AABB Code of Conduct for Event Participants 

Purpose of the Code of Conduct:

The Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB) is committed to supporting a safe and welcoming environment at AABB Annual Meetings and associated events for everyone, irrespective of race, ethnicity, nationality or national origin, religion, disability (visible or invisible), sexual orientation, gender, gender expression or identity, career stage, age, marital status, political affiliation or beliefs, educational background and/or military/veteran status. In order to achieve this, AABB is providing this Code of Conduct, which outlines behavioral expectations to be followed, in addition to the AABB Code of Ethics and governing policies (Governance & Policies). We believe that this Code will be instrumental in ensuring an inclusive, harassment-free, professional and productive experience for everyone.

Who is Bound by the Code:

Everyone who engages with AABB (“participants” for the duration of this document) is expected to adhere to this Code of Conduct. That includes, but is not limited to attendees, organizers, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, venue staff and media present at AABB events, whether in-person, virtual or hybrid in nature. All participants, through participation in the AABB Annual Meeting or associated events, agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.

General Terms of the Code:

AABB expects that all participants at events comport themselves in a professional manner, treating one another with respect and integrity, in accordance with the AABB RISE principles outlined in the Respect, Inclusion, Support and Engagement Action Plan. Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:

• Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, nationality or national origin, religion, disability (visible or invisible), sexual orientation, gender, gender expression or identity, career stage, age, marital status, political affiliation or beliefs, educational background, military/veteran status or any other protected class (as determined by applicable law).
• Harassment/Abuse
  • Physical (e.g., stalking, intimidation, unwelcome attention, harm)
  • Sexual
  • Verbal/Written (e.g., bullying, derogatory/demeaning speech, inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual or other derogatory images)
• Disruptive or Intimidating Behavior
• Misconduct
  • Scientific - fabrication, falsification or plagiarism
  • Professional – undisclosed conflicts of interest, abuse of position, privilege and/or power imbalance, threat of professional or financial damage or harm
• Photography/recording without express permission
• Use of illegal substances

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive. Any act, statement, or behavior that a reasonable person would consider to cause someone engaging in an AABB-associated event to feel uncomfortable or unwelcome may be deemed unacceptable. Creating a respectful and supportive environment to connect, network, learn and advance the blood and biotherapy fields, while recognizing the diversity of our global community is an important responsibility shared by all participants.

Consequences for Violations

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in any of the following actions, depending on the severity and nature of the behavior:

1. Verbal or written warning issued by event staff or AABB representatives.
2. Removal from the event without refund.
3. Restriction from future AABB events or activities.
4. Notification to employer or sponsoring organization, if appropriate.
5. Referral to legal authorities, in cases involving unlawful conduct.

AABB leadership will review all reports promptly, and will take action based on a reasonable assessment of the circumstances.

Report an Issue or Concern

Participants at AABB events who may have issues, concerns or questions are invited to contact AABB directly at HR@aabb.org.