Annual Meeting Code of Conduct
Last Updated: October 7, 2026
The New England Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Inc. ("NESPRS") is committed to providing a professional, respectful, inclusive, and safe environment for everyone participating in the NESPRS Annual Meeting and related activities.
This Code of Conduct applies to all attendees, members, speakers, moderators, faculty, exhibitors, sponsors, guests, volunteers, staff, vendors, and other participants in NESPRS meeting activities.
Expected Conduct
All participants are expected to:
- Treat others with professionalism, courtesy, and respect.
- Communicate and behave in a manner appropriate for a professional medical and educational environment.
- Respect differences in background, experience, identity, perspective, and professional opinion.
- Follow applicable laws, venue rules, NESPRS policies, and meeting procedures.
- Respect the privacy, personal space, property, and boundaries of other participants.
- Comply with reasonable instructions from NESPRS staff, meeting organizers, and venue personnel.
- Participate in educational discussions in a constructive and professional manner.
Prohibited Conduct
Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, threatening behavior, and other inappropriate conduct are not acceptable at NESPRS events.
Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:
- Harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, marital status, veteran status, or other status protected by applicable law.
- Unwelcome sexual attention, advances, comments, gestures, or physical contact.
- Threatening, intimidating, abusive, degrading, or persistently disruptive behavior.
- Bullying, stalking, or repeated unwanted contact.
- Offensive or inappropriate verbal, written, visual, or electronic communications.
- Deliberate disruption of presentations, discussions, exhibits, or other meeting activities.
- Physical violence or threats of physical violence.
- Possession of weapons in violation of applicable law or venue policy.
- Destruction, theft, or misuse of property.
- Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern or participates in the review of a reported concern.
Professional and Scientific Discussions
NESPRS encourages open scientific discussion, professional debate, and the exchange of differing medical and academic opinions. Disagreement is not, by itself, a violation of this Code of Conduct.
Participants should address disagreements respectfully and focus discussion on the scientific, clinical, educational, or professional issues being considered. Personal attacks, harassment, or abusive conduct are not acceptable.
Patient Privacy and Confidential Information
Participants must respect patient privacy and confidentiality. Presentations, discussions, images, case materials, and other educational content should be handled in accordance with applicable privacy requirements and professional standards.
Participants should not photograph, record, reproduce, publish, or distribute patient-identifiable information without appropriate authorization.
Photography, Recording, and Presentation Materials
Photography, video recording, audio recording, screenshots, or reproduction of presentations may be restricted by NESPRS, individual presenters, copyright requirements, or patient privacy considerations.
Participants must comply with any posted instructions or announcements regarding photography, recording, or distribution of meeting materials.
Social Media
Participants using social media in connection with the Annual Meeting should act professionally and respect patient confidentiality, intellectual property, speaker restrictions, and the privacy of other attendees.
Content identified as confidential, restricted, or not authorized for distribution should not be posted or shared online.
Exhibitors and Sponsors
Exhibitors and sponsors must conduct their activities professionally and comply with NESPRS policies, applicable laws, venue requirements, and any exhibitor or sponsorship agreements.
Promotional activity should remain within authorized areas and should not interfere with educational sessions or other meeting activities.
Alcohol and Impairment
Participants are expected to act responsibly at all NESPRS functions, including events where alcohol is served.
Behavior resulting from intoxication or impairment does not excuse violations of this Code of Conduct.
Reporting a Concern
Anyone who experiences or witnesses conduct that may violate this Code of Conduct is encouraged to report the matter to NESPRS.
Concerns may be reported to an NESPRS officer, meeting organizer, staff member, or another designated representative.
If there is an immediate threat to safety, participants should contact venue security or local emergency services as appropriate.
Response to Reported Conduct
NESPRS may review reported concerns and take actions it determines appropriate based on the circumstances.
Actions may include:
- Speaking with the individuals involved.
- Issuing a warning.
- Requesting that inappropriate conduct stop immediately.
- Removing an individual from a session or meeting activity.
- Revoking meeting credentials or access.
- Removing an individual from the meeting or venue.
- Restricting participation in future NESPRS activities.
- Referring the matter to appropriate authorities when warranted.
NESPRS may take immediate action when necessary to protect participants or maintain an appropriate meeting environment.
No Retaliation
Retaliation against an individual for reporting a concern in good faith, seeking assistance, or participating in the review of a complaint is prohibited.
Application of This Policy
This Code of Conduct applies to conduct occurring during the NESPRS Annual Meeting and related activities, including:
- Educational sessions
- Exhibit areas
- Social events and receptions
- Committee and business meetings
- Sponsored activities
- Virtual or online meeting components
- Electronic communications related to meeting activities
Acknowledgment
By registering for or participating in the NESPRS Annual Meeting, participants agree to comply with this Code of Conduct and any additional policies applicable to the meeting.
Contact NESPRS
Questions about this Code of Conduct or reports of inappropriate conduct may be directed to:
New England Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Inc.
Website: https://neplasticsurgery.org/