Code of Conduct & Safety Policy
Code of Conduct and Safety Policy
The International Association of Movers (IAM) is committed to fostering a welcoming, safe, respectful, accountable, and inclusive environment at the Annual Meeting & Expo and all associated IAM events. This policy outlines our expectations for all participants and ensures alignment with our core values of integrity, professionalism, and mutual respect.
IAM is working alongside fellow industry associations to uphold shared safeguarding principles across the moving and relocation sector. This Code of Conduct reflects that broader commitment.
Scope of Applicability
This policy applies to all individuals participating in IAM-hosted events, including but not limited to attendees, IAM employees, vendors, sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and guests.
This Code of Conduct extends to all official and affiliated event activities, in-person or virtual, during or outside of scheduled programming, including all related communications via email, social media, and messaging platforms.
Our Commitment
IAM is dedicated to providing a space that supports open dialogue, professional networking, and constructive debate, which is free from harassment, discrimination, and intimidation. All IAM event participants are expected to:
- Treat others with respect, courtesy, and consideration always.
- Maintain a professional demeanor, even when viewpoints differ.
- Follow all event rules and venue policies.
- Comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
- Adhere to all health and safety protocols.
- Intervene or report when witnessing behavior that violates this policy.
Unacceptable Behavior
IAM has a zero-tolerance policy for behavior that compromises the dignity, safety, or well-being of others. Unacceptable conduct includes, but is not limited to:
- Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination of any kind.
- Offensive speech or behavior related to race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, age, military/veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
- Inappropriate use of sexual or graphic imagery in public or virtual spaces.
- Unwelcome physical or verbal attention, including stalking, following, or persistent unwanted interaction.
- Retaliation against anyone who reports a concern or participates in a review.
- Disruption of sessions, presentations, or other event activities.
- Aggressive behavior, threats, or conduct creating a hostile environment.
- Distribution of promotional materials without IAM's express authorization.
- Badge sharing or swapping under any circumstances.
Bystander Responsibility
Creating a safe environment is a shared responsibility. If you see behavior that appears to violate this Code of Conduct, you are encouraged to:
- Check in with the person who may be affected.
- Speak up if it is safe to do so.
- Report the behavior to event staff or through the reporting channels outlined below.
Health & Safety
IAM may implement specific health and safety protocols in response to global or local health concerns. These will be communicated in advance. Participants who are unable or unwilling to comply may be denied entry or asked to leave.
Reporting an Incident
IAM encourages all participants to report any concerns or violations they experience or witness. Reports can be made by victims, witnesses, or bystanders. All reports will be kept confidential.
How to Report
Reports may be submitted in any of the following ways:
- By phone or email: Contact one of the designated reporting officials listed below.
- Digital reporting form: Submit a report through the confidential form available via the event app or using the QR code on the back of your conference badge.
- Reports may be made anonymously, though providing contact information allows IAM to follow up and provide support.
Designated Reporting Officials
Brian Limperopulos
CAE President, International Association of Movers
+1-202-368-5813
Kelly Laurie
IAM Event Manager
iam@mmsmeetings.com
What Happens After a Report
- Acknowledgment: Confirmation that the report has been received (within 48 hours for written reports; immediately for in-person reports).
- Assessment: IAM will promptly assess the nature and severity of the incident.
- Investigation: IAM will conduct a fair and discreet inquiry.
- Action: Appropriate action will be taken per the Enforcement section below.
- Follow-up: The reporting individual will be informed of the outcome to the extent possible while respecting confidentiality.
Confidentiality
All reports will be handled with the strictest confidence. Information will only be shared with those directly involved in assessing and responding to the incident. IAM will handle all records in accordance with applicable data protection and privacy laws. Where an incident involves potential criminal conduct, IAM may share relevant information with law enforcement.
Enforcement & Consequences
IAM reserves the right to take appropriate action in response to any violation of this Code of Conduct. This may include, at IAM's sole discretion:
- Verbal or written warning
- Required mediation or meeting with IAM officials
- Revocation of event access
- Removal from event premises without refund
- Disqualification from participation in future IAM events
- Badge confiscation (for violations such as badge sharing or unauthorized distribution of materials)
- Notification of the individual's employer or sponsoring organization
- Notification of local law enforcement where appropriate
- Sharing relevant information with partner industry associations in accordance with IAM's cross-association safeguarding commitments, subject to applicable legal requirements
Pattern of behavior: IAM will maintain records of reported incidents. A pattern of behavior, including repeated minor infractions that may not individually warrant severe action may be treated as a cumulative violation warranting escalated consequences.