These terms and conditions, including any subsequent amendments established by the Maryland Emergency Management Association (MDEMA) to ensure the success of the Symposium and the well-being of its participants (collectively the “Terms and Conditions”), form the essential agreement for attendance at the 2026 MDEMA Symposium, programs, or training sessions.
These Terms and Conditions are binding upon every individual registering or participating, including but not limited to attendees, delegates, speakers, exhibitors, vendors, media representatives, and guests (hereinafter referred to as “Attendee”, “Registrant”, “you” or “your”). The Maryland Emergency Management Association is hereinafter referred to as “MDEMA” and the event is referred to as the “Symposium.”
Early-Bird Registration: To qualify for the discounted Early-Bird rate, payment must be received in full by the Early-Bird deadline (April 1, 2026). If payment is not received by this date, the registration will automatically convert to the Standard Registration rate, and the balance will be due immediately.
Late Payment Fee: All attendee registration fees must be paid in full by May 11, 2026.
Any accounts with an outstanding balance after May 11, 2026, will be assessed a $50.00 late fee.
This applies to all registration types, including those being paid via purchase order (PO) or agency check. It is the registrant's responsibility to ensure their agency processes the payment by this deadline.
On-Site Registration: Any registrations made or remaining unpaid after May 11 must be settled via credit card prior to or upon arrival at the Symposium check-in desk.
Attendee Refund Policy: Refund requests for Attendee registrations must be submitted in writing to Treasurer@marylandema.org no later than April 24, 2026.
Requests received on or before this date will be eligible for a refund, which may be subject to a processing or administrative fee.
No refunds will be granted for requests submitted after April 24, 2026.
Please note that "No-shows" (registered individuals who do not attend the Symposium) are not eligible for a refund and remain responsible for any unpaid registration fees.
Exhibitor/Vendor Refund Policy: If an exhibitor needs to cancel their Symposium registration, a 50% refund of all fees will be given, provided said cancellation is received in writing to Treasurer@marylandema.org by May 1, 2026.
No refunds will be granted for requests submitted after May 1, 2026.
Registration Transfer Policy: If you are unable to attend after the April 24 refund deadline, a paid-in-full registration may be transferred to another individual within your organization, provided:
The recipient is not already registered for the 2026 Symposium.
The recipient qualifies for the same registration category (e.g., Member, Non-Member, Exhibitor).
The request is submitted in writing prior to the start of the event.
To initiate a transfer, please contact: mdema@marylandema.org
Attendee agrees to abide by all fire, safety, and health regulations of the Town of Ocean City, the State of Maryland, and the host facilities.
Compliance: Attendees must comply with all federal, state, and local ordinances.
Conduct: You are expected to behave in a professional, respectful, and collaborative manner. MDEMA will not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or demeaning behavior of any kind toward any participant, staff member, or vendor.
Enforcement: Violation of these terms may result in immediate removal from the Symposium without a refund and a potential ban from future MDEMA events. Unlawful violations will be reported to the appropriate State and local law enforcement authorities.
MDEMA does not permit any disruption of Symposium programming.
Identification: Symposium badges must be worn and visible at all times.
Removal: If a registration badge is revoked for misconduct, the attendee becomes a trespasser in a privately licensed space and will be escorted off-premises by security or law enforcement.
Face Coverings: Attire that fully covers the face is prohibited, with the exception of medical masks or religious garments.
Weapons-Free Zone: The Symposium is a weapons-free zone. Carrying firearms, explosives, or other dangerous instruments is strictly prohibited, regardless of permit status, unless the individual is a sworn Law Enforcement Officer in the performance of their official duties and in compliance with venue policy.
Substances: MDEMA enforces all Maryland state laws regarding alcohol and controlled substances. Medically unsupervised possession of controlled substances is prohibited.
By registering, you acknowledge that professional photography, audio, and video recording will occur.
Consent: You grant MDEMA unqualified consent to record and use your likeness, voice, and appearance for post-conference reporting, educational initiatives, and promotional materials.
Attendee Recording: Photography or recording of Symposium sessions is permitted, unless otherwise restricted by presenters, for personal use only and may not be redistributed for profit.
If MDEMA is prevented from holding the Symposium due to circumstances beyond its control (e.g., acts of God, government restrictions, state of emergency, infrastructure failure, or pandemic), MDEMA shall have the right to terminate or postpone the event without liability.
Rescheduling: In a Force Majeure event, MDEMA will attempt to reschedule. Your registration will be applied to the new date.
No Cash Refunds: No cash refunds will be issued under Force Majeure circumstances.
AS A CONDITION OF PARTICIPATION, YOU EXPRESSLY ASSUME ALL RISK ASSOCIATED WITH ATTENDANCE. MDEMA, its officers, and members shall not be liable for personal injury, illness (including COVID-19), or property damage. MDEMA’s maximum liability to any attendee for any reason is limited solely to the return of the registration fee paid.
These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland. Any legal action arising from these terms must be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction within the State of Maryland.
Acknowledgement & Acceptance: By completing your registration, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions for the 2026 MDEMA Symposium.
