Attendee Terms and Conditions
These terms and conditions, plus any additions and amendments thereto,
that may hereafter be established by the National Association of Social
Workers (“NASW”) and the NASW Foundation (the “Foundation”)
(collectively, “Show Management”) to help ensure the general
success and well-being of the 2026 NASW National Conference (the
“Event”) (collectively the “Terms and Conditions”), form the essential
terms and conditions for attendance at or participation in the Event.
These Terms and Conditions are binding upon and apply
to all NASW and Foundation employees, individuals registering,
attending, or otherwise participating in the Event, including without
limitation all attendees, accompanying individuals or guests, speakers,
volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, vendors, and media
representatives (hereinafter referred to as “Attendee”, “Registrant”,
“you” or “your”). You must comply with these Terms and Conditions
regardless of whether you have received a formal registration.
RULES, REGULATIONS
Attendee agrees to abide by all fire,
safety, and health regulations of the local, city, state, and Hotel
where the Event is held. Attendee must comply with all applicable
federal, state, and local ordinances. Further, Attendees
shall not violate the Terms and Conditions including NASW policies and
procedures, and/or behave in any unlawful, unsafe, inappropriate or
careless manner while attending or participating in the Event. Attendee
acknowledges and agrees that a violation of laws
and regulations or the Terms and Conditions may, subject solely to the
decision and determination of Show Management, result in Attendee being
immediately removed from the Event and barred from returning to the
Event, and forfeit any right to receive a refund
of Attendee’s registration fee or any other fees paid to attend or
participant in the Event, and/or disqualified from attending or
participating in any future NASW and/or Foundation events.
Unlawful violations may be reported to the appropriate authorities. If
you witness a crime or have an emergency that requires the police,
please call 911.
CONDUCT AT CONFERENCE
Attendees are expected to abide by the
Code of Conduct. Show Management retain the right to remove from the
Event any Attendee engaging in Unacceptable Conduct at no reimbursement
to the attendee.
EVENT DISRUPTIONS
Show Management does not permit any
disruption of its Event. The purpose of this policy is to ensure the
safety and well-being of all Attendees as well as NASW’s and the
Foundation’s compliance with applicable building standards and
codes. This event disruption policy includes unauthorized gatherings,
including but not limited to protests, vigils, and demonstrations, and
applies to Event venues and any other spaces leased or occupied by NASW
and the Foundation in connection with the Event.
WEAPONS POLICY
Show Management has designated all Event venues
as weapons-free zones, meaning carrying weapons while at the Event
facilities, including but not limited to the Hotel or any other venues
used for the Event, is strictly prohibited. Weapons
include loaded or unloaded firearms, explosives, knives or bludgeons,
or any other instrument capable of producing serious bodily harm or
injury. Any violation of this policy means the individual possessing a
weapon will be trespassing on privately licensed
property and would cause immediate removal from all Event related
activities and premises and forfeit any right to receive a refund of the
Attendee’s registration fee or any other fees paid to attend or
participant in the Event, and/or disqualified from attending
or participating in any future NASW and Foundation event.
ALCOHOL & DRUGS
Show Management supports all laws of the
state and municipality where the Event is held in all matters concerning
alcohol and other controlled substances. It is considered unlawful to
furnish or give any liquor, malt, or brewed beverages
to minors, visibly intoxicated persons, habitual drunkards, or those
prone to intemperate habits. It is also illegal for minors to purchase
or possess alcohol and to be visibly intoxicated. The manufacture,
delivery, sale, and possession of an illegal substance
could result in legal action.
SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted in the meeting rooms.
CANCELATION AND REFUND POLICY
Prior to initiating the
registration process for the Event, please review and accept the
following refund policy. NOTE, this policy, once accepted, will apply to
your registration and any other person you may register:
Written requests for refunds must be sent to NASW via email to
naswconference@socialworkers.org.
If applicable, refunds will be processed within 30 days of the request and will follow the schedule below:
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For cancellation requests received by March 31, 2026, 75% of the conference registration fee will be refunded.
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For cancellation requests received April 1 through May 30, 2026, 50% of the conference registration fee will be refunded.
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After May 30, 2026, no refunds will be issued for any reason.
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Payments for pre-conference workshops are non-refundable.
Refunds will not be given for no-shows.
LIABILITY
The National Association of Social Workers (“NASW”)
and the NASW Foundation (the “Foundation”), (collectively “Show
Management”), and their respective officers, directors, agents, and
employees claim no liability for the acts of any suppliers
relative to this Event or for the safety of any attendee during and/or
while in transit to or from this Event. The planners and sponsors
reserve the right to cancel this function without liability. Show
Management reserves the right of admittance and the right
to exclude from the Event or refuse service to any attendee at their
sole discretion. Furthermore, Show Management is under no obligation to
provide an explanation for their actions but may do so at their
discretion.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY
Professional photographs, audio,
and video will be captured before and during the Event. By registering
for the Event, Registrant hereby grants to NASW and the Foundation the
right and permission to use, publish, and republish
photographs, video, audio, or images in which the Registrant may be
included, in whole, part, or composite in any printed or electronic
matter or media for any legal purpose without compensation or obligation
to Registrant or your heirs and assigns. Registrant
has read this release and fully understands its contents. Registrant
hereby releases and discharges Show Management from any and all claims
and liabilities arising out of or in connection with the use of
photographs, images, or information.
FORCE MAJEURE
If, Show Management is prevented from or unable
to carry out its obligations as it pertains to the Event as a result of
any cause beyond its control, or such Event cannot be held or does not
occur due to acts of God, strikes, labor disputes,
government requisitions, restrictions or regulations on travel, hotel
or facility availability, commodities or supplies, war or apparent act
of war, terrorism, hurricane or other extreme and severe weather
conditions, disaster, civil disorder, epidemic or
pandemic, curtailment or restriction on transportation facilities, or
any other comparable calamity, casualty, or condition (collectively a
“Force Majeure”) Show Management shall, upon written notice, have the
right to immediately terminate the affected Event
without liability and shall be relieved of its obligations to Attendee.
If the affected Event is terminated due to a Force Majeure occurrence
before the first day of the Event, then Show Management will reschedule
the affected Event, if and as practical under the circumstances, and
your registration fee will be applied to the rescheduled
conference. If you are unable to attend the rescheduled conference,
then you may transfer registration fee you paid, upon written
notification to Show Management, toward another conference. Show
Management reserves the right, at its discretion, to approve
or deny such registration fee transfer requests. If there is a
difference in the registration fees between the affected Event and the
alternative conference, the difference in the registration fees will be
charged or refunded, as applicable, on the credit
you used to register for the affected Event.
CANCELATION OF EVENT
In the event that the Event cannot be held
or is postponed due to events beyond the reasonable control of Show
Management, Show Management shall not be liable to the Attendee or
others for any damages, harm, costs, or losses incurred,
including but not limited to transportation costs, accommodations
costs, travel expenses, out of pocket costs, or financial losses or
harm.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY/WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND RELEASE
AS A
CONDITION OF YOUR ATTENDANCE AT OR PARTICIPATION IN THE EVENT, YOU,
ATTENDEE, EXPRESSLY ASSUME ALL RESPONSIBILITY, LIABILITY, AND RISK
ASSOCIATED WITH, RESULTING FROM OR ARISING IN CONNECTION
WITH YOUR ATTENDANCE OR PARTICIPATION AT THE EVENT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, PERSONAL INJURY, DISABILITY, ILLNESS, DEATH, DAMAGE, LOSS,
CLAIM, LIABILITY, OR EXPENSE OF ANY KIND THAT YOU MAY EXPERIENCE OR
INCUR IN CONNECTION WITH ATTENDING OR PARTICIPATING
IN THE EVENT. FURTHER, ATTENDEE HEREBY RELEASES, COVENANTS NOT TO SUE,
DISCHARGES, AND HOLDS HARMLESS NASW AND THE FOUNDATION, THEIR
RESPSECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, 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.
ADDITIONALLY, YOU, ATTENDEE, AGREE THAT IN NO EVENT WILL NASW OR THE
FOUNDATION, OR THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES,
AGENTS AND REPRESENTATIVES BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES OF ANY
NATURE OR FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER WHETHER OR NOT APPRISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF ANY SUCH LOST PROFITS OR DAMAGES. FURTHER, YOU EXPRESSLY
ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PROVIDED UNDER
APPLICABLE LAW, NASW AND/OR THE FOUNDATION’S MAXIMUM
LIABILITY TO YOU IN ANY WAY RELATED TO, IN CONJUNCTION WITH OR ARISING
FROM YOUR ATTENDANCE AT THE CONFERENCE, OR JUDICIAL DETERMINATION OF
NASW’S AND/OR THE FOUNDATION’S WRONGFUL CANCELLATION OF THE CONFERENCE
WILL BE LIMITED SOLELY TO THE RETURN OF ALL OF
ANY REGISTRATION FEE PREVIOUSLY PAID TO NASW AND/OR THE FOUNDATION BY
YOU FOR THE RELEVANT EVENT.
Specifically relating to COVID-19, Attendee acknowledges the highly
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, disability,
and/or death to Attendee. Attendee understands 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 NASW and/or the Foundation, its employees, agents, and
representatives, whether a COVID-19 infection
occurs before, during, or after participation in the Event. Attendee
hereby forever releases, waives, and holds harmless NASW and the
Foundation from any and all liability, injury, damage, loss, or expense
that may arise, directly or indirectly, now or in
the future, regardless of whether caused by fault on the part of NASW
and/or the Foundation, in connection with any exposure, infection, or
spread of COVID-19 or any other contagious disease related to Attendee’s
participation in the Event. Registrant promises
not to sue NASW, its affiliates, staff or representatives for any of
the claims that registrant has released, waived, and discharged.
Attendee understands this release and waiver is intended to be as broad
and inclusive as is permitted by law and that if any portion of this
release and waiver is held invalid, the remainder will continue in full
legal force and effect. Attendee also agrees
that this release and waiver extend to, and will be binding upon,
registrant and registrant’s estate, heirs, executors, administrators,
and personal representatives.
INDEMNITY
To the extent permitted by law, Attendee agrees to
protect, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless NASW, the Foundation, the
Hotel where the Event is being held, and their respective officers,
directors, employees, agents, and representatives
against all claims, losses, or damages to persons or property,
governmental charges or fines, and costs (including reasonable
attorney’s fees) arising out of or connected to the actions or failure
to act in accordance with the Terms and Conditions by the Attendee,
its employees, officers, directors, or agents, except those claims
arising out of the other party’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.
MISCELLANEOUS
The headings of the various sections of these
Terms and Condition are inserted for convenience of reference only. If
any one or more of the provisions contained in these Terms and Condition
will, for any reason, be held to be unenforceable
in any respect by a court of competent jurisdiction, such
unenforceability will have no affect on any other provision of these
Terms and Conditions, and these Terms and Conditions will be construed
as if such unenforceable provision had never been contained
in it. These Terms and Conditions will be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws applicable to the District of Columbia without
regard to its conflicts of law provisions. Any controversy, claim or
dispute arising out of or relating to these
Terms and Conditions will be settled through an action brought in any
court of competent jurisdiction in the District of Columbia
Code of Conduct
The National Association of Social Workers (“NASW”) and the NASW
Foundation (the “Foundation”) (collectively, “Show Management”) support a
culture of professionalism and kindness at our events. Social work
conferences and meetings are places where we gather
to learn, share information, and begin and renew professional
collaborations. As such, it is important to foster an atmosphere that
promotes safety, respect, and inclusiveness.
This Code of Conduct applies to all NASW and Foundation employees,
individuals registering, attending, or otherwise participating in the
2026 NASW National Conference (the “Event”), including without
limitation all attendees, accompanying individuals or guests,
speakers, volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, vendors, and media
representatives (hereinafter referred to as “Attendee” or “you”). This
Code of Conduct is subject to change without notice.
Show Management expects all Attendees to be considerate, respectful, and
collaborative. Show Management retains sole discretion in determining
conduct violative of this Code of Conduct.
Unacceptable Conduct Includes:
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Violence, threats of violence, unwanted touching, or physical intimidation
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Engaging in demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior or speech
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Disruptive behavior
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Engaging in verbal or physical abuse or intimidation
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Verbal or written harassment on any basis, including sexual harassment
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Displaying inappropriate visual information
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Possession of weapons or illegal substances
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Behavior that is illegal
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Violation of the rules of the Event or venue
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Failure to follow the safety instructions of Show Management and their staff
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Any behavior that Show Management believes lacks respect or civility
Show Management retains the right to remove from the Event any Attendee
engaging in Unacceptable Conduct at no reimbursement to the attendee.
Complaints:
Contact local law enforcement or emergency services immediately if you
notice a dangerous situation, threats of violence, or someone in
distress.
Attendees should immediately report Unacceptable Conduct to Show Management staff at the conference registration desk.
Unacceptable Conduct will not be tolerated. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply at once.
Violations of this policy may result in:
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Removal from the Event without refund or warning
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Banning from future NASW and Foundation events
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Revoking NASW membership
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Referral to local law enforcement