AATA2026 Code of Conduct

AATA is committed to maintaining an inclusive, supportive professional environment free from discrimination, intimidation, and harassment. To help provide a safe and productive environment for everyone, participants agree to abide by the following policies.

 

Attendee Guidelines 

Attendees who engage in harassing, bullying, disruptive, unprofessional, or unsafe behavior may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference without a refund at the discretion of the conference organizers.

In situations involving an immediate threat to safety, a medical emergency, suspected criminal activity, or other urgent danger, attendees should first contact venue security, local law enforcement, emergency medical personnel, or other appropriate emergency responders, and notify AATA on-site staff or a member of the Board of Directors as soon as it is safe and practical to do so. Attendees may also report non-time sensitive complaints via AATA’s third-party reporting option by calling 1-855-FRAUD-HL and using Company ID AATA.

Attendees also acknowledge that there may be limits to AATA’s authority, particularly in situations involving third-party venues, public spaces, interactions outside of official conference activities, or matters requiring emergency, security, or law enforcement response.

Cell Phones: In consideration of all of our speakers and attendees, all cell phones and similar devices must be muted or turned off during conference sessions.
Required Badge: An AATA conference badge is required for admission to all sessions and functions associated with registration packages. Anyone attending a conference session or function must be registered and must display the appropriate badge at all times.
Ticketed Events: Some sessions and events require a ticket for admission. Tickets and badges will be issued during conference registration. Please bring your ticket with you to all sessions and events. You will not be admitted to ticketed events without a ticket.

 

Assumption of Risk 

By registering, attending, and/or participating in the Conference, attendees accept the premises and Conference events “as is.” AATA makes no representations and assumes no liability for any patent or latent defects, whether known or unknown, to the premises; for any environmental issues such as air quality, pathogenic or biologic hazards, or the presence of any infectious, communicable disease; or for the accuracy, completeness, or truthfulness of any information imparted at any sessions of the Conference or for the opinions offered by any speakers or presenters.

By registering, attending, or participating in the Conference, attendees assume all risks and agree not to bring any claim, action, or proceeding against AATA for any harm or damage, based on any legal theory, unless the attendee can prove the harm was caused by the gross negligence of AATA.

 

Anti-Harassment and Misconduct Policy 

AATA’s Anti-Harassment and Misconduct Policy applies at every AATA event. Report any witnessed or experienced harassment or inappropriate behavior, whether intentional or unintentional. For immediate safety concerns, contact venue security and/or local authorities.

Report to AATA: Call 855-FRAUD-HL, submit a report at fraudhl.com/submit-a-report (company ID: AATA), or contact the AATA Executive Director or President directly.

The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) is committed to maintaining an inclusive and supportive professional environment that is free of discrimination, intimidation, or harassment. AATA’s Anti-Harassment and Misconduct Policy applies during any AATA meeting, AATA conference or AATA event — both virtually and in-person, and any member communications related to AATA business or with AATA staff. Members and employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, and to act with courtesy and respect toward each other, AATA staff, service providers, speakers, and meeting participants. This policy is reflective of AATA’s mission and values.

Any form of harassment, including sexual harassment, or discriminatory behavior based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic is strictly prohibited. AATA prohibits all forms of harassment, including harassment directed at or committed by employees. Prohibited harassment includes first-party harassment involving two or more employees or harassment by or involving an AATA volunteer or member. This policy also prohibits third-party harassment, in which one of the parties is a non-employee, such as a member, vendor, visitor, client, or colleague from another nonprofit or advocacy organization.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility toward an individual on the basis of a protected characteristic that (1) has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment; or (2) has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual’s performance or ability to participate in AATA activities. Prohibited behaviors can include but are not limited to:

  • derogatory or condescending comments or teasing regarding a person’s gender, race, age,
  • differing abilities, sexual orientation or gender -identity, heritage, religion, or beliefs,
  • unwanted sexual advances and threats or posing questions of an intimate nature,
  • physical threats or assault,
  • improper or unwanted touching,
  • outbursts of anger and destruction of property,
  • making offensive sounds or gestures toward someone,
  • distributing inappropriate sexual material or discriminatory photos, videos, or internet
  • postings,
  • spreading malicious rumors to discredit someone,
  • sabotaging or destructively interfering in the work of others, and
  • singling someone out to do demeaning tasks unrelated to their job.

Prohibited behaviors are not limited to in-person situations but also apply to online/remote interactions.

Any AATA member who believes they have experienced or witnessed intentional or unintentional harassment or other inappropriate behavior in violation of this policy should report the incident. Members are encouraged to prioritize contacting venue security and/or local authorities directly when there are safety concerns. Reports to AATA can be made through our third-party reporting hotline (Fraud Hotline, LLC, 855-FRAUD-HL or www.fraudhl.com/submit-a-report/, use company ID: AATA) or directly with the Executive Director or President. Fraud Hotline will submit reports received to the President, President Elect and Executive Director. Retaliation against any person for either reporting an incident or cooperating in an investigation is considered a form of harassment and is prohibited.

Anti-Harassment and Misconduct Reporting Process

Upon learning of concerns about potential harassment or discrimination, AATA may address the issue through informal dialog with the involved parties. AATA will only do so if the person who is experiencing the unwelcome reported behaviors consents to this approach. In all other instances, upon receipt of a report of possible harassment or inappropriate behavior in violation of this policy, AATA will promptly conduct an investigation, at the direction of the Executive Committee, in consultation with AATA legal counsel, and may appoint AATA counsel, an external investigator, or another qualified individual to conduct the investigation as appropriate. All participants in any investigation will be expected to handle the matter with confidentiality whenever possible. AATA leadership reserves the right to take immediate interim measures as appropriate under the circumstances prior to or during an investigation. Such measures may include, but are not limited to, separating individuals, restricting participation in meetings or events, removal from a position, conference or activity, or other temporary actions deemed necessary to ensure safety and preserve the integrity of the process.

If the investigation determines that a violation of this policy has occurred, AATA’s Board of Directors, in consultation with AATA’s counsel will determine any remedial action. If a member of the Board or the Executive Director is named in the complaint or identifies a potential conflict of interest they shall have no part in how the investigation is conducted, how the complaint is resolved, or any remedial actions to be taken. AATA reserves the right to take any necessary and appropriate action against any member who is found to be in violation of this policy. Disciplinary actions may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • prohibition from attending future AATA meetings, events, and activities,
  • removal from a committee appointment,
  • expulsion from membership, or
  • any other action deemed appropriate by AATA.
Anti-Harassment and Misconduct Policy FAQs

Who can report?

Anyone experiencing discrimination or harassment in the context of the AATA ecosystem OR anyone who witnesses said discrimination or harassment.

What happens next?

  • In situations where the person who is experiencing the unwelcome reported behaviors requests an informal discussion as a possible route for resolution, a good faith attempt will be made to resolve the matter using this approach.
  • If the person making the report does not request the informal discussion approach or if that option does not satisfactorily resolve the issues, an impartial investigation will be undertaken to include speaking to witnesses, documenting the investigation, determining the options for remedial actions and resolution, and notifying the parties of next steps.
  • In all cases, the person making the report should be thanked for stepping forward. Impartial investigations generally involve speaking to witnesses, documenting the investigation, and determining options for remedial actions and resolution.
  • After review and discussion of the investigation findings, the Board of Directors will make a determination and is the final authority on such matters.
  • At the conclusion of any investigation into harassment or discriminatory conduct, the person who brought the complaint will be apprised of the board’s determinations.

Any additional questions about this policy may be directed to AATA’s Board President or Executive Director.

Content Disclaimer  

The opinions, information, statements, views, positions, or contents of any presentations made at AATA’s Annual Conference, including ads in the Program Guide, do not necessarily reflect the policies, positions, or opinions of the American Art Therapy Association. AATA makes no warranty or representation concerning the accuracy, truthfulness, or completeness of any content made by any presenters, sponsors, advertisers, or exhibitors.

 

Photography Policy  

No photography or recording: Conference attendees are forbidden to photograph, video or audio record, live stream, publish online, or otherwise disseminate in any medium any conference sessions and educational events at the AATA conference, including plenary sessions, optional sessions, and educational sessions. If an attendee does not abide by this policy, they may be asked to leave the session and/or the conference.

AATA Use of Photos/Video: By attending the conference, you agree to be photographed or video recorded. Attendees further consent to the release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction of non-educational content; and to the reproduction of their image and likeness (including voice) to be used by the AATA for promotional purposes, including on its websites, blogs, social media platforms, printed and electronic materials, and/or any other purpose.

 

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