ASCAP Events, Meetings and Social Media Activities Code of Conduct
May 11, 2023
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (“ASCAP”) is proud to be part of a community of music creators and supporters. Collectively, we are experts in the music and media businesses, technology, licensing and copyright. Individually, we are music fans, and passionate about helping those that create music. Whether conducted in-person or virtually, we are committed to creating events, meetings and social media activities that uphold a positive environment that is diverse, inclusive, safe, free from discrimination, productive and welcoming.
All members, staff, speakers/panelists, performers, organizers, guests, registrants, sponsors, vendors, attendees and other participants (“Participants”) of ASCAP events, meetings and social media activities must abide by the following Code of Conduct:
Expected Behavior
- Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.
- Behave in a professionally appropriate and courteous manner and comply with all applicable laws and regulations as well as event rules and policies (including any applicable rules and policies of the event venue).
- Be collaborative.
- Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants and event/venue support staff.
- Respect laws regarding copyrights, trademarks and other third-party rights and refrain from misappropriating or infringing on the intellectual property of other companies and individuals.
- Alert on-site security or event organizers if you notice a dangerous situation, observe another Participant who is clearly in distress, or experience any issues that violate this Code of Conduct.
- ASCAP encourages all Participants to follow local guidance and recommended safety measures to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.
Unacceptable Behavior
Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:
- Demanding, racist, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech (both verbal and written) related to race, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, genetic information, disability, handicap, color, creed, religion, veteran status or any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
- Behavior that is boisterous, lewd, disruptive or containing offensive or threatening language or conduct.
- Possession of a weapon or any item that can be used as a weapon, which may be used to threaten or cause injury to others if used in a certain manner.
- Knowingly and falsely discrediting the reputation of another participant, or defaming, maligning or making false accusations concerning another Participant.
- Drinking in an inappropriate manner.
- Failing to obey applicable laws and regulations or any rules or regulations of the event and event venue, including destroying or vandalizing personal or event property and materials.
- Presentations, postings and messages containing promotional materials, special offers, job offers, product announcements or solicitation for services unless previously approved by event organizers.
- Photographing, recording or distributing any photos, videos, screenshots, or audio recordings of fellow Participants or of copyright or similarly protected content without the prior permission of the individuals or content owners.
- Sharing your individual event credentials (e.g. badge-swapping, password-sharing, etc.) with other individuals.
Contacts and Reporting an Incident
If a Participant violates this policy, ASCAP may, in its sole discretion, take any action it deems appropriate, including, without limitation, expelling the violator from the event, meeting or social media activity without notice (or refund if applicable), disqualifying the violator from participating in future events, meetings or social media activity, removing any messages, materials or content that violates this policy without notice, and notifying on-site security or local law enforcement as necessary.
ASCAP has zero tolerance for any form of unacceptable behavior, including, without limitation, discrimination, bullying or harassment by any Participants in our events, meetings and social media activities. If you experience or hear of any incidents of unacceptable behavior, please let ASCAP’s event team know by emailing marketing@ascap.com.
ASCAP reserves the right to modify this Code of Conduct from time to time and such modifications will be effective upon posting.
