Meeting Conduct

As a professional membership organization, the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) is committed to providing an atmosphere that encourages the free expression and exchange of ideas. Consistent with this commitment, NBDPN will provide a safe and productive in person and online environment that promotes collegiality, respect, and equal opportunity for all. All participants in NBDPN activities also agree to comply with all rules and conditions of the activities. The policy applies to all participants in NBDPN activities, including but not limited to event attendees, students, guests, staff, contractors, exhibitors, and participants in sessions, tours, and other social events of any NBDPN meeting or other activity. 
 
All individuals must behave responsibly in NBDPN activities in which they participate. Threatening physical or verbal actions and disorderly or disruptive conduct will not be tolerated. Harassment, including verbal comments relating to gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, age, national origin, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other protected status, or photography or recording, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention, will not be tolerated. All individuals participating in NBDPN activities must comply with these standards of behavior. 
 
Violations should be reported to the organizer of the activity. In NBDPN’s sole discretion, unacceptable behavior may result in removal or denial of access to meeting facilities or activities, and other penalties, without refund of any applicable registration fees or costs. In addition, violations may be reported to the individual’s employer. Repeat offenders may be banned from future NBDPN activities. 

Culture 
The NBDPN Conference is the ideal venue to present your ideas, research, innovative programming, best practices and effective outreach strategies to Birth Defects Surveillance and MCH, and other public health programs. Our audience includes state program staff, federal officials, researchers, health care providers, and advocates. 
 
NBDPN is committed to being a diverse and inclusive organization by promoting racial and health equity, anti-racism, and decreasing health disparities. We are working to operationalize this commitment throughout our organization, including our communication, data, partnerships, and events. We are leveraging opportunities like the NBDPN conference to live up to our commitments, including establishing honest conversations about racism, racial and health equity, and health disparities in our spheres of influence.