POLICIES

Code of Conduct Agreement

Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) convenes multiple events throughout the year. These professional events help fulfill MEEA’s mission to advance energy efficiency for all Midwest communities. MEEA brings together an array of policymakers, business leaders, industry representatives, government officials, researchers, consultants, and students. As an inclusive, nonpartisan organization, MEEA is committed to hosting events that are safe, hospitable, and harassment-free environments for everyone regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, or other group identity. MEEA is committed to diversity, equity, and the free expression of ideas and thus requires from its staff, conference participants, and vendors appropriate conduct that allows for the free exchange of competing ideas and concepts. 

MEEA conferences provide a setting where all participants are to be valued and respected for their individuality and opinions in a considerate and collaborative manner. MEEA will not tolerate behaviors that create an environment that prevents attendees from learning, networking, and enjoying the company of colleagues. Specific behaviors that will not be tolerated include: Harassment or intimidation based on race, religion, language, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, appearance, gender identity, gender expression, or other legally protected group status; Sexual harassment or intimidation, including unwelcome sexual attention, stalking (physical or virtual), or unsolicited physical contact; Distribution of written or graphic material that denigrates, shows hostility, aversion, or unwelcome attention; Yelling at or threatening speakers or other participants (verbally or physically). 

All participants are expected to observe these rules and behaviors in all conference venues and conference social events. Participants asked to stop hostile or harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately and without retaliation. If conference participants do not abide by these rules, they may be removed from the premises, may not receive a refund, and may be banned from future MEEA events at the discretion of MEEA leadership. If you believe you have been harassed or that a harassment problem exists, please contact a member of the on-site conference staff immediately. All such reports must be made before the end of the conference. The conference manager on duty will determine and carry out the appropriate course of action, and may consult with and engage other staff, leaders, and legal counsel as appropriate. Event security and/or local law enforcement may be involved, as appropriate, based on the specific circumstances. A follow-up report will be made available to individuals who report being harassed. Confidentiality will be honored to the extent permitted without compromising the ability to investigate complaints or the rights of others. We at MEEA are committed to make every participant’s experience as productive and professionally stimulating as possible.

Refund/Cancellation Policy

A refund will be issued if requested on or before midnight CST December 30, 2024. No refunds will be issued after these dates. All refunds must be requested in writing. Send email requests to conference@mwalliance.org.

Inclement Weather Policy

The Midwest Energy Solutions Conference will be cancelled due to inclement weather only if the conference venue is closed. If MES is cancelled due to inclement weather, every attempt will be made to reschedule and your registration fee will be applied to the rescheduled date. Any travel expenses that may have been incurred cannot be refunded.

If the event is held, but weather conditions prohibit your safe travel so you are unable to attend, we unfortunately cannot refund your registration fee.

Waiver of Liability

When you attend Midwest Energy Solutions Conference, you release Midwest Energy Solutions Conference, the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, its officers and employees, and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the event from any harm, injury or illness that may come to you or your guests that occurs while you are at the event.

Photography and Videography

When you attend the Midwest Energy Solutions Conference, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to interview(s), photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, web casts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, inclusion on websites, or any other purpose by Midwest Energy Solutions Conference and its affiliates and representatives. You release the Midwest Energy Solutions Conference, its officers and employees, and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, recording, digitizing, or publication of interviews, photographs, computer images, video and/or or sound recordings.

By entering the event premises, you waive all rights you may have to any claims for payment or royalties in connection with any exhibition, streaming, web casting, televising, or other publication of these materials, regardless of the purpose or sponsoring of such exhibiting, broadcasting, web casting, or other publication irrespective of whether a fee for admission or sponsorship is charged. You also waive any right to inspect or approve any photo, video, or audio recording taken by the Midwest Energy Solutions Conference or the person or entity designated to do so by the Midwest Energy Solutions Conference.

You have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release before entering the event.