Farm Foundation Events Terms and Conditions

Farm Foundation hosts frequent public and private events that may be delivered in various formats including live in-person and virtual events, hybrid events, and recordings of events. By participating in a Farm Foundation event you agree to respect our code of conduct and accept the following terms and conditions. 

Farm Foundation Code of Conduct  
For over 90 years, Farm Foundation has championed the value of diverse perspectives and the open exchange of ideas on issues facing the food and agriculture sector. These principles were embedded in Farm Foundation’s nonprofit governance materials, leadership structure, and mission – namely to serve as an accelerator of practical solutions for agriculture, accelerating people and ideas through our non-partisan and multi-stakeholder approach to convening and communicating for education, innovation and policy.

We strive to foster an environment where respect, inclusivity, and listening are essential to meaningful dialogue and understanding. Participants in Farm Foundation programs are required to adhere to all program protocols, including respecting off-the-record discussions and refraining from publicly attributing specific remarks to the speaker.

The safety, dignity, and well-being of our staff, attendees, and stakeholders is essential. We therefore expect all participants to treat others with professionalism and respect. Discrimination, harassment, or hostile behavior—whether verbal, physical, or otherwise—will not be tolerated, nor will using our events for improper purposes, including but not limited to the following strictly prohibited activities:

• hounding or threatening speakers, or indirect abuse, such as in the chat section or on social media; 
• directing, hounding or harassing any event or program staff; 
• unwelcome sexual attention towards anyone in attendance; 
• using program attendance or contact lists for solicitation of any kind, including business promotions, political outreach, or personal economic gain;  
• using mass communications to program participants or contact lists for any purpose; 
• substance abuse that affects relationships with other attendees; 
• possession of any weapons notwithstanding local laws that may permit them; 
• any fraudulent, criminal, or otherwise wrongful actions reasonably calculated to cause harm to others.

Violation of any prohibited activities may result in removal or other exclusion from participation in current or future Farm Foundation events and programs, with no refund or other monetary damages owed by Farm Foundation. Participants who may become aware of other participants’ violation of these requirements are encouraged to report such issues, to further promote Farm Foundation’s goals as reflected in this Code of Conduct.

As a condition of engaging in Farm Foundation programs, each participant agrees to uphold this Code of Conduct, thereby meaningfully contributing to a respectful, collaborative, and inclusive environment for all.

Q&A and Discussion Rules 

In most cases Q&A and chat are moderated. Farm Foundation reserves the right to screen questions in advance, delete any questions or comments for any reason.  

Grounded in our values, all participants agree to not: 

1. Use profanity and offensive language in live conversations and chat and Q&A.  
2. Harass or threaten any other person. 
3. Promote personal and/or business interests.  
4. Misrepresent their identity in any way.  

Failure to observe these rules may result in removal from the event. 

Event Recordings and Photography 

Many of our public events, including webinars and live events, are recorded with the exception of Farm Foundation Round Table meetings or other meetings, sessions/breakouts that are clearly designated as “off the record”.  

Unauthorized recording, taping, distribution or use of the materials is strictly prohibited.  

Unless requested in writing to Farm Foundation, participants in Farm Foundation events agree that: 

• Your name, title, and/or company may be shared during a live or recorded event. 
• Your name, title, and/or company may be shared in online registration rosters and/or meeting apps.  
• Your photograph may be taken at a live event or in a screen shot during a virtual event.  
• Any photographs, video, or audio recordings taken by Farm Foundation, or its agents at its events may include the participants and may be used for communications or publicity purposes of Farm Foundation. 

Farm Foundation reserves the right to share photographs and video footage from any events unless otherwise specified.  

Farm Foundation reserves the right to share presentation materials (e.g. slide decks, handouts, videos, etc.) produced by speakers and moderators. Speakers and moderators may opt out of sharing their materials by notifying Farm Foundation in advance of the event.  Information contained in the meeting sessions includes copyrightable interests that rightfully belong to the presenters and Farm Foundation. 

Please note that any meetings, sessions, or breakouts designated as “off the record” will not be recorded under any circumstances. Session presentation materials produced by speakers and moderators at Farm Foundation Round Table meetings may be shared on a limited, private-basis to Round Table Fellows and Honorary Life Fellows only.  

Event Liability Disclaimer and Release 

In consideration of being allowed to register for, and participate in, an event, activity, or experience (“Event”), I hereby waive, release from liability, assume all risks, and covenant not to sue Farm Foundation or its employees, board members, agents, or volunteers (the “Farm Foundation parties”) for any expense, loss, damage, personal injury (including loss of life, disability, or serious harm), property damage or theft, negligence, or actions (each, a “Loss”) resulting from or arising in connection with my travel to, attendance at, or participation in the Event and any related activities unless said Loss is caused by the sole, gross negligence of Farm Foundation. I agree that this waiver and release shall bind me and my personal representatives, shall be enforceable to the fullest and broadest extent of the law, and, if any portion is held invalid, the remainder should continue in full legal force and effect. I am an adult of sound mind and capable of entering into this waiver. I have read its terms and fully understand and agree to the provisions herein. I agree that this waiver shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois and enforced only in courts in the State of Illinois. I waive my rights under the Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act, under applicable law. After an opportunity to consult with an attorney of my own selection, I voluntarily consent to this waiver. 

I understand and am aware that my participation in the Event involves risk, including, but not limited to, travel, physical activity, locales where public health and safety may be at risk, or activities that involve risk that I create for others or others may create for me. These risks may lead to a loss, and I nonetheless choose to participate in the Event. I am also aware that there are risks that I may not have considered, yet I waive my right to any claims that may occur from these unconsidered risks and I choose to participate in the Event. I acknowledge that no promises, representations, or affirmations of fact were made to me by Farm Foundation or its representatives concerning the safety or danger associated with traveling to the Event or participating in any activity or interaction related to or associated with the Event. 

I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnified Parties from any loss, liability, damages or costs the Indemnified Parties may incur, whether caused by negligence, active or passive, or otherwise, in connection with my participation in the Event.