TMS Meetings Policies

Please review the following policies before joining us for a TMS event:

Americans With Disabilities Act

TMS strongly supports the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which prohibits discrimination against, and promotes public accessibility for, those with disabilities. In support of, and in compliance with ADA, we ask those requiring specific equipment or services to contact TMS Meeting Services in advance at 1-724-776-9000 or at the on-site registration desk.

Antitrust Compliance Policy

TMS complies with the antitrust laws of the United States. Attendees are encouraged to consult with their own corporate counsel for further guidance in complying with U.S. and foreign antitrust laws and regulations.

Recording and Photography Policy

Any recording of session presentations, posters, and exhibitor booth displays and/or products (audio, video, still photography, etc.) without express consent by TMS as well as the presenter or the exhibitor is strictly prohibited. This prohibition includes the taking photos of slides during presentations or demonstrations unless express consent is given by the presenter. Attendees violating this policy may be asked to leave the session, the conference, or the TMS membership. Outside of presentation and exhibitor settings, conference attendees may record or photograph other attendees provided that the individual(s) being recorded or photographed provide explicit permission to be recorded or photographed and the specific event venue is not otherwise specified as a recording-/photography-free zone.

The Recording and Photography of Event Participants

By registering for this meeting, all attendees acknowledge that they may be photographed and/or recorded by TMS personnel while at events, and that those recordings/ images may be used for promotional purposes, in TMS publications and websites, and on social media sites. TMS reserves the right to all audio, video, and still photography reproductions of presentations at TMS-sponsored meetings. The attendees also acknowledge that they may be photographed and/or recorded by other attendees while at TMS events. While TMS encourages any attendee taking the photograph or recording to seek permission to take the photograph or make the recording, that courtesy may not always be extended. Attendees do not hold TMS responsible should they be recorded, photographed, or otherwise referenced in social media, publications, web sites, or other platforms based on their participation in a TMS event.

Health & Safety

TMS is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all event participants and staff. We continue to monitor health and safety issues such as COVID-19 and other communicable diseases and follow U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines as they are released. The responsibility for a safe and healthy environment is shared by every participant, and all event participants are expected to comply with health and safety precautions implemented for the event as well as any restrictions or guidelines. By registering for and attending a TMS event, you acknowledge that attending an event involves some risk of exposure to COVID-19 or other communicable diseases, you voluntarily assume this risk, and you agree not to hold TMS liable for any illness that you may contract.

I will comply with all orders, directives, and guidelines while attending or participating in any Event issued by TMS, or any venue hosting an Event, including, without limitation, requirements related to hand sanitation, social distancing, and use of face coverings.
I agree not to attend any Event if I am subject to the “quarantine” or “isolation” guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control, as may be refined by the relevant state or local authorities.
I am aware of the highly contagious nature of COVID-19 and the risk that I may be exposed to or contract COVID-19 or other infectious diseases as a result of attending an Event.
I understand and acknowledge that such exposure or infection may result in serious illness, personal injury, permanent disability, or death.
I acknowledge that risks of exposure to COVID-19 may result from or be compounded by the actions, omissions, or negligence of others, including TMS, the venue hosting an Event, and their respective agents, employees, and contractors.
I acknowledge that I am attending one or more Events with knowledge of the risks associated with COVID-19 and the danger of exposure attendance may pose. I hereby accept and assume all risks of personal injury, illness, disability, and death resulting from COVID-19 arising from attending or participating in the Event(s), whether caused by the negligence of TMS, the venue hosting an event, their respective agents, employees, or contractors, or otherwise.
I hereby expressly waive and release any and all claims, now known or hereafter known, against TMS, and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, affiliates, members, successors, and assigns (collectively, "Releasees"), on account of injury, illness, disability, or death, arising out of or attributable to my attendance at or participation in any Event and exposure to or contraction of COVID-19, whether arising out of the negligence of any Releasee, the venue hosting an Event or such venue’s agents or employees, or otherwise. I covenant not to make or bring any such claim against any Releasee, and forever release and discharge each Releasee from liability under, and will hold the Releasees harmless against, such claims.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) is committed to advancing diversity in the minerals, metals, and materials professions, and to promoting an inclusive professional culture that welcomes and engages all who seek to contribute to the field. TMS recognizes that a diverse minerals, metals, and materials workforce is critical to ensuring that all viewpoints, perspectives, and talents are brought to bear in addressing complex science and engineering challenges. To build and nurture this diverse professional community, TMS welcomes and actively engages the participation of underrepresented groups in all of its initiatives and endeavors.

Meetings Code of Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policies

TMS is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment and an experience that embraces the richness of diversity where all participants may exchange ideas, learn, network, and socialize in the company of colleagues in an environment of mutual respect. TMS does not tolerate harassment in any form and requires all members and participants to abide by the TMS Anti-Harassment Policy and Meetings Code of Conduct. For more information on how to report violations of the Meetings Code of Conduct and Anti-Harassment policies, please visit the TMS Code of Conduct Policies web page.