Policy on Commercialism

1.0 Technical Presentations

Technical and Keynote presentations should be generic and educational in nature. Materials with commercial or business promotion content are to be reserved for the Exhibition Area outside of meeting rooms. A detailed description of this policy addressing commercialism in Technical and Keynote sessions is outlined following.

1.1 Acceptable Items

The following are examples of items that are considered acceptable at the Technical and Keynote presentations:

  • Author's complete name, business affiliation, professional affiliations), business logo and/or mailing address on a title or introductory slide only
  • Use of valid technical data to support a product without reference to a company's trade name, specific name, location of facilities, etc.
  • Photos or slides of in-service products or equipment related to the understanding of the presentation not identifying a specific product or company
  • Refusal to respond to a question or comment that is commercial in nature and that should be discussed outside the Technical and Keynote presentations. The presenter should also explain that it could not be responded to because of its commercial nature.
  • References to products and organizations that have no commercial significance to the presentation, offered for a more complete understanding of the subject (e.g. IBM compatible, Internet, OSHA, etc.)
  • Non-technical trademark names that have become common over time and are often used as generic names (e.g. vice-grips, scotch tape, etc.)
  • References to nationally or internationally recognized consensus standards organizations, government departments and regulations. (e.g. IEEE, NFPA, NEC, NEMA, UL, CSA, IEC, OSHA, etc.)

1.2 Prohibited Items

The following are examples of items that are prohibited at the Technical and Keynote presentations:

  • Text or statements that include specific products or company references (e.g. mirror bits, Job Done)
  • Text or statements for the purpose of commercial gain or improved business position
  • Direct quotes from references that make commercial statements
  • A response to a question or comment that is commercial in nature, and that should be discussed outside of the Technical and Keynote sessions. The presenter should also explain that it could not be responded to because of its commercial nature.
  • Display or distribution of commercial materials or literature at Technical and Keynote presentations and conference meals
  • The use of profanity

2.0 Commercial Displays

Commercial displays such as signs, posters, banners, products, etc. shall be limited to the Exhibition Area and preconference Tutorial rooms. Commercial literature shall be distributed only in the Exhibition Area or on a personal basis at times outside of the Technical and Keynote sessions.