Safe and Inclusive Meetings

Health and Safety at the 103rd Annual Meeting

From its inception, the AMS has been committed to health and safety. As we continue to plan for the 103rd Annual Meeting, our highest priority remains the health and safety of everyone attending the meeting as well as the community of Denver, Colorado. As such we will are developing and will be enforcing the guidelines outlined in an AMS 103rd Annual Meeting Commitment to Care Statement in the AMS meeting space at the Colorado Convention Center and our conference hotels. This statement will be shared shortly. We highly recommend that attendees also follow these guidelines while traveling to/from and throughout Denver.

We encourage you to visit the 103rd 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).  

Equity, Accessibility, & Inclusivity at the 103rd Annual Meeting

At the core of the AMS’s mission is the personal and professional well-being of the AMS members, staff, and the communities the Society serves. The AMS is committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming culture that fosters creativity, innovation, and collaboration.

  • Meeting participants can share the languages they speak with a sticker for their badge.
  • Meeting participants can share their pronouns on their badge.
  • The American Meteorological Society 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].  The initial deadline has passed, but applications will be accepted until December 23rd as funds are available.
  • AMS Meetings staff provide accessibility accommodations in accordance with the ADA.
  • AMS, with guidance from the BRAID Committee on Accessibility, provides oral and poster presenters with tips to help them make their presentations accessible to all.
  • AMS meeting space has all gender restrooms.
  • AMS has developed and continually ensures that all attendees follow its policy “Professional and Respectful Conduct at AMS Meetings" while attending the 103rd Annual Meeting.
  • A lactation room will be available at the Colorado Convention Center. Please visit the check in/information desk to gain access.
  • The Quiet and Meditation Rooms are open to all attendees. The Quiet Room is located in room 208 in the Colorado Convention Center. The Meditation Room is located in room 206 in the Colorado Convention Center.
  • During the Fourth 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 Fourth Symposium on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

  • We invite all attendees to the following events: 

 

Please reach out to Katy Putsavage [email protected] (Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion) or Jen Ives [email protected] (Director of Meetings) if you have any questions.

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, Stella Kafka, [email protected]
  • If you witness or experience behavior that constitutes an immediate and serious threat, please call 911.

 

Members of the response team: 
  • Stella Kafka, 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