NELA Event Policies

Attendee Cancellation Policy | Vendor Cancellation Policy | Attendee Code of Conduct


Attendee Event Cancellation Policy

Registrants are encouraged to find a substitute if they are no longer able to attend. Substitutes will not be accepted for events involving an application and selection process. In this case, NELA will offer the vacant spot to an applicant on the program wait list.

A refund of the registration fee, minus an administrative fee of 20% of the registration fee or $5.00, whichever is greater, will be given for cancellations received at least two weeks prior to the event. Cancellations should be sent by email to [email protected]. No monetary refunds will be issued less than two weeks prior to the event.

Emergencies, e.g., illness, death in the family, may be submitted to [email protected]. Emergency cases must be submitted prior to the end of the event. NELA may require proof of emergency, i.e. doctor's note, etc. The administrative fees still apply.

NELA reserves the right for final approval on any and all refund amounts.

*This cancellation policy applies to both virtual and in-person events.


Vendor Event Cancellation Policy

A refund of the registration fee, minus an administrative fee of 20% of the registration fee, will be given for cancellations received up to one month prior to the event, by email to [email protected]No refunds will be issued less than one month prior to the event.

Emergencies, e.g., illness, death in the family, may be submitted to [email protected]. Emergency cases must be submitted prior to the end of the event. NELA may require proof of emergency, i.e. doctor's note, etc. The administrative fees still apply.

In lieu of cancellation, vendors have the option of converting their registration fee into a sponsorship at any time, which would not be subject to administrative fees.


Attendee Code of Conduct

The New England Library Association holds professional conferences and meetings to enable its members to receive continuing education, build professional networks, and discover new products and services for professional use. NELA is committed to providing a harassment-free environment for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, religion, age, or other group identity.

NELA seeks to provide an environment in which diverse participants may learn, network, and enjoy the company of colleagues in an environment of mutual human respect. We recognize a shared responsibility to create and hold that environment for the benefit of all. Some behaviors are, therefore, specifically prohibited:

  • Harassment or intimidation based on race, religion, language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, appearance, or other group status.
  • Sexual harassment or intimidation, including unwelcome sexual attention, stalking (physical or virtual), or unsolicited physical contact.
  • Yelling at or threatening another person (verbally or physically).

Workshop presenters and speakers are asked to frame discussions as openly and inclusively as possible and to be aware of how language or images may be perceived by others. Within the context of professional practices of librarianship, critical examination of beliefs and viewpoints does not, by itself, constitute hostile conduct or harassment.  Similarly, use of sexual imagery or language in the context of a professional discussion might not constitute hostile conduct or harassment.

NELA supports freedom of expression and supports the First Amendment rights of individuals to express themselves in their chosen way.  Misunderstandings may arise among individuals and groups, and NELA undertakes to support Members and event participants in the free and respectful exchange of ideas.

You may also download a PDF version of our current code - NELA Event Code of Conduct