Be professional.

You are at a professional event. Act the part. Dress the part. Behave the part.

You may want to make professional contacts for future business and referrals.

You may want to take on association leadership positions. Other association leaders are likely watching and evaluating you.

Don’t harass. Harassment can include unwanted sexual advances, touches, leering, photographing, jokes, statements, messages, threats, and/or offensive statements/behavior.

Bystanders can look out for others by intervening, getting help from staff/security, reporting to law enforcement, reporting to the association’s anti harassment policy team, videotaping, and distracting the parties to other behaviors and communications.

Be aware of other people’s social cues.

Be aware of your surroundings. Big cities can be fun and also harbor risks such as crime.

Be aware of your FOMO fear of missing out and your own physical limits. Get rest. Don’t stay out too late. Be cautious where you go and with whom. Have a trusted group that you stay around. Have friends with you. Eat. Hydrate. Dress in layers for temperature indoors and outside. Beware overindulging in alcohol. Be aware that intoxicated people behave differently. Do not break laws. Do not take illegal drugs. Do not horseplay or take unnecessary risks. Be careful of the sun and the water. Bring things that you need and are not readily available at conferences such as your prescription medicines.

Learn.

Make professional connections.

Contact SCR staff with issues asap.

Hotel staff can help too. Security personnel can help. Law enforcement can help.

Posted by: Byron King on 07/11/23 (This information is only accurate as of 07/11/23. You must contact SCR for updates and changes to this information after 07/11/23 as laws and regulations may change over time. SCR 803-772-5206 or email info at screaltors.org or email byron at screaltors.org)

This information is not legal advice. This information is intended only to provide general information and may not be relied upon as specific legal guidance. Legal counsel should always be consulted before acting in reliance on this information.