AAEM reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to review, approve, or reject any exhibitor, sponsor, recruiter, or partner application (“Participant”) for any reason and at any time.

Employment Opportunity Standards
Any Participant that engages in employment-related activities at AAEM events—meaning presenting, promoting, or recruiting for jobs—must ensure that all positions provide due process rights (including notice of alleged grounds and a meaningful opportunity to respond), include transparent financial reporting (with compensation structure and material financial terms disclosed in writing), and offer an equitable practice track (a clear, fair pathway to governance/ownership or equivalent influence). Positions may not involve lay ownership and may not require any restrictive covenant, including non-competes, non-solicitation terms, training-repayment penalties, or comparable restraints on practice.

Private-Equity Restriction
Companies engaged in employment-related activities that have ties to private equity are not permitted to participate. “Ties to private equity” include ownership, control, governance influence, or material financing by a private-equity firm or its affiliates.

Sales and Transactions Restriction
The sale of products or services at AAEM events is strictly prohibited. Participants may distribute order forms or other informational materials regarding products or services; however, no payments, deposits, contracts, purchase commitments, or other forms of consideration may be accepted, processed, or collected on-site, whether in person or through physical or digital means.

Affiliates, No Circumvention, and Verification
These requirements apply to the Participant and its parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, portfolio companies, and third-party representatives. Participation may not be routed through another entity to avoid these criteria. By applying, the Participant represents and warrants compliance with these standards, agrees to provide information reasonably requested by AAEM to verify compliance, and will promptly notify AAEM of any change that could affect eligibility.

Enforcement, Refunds, and Future Participation
AAEM may deny, revoke, or rescind participation; remove materials from physical or digital spaces; revoke badges/credentials; and bar future participation. Companies found in violation may be required to leave the conference immediately. Fees, sponsorships, and in-kind contributions are non-refundable if participation is denied or revoked for non-compliance.

Policy Updates, Finality, and Compliance
AAEM may update these criteria before the event, and continued participation is conditioned on compliance with the most current version. AAEM’s eligibility decisions are final. Participants must comply with all applicable laws and venue rules. AAEM’s decisions are based on these criteria and values and do not consider protected characteristics.

Questions: Call (800) 884-2236 or contact us via email.