. Attendee understands that the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 at the event may result from the actions, omissions or negligence of others who may attend the event or their families, colleagues, or others with whom they may have contact. Accordingly, attendee understands and agrees that this release includes any claims based on the actions, omissions, or negligence of SME and THRIVE, its employees, agents and representatives, whether a COVID-19 infection occurs before, during or after participation in the event.

In addition to all other rules and regulations relating to the attendee's attendance at the event, the attendee agrees to comply with all COVID-related procedures that may be implemented by SME and THRIVE, in order to protect the health and safety of all attendees. SME reserves the right to refuse entry to registrants who do not successfully pass the health screening, if required by the local authorities, or who refuse to follow the health and safety guidelines set forth.

Changes to Terms & Conditions

SME reserves the right to change, amend, add or remove any of the above Terms & Conditions in its sole discretion and without prior notice. If one or more of the conditions outlined in these Terms & Conditions should become invalid, the remaining conditions will continue to be valid and apply. These Terms & Conditions apply to all event participants (attendees, authors, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors).