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AAFS 2026

Back to Basics: The Fundamentals of Forensic Science
February 9-14, 2026 — New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
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AAFS Conference Code of Conduct

Purpose

The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants.  This code of conduct outlines our expectations for behavior and consequences for unacceptable behavior.

Expected Behavior

All conference participants (including attendees, speakers, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and staff) are expected to:

  • Be considerate, respectful, and inclusive.
  • Respect personal space and boundaries.
  • Engage in constructive discussions and offer feedback respectfully.
  • Abide by the rules and instructions of the event organizers.
  • Respect differing opinions and cultures.
  • Report any observed or experienced violations of this code of conduct.

Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:

  • Promoting or participating in harassment, bullying, discrimination, or intimidation on-site, online, and/or on social media.
  • Use of social or mainstream media to target individual actions of participants in a way that could harm their privacy or professional status or open them to slander or libel.
  • Physical, verbal, written, or other forms of abuse of any attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, staff member, service provider, or other guest.
  • Examples of abuse include, but are not limited to, verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, national origin, or socioeconomic class; inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces or in presentations.
  • Unwelcome physical contact or attention.
  • Disruption of presentations, sessions, or other event activities.
  • Individuals must not attend or attempt to attend ticketed or paid events, presentations, or receptions without a valid invitation or payment.
  • Stalking, sustained disruption, or unwelcome photography or recording.
  • Physical or verbal abuse, including attacks on ideas vs. respectful, disagreeing dialogue.
  • Criminal offenses.
  • Taking photographs or recording sessions or workshops without prior approval.
  • Knowingly violating copyright or copying presenter information without obtaining permission.
  • Advocating for or encouraging any of the above behavior.

Reporting Violations

If you experience or witness a violation of this code, please contact an AAFS staff member immediately. Reports can also be made via:

Email: dgrogan@aafs.org
Phone/Text: 917-678-7197
In Person: Report to the registration desk or any identifiable staff member.

All reports will be handled with discretion and confidentiality.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Attendees asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

AAFS ensures timely investigations of reported violations. Consequences for violations may include:

  • A verbal or written request to cease prohibited conduct.
  • Expulsion from the event without refund.
  • AAFS reserves the right to prohibit attendance at any future meeting.
  • Suspension from AAFS activities, leadership roles, or membership.
  • Removal of messages, solicitations, or attendance from events.
  • Notification to appropriate authorities.
  • Members may also be subject to an ethics complaint.
  • Attendees may be expelled without due process.

Acknowledgment

By attending the AAFS Annual Scientific Conference, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. Let's work together to ensure a welcoming and professional environment for all.