Code of Conduct

Fundamental to TCIA’s mission is to create educational and professional development opportunities that improve safety, provide standards of appropriate tree care practice, and ultimately advance tree care businesses.

TCIA is dedicated to ensuring that our events increase engagement and collaboration in a safe, respectful, productive, inclusive, and harassment-free learning environment for all, regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, alienage or citizenship status, physical or mental ability, color, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, national origin, marital or partnership status, religion or creed, status as a veteran, or any other basis protected by U.S. federal, state, or local laws.

TCIA is committed to ensuring that all attendees can fully participate in TCIA events. Attendees may request information regarding accessibility and accommodations or request accommodations by contacting TCIA’s Meetings & Events team.

TCIA Event Code of Conduct

In order to participate in a TCIA event*, all attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, and staff must agree to abide by this conduct (“Code of Conduct”). TCIA retains the sole authority to enforce this code, which may result in registration revocation if not followed.

Expected Behavior for TCIA Events

In order to support an environment that builds community, encourages positive connections and a safe educational space, the following behaviors are expected of all attendees and staff:

• Acknowledge that certain privileges and access are granted based on the type of registration purchased and abide by the restrictions placed based on your registration type.
• Act with respect towards everyone you encounter, including TCIA event and venue staff.
• Exercise consideration in your speech and actions.
• Behave in accordance with professional standards (such as this Code of Conduct, your respective employer’s policies, and applicable law).

Unacceptable Behavior for TCIA Events

Harassment, bullying, microaggressions*, intimidation, and/or insinuations that are hurtful or interfere with any other attendee’s experience or participation are unacceptable behaviors. Examples of unacceptable behavior include but are not limited to the following:

• Demeaning, discriminatory, violent, or harassing behavior or speech, including but not limited to personal insults, sexist, racist, homophobic, or transphobic, ageist or ableist language, or any language that insults or demeans the characteristics of a person protected under U.S. federal, state, or local law.
• Inappropriate physical contact; you should have someone’s consent before touching them.
• Unwelcome sexual attention, including sexualized comments or jokes, inappropriate touching, groping, sexual advances, or displaying sexually explicit or violent material in informal settings or on personal devices, including presented materials.
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following.
• Sustained disruption, including during talks or presentations.
• Possession of dangerous or unauthorized materials such as explosives, firearms, weapons, or similar items.
• Theft, vandalism, destruction, or inappropriate removal of personal property.
• Use, distribution, sale, or transfer of illegal drugs.
• Conflicts of interest with the TCIA events regarding sales, advertising, and third-party solicitations are not permitted.
• Engaging in anti-competitive actions according to state and federal regulations, such as colluding to fix prices and/or restrict fair access to clients or products for specific groups, is not permitted.
• No person, firm, or organization, which has not contracted with TCIA for occupancy of space at event, will be permitted to display or demonstrate any products, processes, or services, to solicit orders, to wear any identification other than that of the contracting exhibitor, or to distribute advertising or other materials during exhibiting or event hours.
• Any other illegal activity or forms of harassment not covered above.

Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated at TCIA events. Anyone asked by a TCIA staff member or affiliate to stop engaging in unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. If a participant engages in unacceptable behavior or fails to comply with expected behavior at any time during the event, TCIA reserves the right to remove the participant from the event without a refund of registration.

Reporting Unacceptable Behavior

If you witness or are subjected to unacceptable behavior or have any other concerns at a TCIA event, notify a TCIA staff member as soon as possible. Under this code, no adverse action is to be taken against an individual who reports unacceptable behavior, unless the complaint or report is deliberately false. TCIA reserves the right in its sole discretion to determine what constitutes unacceptable behavior and what actions it will take to address incidents that occur. If you have questions in advance of the event regarding the Code of Conduct or its implementation, please contact meetings@tcia.org.

Terms:

Microaggressions: A statement, action, or incident regarded as an instance of indirect, subtle, or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group.

TCIA Event: Includes all activities, sessions, venues, lodging, media platforms, and indoor/outdoor locations associated with the scheduled occurrence.

By virtue of your attendance, you agree to the use of your likeness in TCIA’s promotional materials.

Conference Registration:
All cancellation requests must be made in writing to Member Services. No telephone cancellation requests will be accepted. Cancellations received on or before January 5, 2024 will receive a full refund less a $100 administrative fee. Cancellations after January 5, 2024 are subject to a $200 fee per person.