The American Psychiatric Association (APA)'s policy is to promote an environment of mutual respect, well-being, and collegiality at its meetings (whether in-person or virtual). APA values and benefits from the diverse opinions its members and attendees hold on the issues addressed by the Association and the psychiatric profession. All participants in APA meetings, including but not limited to attendees, staff, members, press, speakers, vendors, sponsors and exhibitors, agree to conduct themselves in a manner appropriate for a professional gathering. This includes and is not limited to:

• respect for the intellectual property of others;
• proper display and use of meeting badges; and
• being courteous, considerate, respectful, and mindful of the surroundings and other attendees.

All individuals must refrain from conduct that may make others uncomfortable, including but not limited to:

• personal attacks or characterizations that question a person’s motives, qualifications, or attributes;
• intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, demeaning, threatening, profane, aggressive, or inappropriate speech or behavior towards others;
• sexual or otherwise unwelcome attention towards another person;
• interference or disruption of meeting activities; or
• possession of any weapon within the meeting premises notwithstanding local laws that may permit such possession.

Individuals participating in APA meetings agree to listen respectfully to views presented, be courteous to others regardless of whether they agree or disagree with the views presented, and to exhibit the professionalism and collegiality expected of professionals. Postings, messages, and any other content submitted by attendee participants during the meeting may not contain promotional materials, advertisements, special offers, job announcements, product announcements, solicitations for service, or any similar content. Participants may not record, broadcast or otherwise transmit in any format audio or video of any educational session, presentation, or other content of the meeting unless granted permission to do so by APA. Participants may not record, copy or take screen shots of any text from within a meeting virtual space (including Q&A and chat activity) unless granted permission to do so by APA. Registration for the meeting is unique to each participant and the personal registration information may not be sold, traded, or otherwise shared with any other individual or organization.

If an individual believes that these rules have been violated or acceptable social decorum has otherwise been breached, they shall alert APA staff to address the situation. APA reserves the right to remove any posted content and to remove meeting access rights of any individual found by APA to have violated this policy without refund of any fees paid. By registering for, attending, or otherwise participating in an APA meeting, you agree to abide by this Participation Policy.