Meeting Policies

Updated COVID-19 Health Protocols
As of August 30, 2022

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has made updates to its COVID-19 protocols. In response, the AHA is making the following changes to our meeting and event protocols.

• Proof of vaccination will no longer be required for participation in our scientific conferences unless there is a state/local mandate.
• We will comply with any local/state mandate around mask adherence, testing or vaccine requirements.
• Our science event environments will be mask-friendly. Should a destination become high risk, a reminder of CDC recommendations will be communicated so that individuals can make informed decisions.
• Hand sanitizer will be available throughout event venues, particularly in high-traffic and food/beverage service areas.

Our commitment to the health and well-being of our attendees, exhibitors and staff remains the same. Should you have questions regarding these protocols, please contact us at [email protected] or call 1-888-242-2453.

As a science-based organization, the AHA continues to follow the guidance of the CDC and state and local health departments, and this guidance will continue to evolve. Protecting the health and safety of all participants remains our top priority.

More information:

• AHA's COVID-19 Resources
• COVID-19 Guidance from the CDC

Guests Policy

The Strategic Network Annual Meetings are closed meetings and guests including spouses or family members are NOT permitted.  Please email [email protected] with any questions related to this policy.

Photography and Video

Unauthorized recording of AHA scientific conferences are prohibited, whether by video, still or digital photography, audio or any other recording or reproduction mechanism. This includes recording of presentations and supporting audiovisual materials, poster presentations and supporting poster materials. The American Heart Association reserves the rights to all recordings or reproductions of presentations at AHA scientific conferences and meetings. Check the program for information about the availability of videotapes or audiotapes for purchase. Exceptions to this policy prohibition are:

• Audiotape recording for strictly personal and non-commercial use is permitted if not disruptive; and exhibitors may photograph their own booth for promotional purposes upon prior written consent of the AHA.

American Heart Association reserves the right to capture and broadcast digital media content in the form of professional photographs, live-streaming, audio, and video during the event. By registering for you hereby grant permission to American Heart Association and its representatives to photograph and/or record you during in-person and virtual events and to distribute, broadcast, use, or otherwise globally disseminate, in perpetuity, such media without any further approval or payment. If you do not wish for your image to be displayed by the AHA, please email [email protected].

AHA Code of Conduct & Harassment Policy

All participants, including, but not limited to, attendees, faculty, volunteers, exhibitors, AHA/ASA staff, service providers, vendor partners, and others are expected to abide by the AHA/ASA Code of Conduct and Harassment Policy and comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including those that prohibit harassment and discrimination against individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.

Unacceptable behavior of any kind will not be tolerated and includes:

• Disruption of presentations during sessions in any area of the event.
• Sharing of unsolicited promotional materials or solicitation of services.
• Copying, recording, or taking screen shots of presentations or posters.
• Reproducing Scientific Sessions material without express written consent from the rights holder.
• False certification of individuals as paid AHA/ASA event attendees, misuse of badge credentials, or any method of assisting unauthorized persons to gain access to any AHA/ASA event.
• Harassment towards another individual for any reason.

Attendees acknowledge that the unacceptable behavior set out above is prohibited. AHA/ASA reserves the right to take any action deemed necessary including immediate removal from the event, without warning or refund, in response to any incident of unacceptable behavior. AHA/ASA reserves the right to prohibit attendance by violators at any future meeting, in person or online.

All participants must comply with the instructions of AHA/ASA staff or person working on behalf of the AHA/ASA.

The AHA/ASA is committed to supporting educational and scientific dialogue, and to fostering a welcoming community in which all participants can contribute fully.
Thank you for assisting us in providing a safe and positive learning environment.

Reporting Harassment or Code of Conduct Violations

Incidents of harassment should be reported immediately to your institution(s)/employer(s). First, and most important - If you feel like you have experienced harassment and feel like you are not safe or are in a hostile environment - immediately contact onsite security, the local police department, or report the incident to the appropriate local authorities to help secure a safe location.

Reporting Activities:

1. Notify Your Institution/Employer: Immediately notify your institution(s)/employer(s) equal opportunity office, human resources offices, or Title IX Coordinator.
2. Contact the Local Authorities: AHA encourages individuals to report allegations to the appropriate authorities, which may include the local police department.

If for some reason you are unable to make a report to your institution(s)/employer(s), you may contact AHA/ASA. Phone the AHA/ASA ethics hotline at (866) 293-2427 to report your concerns. You may also log on to: www.ethicspoint.com (Please type American Heart Association when indicated in the prompts rather than AHA).

Please note the AHA/ASA does not initiate investigations of allegations. AHA/ASA cannot provide legal advice or support but if appropriate will follow up on all notifications of concerns related to the person(s) allegedly involved in the reported incident. All reports will be provided to the institution(s)/employer(s) to investigate.

Please consult with your institution(s)/employer(s) before contacting the AHA/ASA. The AHA/ASA is not responsible for the outcome or investigation process.

Find Help/Helpful Resources

Find Help and Support! There is a national network of community-based rape crisis centers and local organizations who support the needs of sexual assault survivors.

• National Sexual Violence Resource Center
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Is there NIH funding Involved?
• Officials at other involved agencies, if relevant