Accessibility at the Meeting

ADA

It is the Society’s sincere desire to comply fully with both the letter and the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. For questions about accessibility, such as real-time captioning [communication access real-time translation (CART)], special printing needs, or reserved seating, please contact AMS staff by email ([email protected]) or by phone (617-226-3916). Four-week advance notice is recommended to ensure seamless action.

If issues arise on site in Houston, please visit the AMS Registration Desk. Special housing needs should be requested when hotel reservations are made. AMS wants to ensure that each attendee's stay at the 102nd Annual Meeting is a pleasant and productive one.

ADA Office in Houston: https://www.houstontx.gov/adainfo/ 

If you believe you will need additional services during the 102nd Annual Meeting please contact the AMS at [email protected] with your request.

AMS wants to ensure that each attendee’s experience at the 102nd Annual Meeting is a pleasant and productive one. For more information about Diversity and Inclusion at AMS, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion at AMS

Health and Safety at the 102nd Annual Meeting

From its inception, the AMS has been committed to health and safety. As we continue to plan for the 102nd Annual Meeting, our highest priority remains the health and safety of everyone attending the meeting as well as the community of Houston, Texas. As such we will be enforcing the guidelines outlined in the AMS 102nd Annual Meeting Commitment to Care Statement in the AMS meeting space at the George R. Brown Convention Center and the Hilton of the Americas, we highly recommend that attendees also follow these guidelines while traveling to/from and throughout Houston.

We encourage you to visit the 102nd AMS Annual Meeting FAQ and this website often to stay up to date on the latest news.

Inclusivity at AMS

 AMS is committed to creating an environment for meetings that “embraces diversity through the inclusion of individuals across age, gender, race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, physical ability, marital status, sexual orientation, body shape or size, gender identity and expression, socioeconomic status, and other facets of social diversity” (see: Diversity and Inclusion at AMS).  

Inclusivity at the 102nd Annual Meeting

The American Meteorological Society (AMS) is committed to, and benefits from the full and equitable participation of a diverse community in its membership, in its activities, and in the audiences that it serves.

Plans for making the 102nd Annual Meeting inclusive for all include:

• Any meeting participant will be able to honor the languages they speak as well as preferred gender pronouns with a sticker for their badge.
• AMS is offering child care grants of up to $400 per family to assist conference attendees who will incur additional expenses by attending the Annual Meeting. Limited funds are available and preference is given to applicants in the early stages of their career.  As a secondary criterion, preference will be given to applicants who explain clearly why a grant to support childcare, dependent care or their own assistance is necessary.  To apply, please fill in the form and email it to Christine Card, [email protected], by November 10th.  
• AMS Meetings staff arranges accessibility accommodations in accordance with the ADA.

• AMS Meetings staff ensures that gender neutral/family restrooms are available to meeting attendees.

• AMS has developed and continually enforces its policy Professional and Respectful Conduct at AMS Meetings.
• During the Third Symposium on Diversity and Inclusion, sessions that are cross-cutting between DEI, belongingness, and accessibility (DEIBA) and the geophysical sciences will take place. The intent is to create joint sessions between underrepresented communities and the geophysical processes that impact them. For more information, visit the Third Symposium on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion webpage.
• We have also created a lists of mask friendly and all gender restrooms for restaurants in the area. Click here for the full list and additional resources.

We invite all attendees to the following events:  

Sessions:

Professional and Respectful Conduct at AMS Meetings

Need to report unprofessional or disrespectful conduct? Email [email protected] or call 617-226-3965.

• AMS is committed to healthy, safe and inclusive meetings for all attendees.
• Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated at any meeting or event associated with the meeting.
• All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds. Be inclusive and respectful.
• The recording or transmissions of any education sessions, presentations, demos, videos, or content in any format is strictly prohibited.
• Participants should not copy or take screenshots of Q&A or any chat room activity that takes place in the virtual space.
• Participants must adhere to any Health and Safety Policy put forth for any AMS sponsored meeting and/or event.
• This statement is meant to cover all meeting-associated events, including those sponsored by organizations other than AMS but held in relation to AMS events. This includes the scientific program, short courses, and exhibitions, as well as receptions, town hall meetings, and other informal or formal gatherings associated with AMS. Similarly, participants shall adhere to this code of conduct in online spaces related to the meeting and meeting-associated events, including Facebook, Twitter, and other online venues.
• Those who violate the standards of professional and respectful conduct may be asked to leave the meeting immediately and without refund, may not be considered for service on AMS boards and committees, and may be subject to additional legal action.
• Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination includes offensive comments and actions related to age, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion; sexual images in public spaces; deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact; and unwelcome sexual attention.
• If you are the subject of unacceptable behavior or have witnessed any such behavior, please immediately either:
  • Notify an AMS Staff Member (wearing a blue ribbon at an in person meeting)
  • Email [email protected] or call 617-226-3965
  • Email AMS Executive Director, Keith Seitter, [email protected]
• If you witness or experience behavior that constitutes an immediate and serious threat, please call 911.

Members of the response team: 

• Keith Seitter, Executive Director
• Stephanie Armstrong, Associate Executive Director
• Brian Papa, Associate Executive Director
• Jen Ives, Director of Meetings
• Jenn Rosen, Senior Meetings and Exhibits Manager
• Wendy Abshire, Education Program Director
• Katy Putsavage, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Emily DeLuca, Human Resources Manager