1. Introduction
By registering for or participating in the Spatial Knowledge and Information Canada (SKI) Conference (“the Conference”), you agree to the following Terms of Service. These terms constitute a binding agreement between you (“the Participant”) and the organizers of the SKI Conference (“the Organizers”). Please read them carefully before registering or attending.
2. Eligibility
Participation in the SKI Conference is limited to individuals who have a verifiable link to Canada. This includes:
- Current employment, study, or affiliation with a Canadian institution, organization, or company;
- Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
By registering, you confirm that you meet at least one of these criteria. The Organizers reserve the right to request documentation to verify eligibility and to decline or revoke participation if eligibility cannot be confirmed.
3. Registration & Payment
- Registration fees, if applicable, are due in full at the time of registration.
- All fees are non-refundable except in cases of event cancellation by the Organizers.
- The Organizers reserve the right to modify the Conference program, dates, or format if necessary.
- Participants are welcome to attend the Conference without presenting.
- If a paper or abstract is accepted, the designated presenter must register, attend and deliver the presentation in person.
- It is expected that each accepted paper or abstract will have a unique presenter.
4. Code of Conduct
All participants, presenters, sponsors, and volunteers are required to abide by the SKI Code of Conduct below. Violations may result in removal from the Conference without refund and possible exclusion from future events.
5. Privacy & Data Use
Participant data collected during registration (including name, affiliation, and contact information) will be used solely for Conference administration, communication, and reporting purposes.
During the Conference, photographs and video recordings may be taken by authorized personnel for documentation, reporting, and promotional purposes. By attending, participants consent to the use of their image or likeness in these materials. If you prefer not to be photographed or recorded, please inform one of the organizers on arrival; reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate your request (e.g., alternate seating or a “no photo” badge), though complete avoidance cannot be guaranteed in public spaces.
6. Intellectual Property
Authors retain copyright over submitted papers, abstracts, and other materials. However, by submitting materials, authors grant the Organizers permission to publish, display, and archive their content (e.g., in proceedings, online repositories, or Conference websites).
7. Liability
The Organizers shall not be held liable for any loss, damage, injury, or delay arising from participation in the Conference, including but not limited to travel, accommodation, or event-related issues.
8. Modification & Termination
The Organizers reserve the right to modify the program, format, or dates of the Conference, or to cancel it entirely if circumstances require. In such cases, participants will be notified as soon as possible.
9. Code of Conduct
Purpose
The SKI Conference aims to foster an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative environment for all participants. The Code of Conduct ensures a safe and professional atmosphere throughout all Conference events and activities.
Expected Behavior
- Treat others with respect, professionalism, and courtesy.
- Engage in constructive, scholarly, and inclusive dialogue.
- Refrain from discriminatory, harassing, or intimidating behavior or speech.
- Respect differing opinions and disciplinary approaches.
- Follow instructions from Organizers, session chairs, and moderators.
- Credit others’ ideas, data, and contributions appropriately.
Unacceptable Behavior
- Harassment, bullying, or intimidation in any form (verbal or physical).
- Discriminatory remarks related to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or nationality.
- Disruptive or aggressive behavior during sessions or social events.
- Unauthorized photography, recording, or sharing of others’ work.
Reporting & Enforcement
- Incidents or concerns should be reported confidentially to the Organizers or designated Code of Conduct officers (see conference website for contacts).
- Reports will be reviewed promptly; actions may include verbal warnings, removal from the event, or notification of the offender’s home institution.
- Retaliation against individuals reporting violations will not be tolerated.
Commitment to Improvement
The SKI Organizers are committed to maintaining and improving equity, diversity, and inclusion at all levels of the Conference. Feedback on this Code or its implementation is welcome.
10. Acceptance of Terms
By registering for or attending the SKI Conference, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Service, including the Code of Conduct.