NACo Conference Waiver of Liability
By acknowledging this waiver of liability, I hereby acknowledge and agree to the following:
- COVID‐19. I am aware of the existence of COVID‐19, and that my participation in an in person meeting may cause injury or illness to myself or my family.
- Symptoms. I will not attend if I have experienced symptoms such as fever, fatigue, difficulty breathing, dry cough or other symptoms relating to COVID‐19 within 48 hours prior to my scheduled
- Isolation/Quarantine. I will not attend if I must isolate or quarantine because I may have been exposed to a person with COVID‐19 or if I am waiting on the results of a COVID‐19 test or have been diagnosed with COVID‐19.
- COVID‐19 Exposure. I will not attend if I have been in close physical contact (six feet or closer for at least 15 minutes cumulatively over a 24‐hour period) with a person who is known to have laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 or with anyone who has any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 within the last 14
- Vaccinated as well as unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to take a COVID‐19 test and receive a negative result a maximum of 72‐hours prior to travel.
- Health and Safety Rules for the Meeting. During the conference and related events/meetings, I will comply with local, state and National Association of Counties (NACo) health and safety requirements, including any requirements for vaccination, mask wearing and social distancing that may be in place, as well as respect the autonomy of other attendees at the meeting.
- Daily Health Checks. During the conference and related events/meetings, I will complete the daily health check and submit results to the designated authority if instructed to do I understand that proof of compliance with these checks may be required to access meeting rooms.
- Attendance. I choose to attend the conference meeting and related events/meetings.
- Risk Factors – At your own risk. I am aware of the potential risk of contracting COVID‐19 from individuals, even if those individuals do not display any symptoms of the virus. I expressly agree that participation in the conference and related events/meetings is undertaken at my own
- Release of NACo and affiliated. I hereby release NACo; its employees, officers, directors, or agents; NACo’s members or affiliated entities; and its board members from any liability related to contracting or spreading COVID‐19, or becoming ill or incurring any personal injury or death from or related to COVID‐19, as a result of attending the board meeting in person. I assume all such risks of illness, injury or death.
- Waive Right to Recovery. I hereby forever waive any right to recovery for any damages related to contracting or spreading COVID‐19, or becoming ill or incurring any personal injury or death from or related to COVID‐19, against NACo; its employees, officers, directors, or agents; NACo’s members or affiliated entities; and its board members and agree not to pursue or join any such claims, demands, damages, actions, or causes of action, including but not limited to those that result from any acts of active or passive negligence on the part of any of the foregoing.
- Quarantine. I understand that I may be required to quarantine or isolate dependent on local guidelines and my personal vaccination status. Defined as staying physically away from all others – unless seeking medical care – due to testing positive for COVID‐19 or having been a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID‐19. I understand that quarantine and/or isolation could last at least 5 days from the date of exposure/positive test and may continue beyond if I am experiencing COVID‐19 symptoms.
- Expenses due to COVID‐19. Any expenses related to COVID‐19 virus prevention or mitigation, including isolation and quarantine, are my sole I understand that any medical care will be provided at my sole expense.
I have read and understand this waiver and release of claims, and I understand the risks I am assuming. I am entering into this waiver and release of claims voluntarily. I further understand that violating any portion of this code of conduct may result in removal from event activities without refund or warning.
Event Code of Conduct Policy
The National Association of Counties (NACo) is passionate about advancing excellence in public service. We value our diversity of thought, heritage, and experience as we build an environment of inclusivity and civility. We sustain our ingenuity and impact by harnessing our collective knowledge and lived experiences as we help people and places thrive across America.
NACo is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all in attendance at our conferences, events, and workplace. NACo convenings are essential forums to consider, explore and share the viewpoints, lessons learned and experiences of America’s county officials, as well as other intergovernmental, private, nonprofit, and philanthropic sector partners, in an orderly, respectful, and fair manner.
This Event Code of Conduct is important for promoting and creating an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative environment for all participants at NACo events. All meeting participants – including attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, meeting staff, members of the media, vendors, and service providers (hereinafter “participants”) – are expected to abide by this Event Code of Conduct. This Event Code of Conduct applies to events and activities in any venue associated with the primary event, including official and ancillary events, and online events, forums and discussions.
Expected Behavior
- Treat all participants with kindness, respect, and consideration, valuing a diversity of respectful and considerate views and opinions (including those you may not share).
- Communicate openly, with respect for other participants, critiquing ideas rather than individuals.
- Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech directed toward other participants.
- Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert NACo staff if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.
- Respect the rules and policies of all meeting venues and spaces.
Unacceptable Behavior
- Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form will not be tolerated.
- Examples of unacceptable behavior include:
- Physical or verbal abuse of any participant
- Unwelcome or offensive verbal comments or exclusionary behavior
- Inappropriate or unwanted physical contact
- Unwanted sexual attention
- Use of sexual or discriminatory images in public spaces or in presentations
- Intimidation or stalking
- Non-consensual photography or recording
- Disruption of talks or other events
- Bullying behavior
- Retaliation for reporting unacceptable behavior
During events, NACo has the right to take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including a participant’s immediate removal from the meeting without warning or refund, in response to any incident of alleged unacceptable behavior. NACo will investigate complaints, as described below, after the event concludes.
Immediate Serious Threat to Public Safety
- Anyone experiencing or witnessing behavior that constitutes an immediate or serious threat to public safety should immediately contact local law enforcement (by calling 911) and notify facility security.
Reporting Unacceptable Behavior
- If you are not in immediate danger but feel that you are the subject of unacceptable behavior, have witnessed such behavior, or have other concerns, please notify a NACo staff member or a NACo representative as soon as possible, who can work with the NACo leadership to resolve the situation. All reports will be treated seriously and responded to promptly.
- In addition to notifying someone in person, you can also report an incident to NACo’s anonymous Employee Assistance Hotline or via email to the NACo CEO / Executive Director Matthew Chase at mchase@naco.org.
NACo reserves the right to take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including immediate removal from the event without warning or refund, in response to any incident of alleged unacceptable behavior, and NACo reserves the right to prohibit attendance at any future NACo event. NACo also reserves the right to obtain information through a fair and balanced investigation process regarding any reported incidents and take any action deemed necessary and appropriate to address the situation.
As part of the registration process for NACo convenings and events, participants will be asked to acknowledge that they accept and understand the provisions of this Event Code of Conduct.
For any questions about this policy, please send an email to meetings@naco.org or call 202.393.6226.
Approved December 1, 2023