ACS Meeting Volunteer/Attendee Conduct Policy
American Chemical Society (ACS) convenes events and meetings that are welcoming, respectful, inclusive, and collaborative. ACS's Meeting Attendee Conduct Policy applies to all ACS-sponsored events, as well as affiliated events connected with an ACS meeting or event, whether in public or private facilities.
All ACS Meeting Attendees Must Comply with the ACS Volunteer/Meeting Attendee Conduct Policy. It provides:
One of the key strengths of the ACS has been the enduring and varied contributions made by its thousands of dedicated volunteers.
Another unassailable strength of the ACS is its outstanding meetings program. ACS meetings are among the most respected scientific meetings in the world. ACS meetings offer scientific professionals a legitimate platform to present, publish, discuss, and exhibit the most exciting research discoveries and technologies in chemistry and its related disciplines. Furthermore, ACS meetings facilitate networking opportunities, career development, and placement, and provide organizations with opportunities to exhibit products and services to targeted audiences.
The Society’s Congressional Charter explicitly lists among its objectives “the improvement of the qualifications and usefulness of chemists through high standards of professional ethics, education, and attainments....” The ACS expects its volunteers and meeting attendees to display the highest qualities of personal and professional integrity in all aspects of their ACS related activities. Indeed, every chemical professional has obligations to the public, to volunteer and staff colleagues, and to science.
Accordingly, and to foster a positive environment built upon a foundation of trust, respect, open communications, and ethical behavior, the ACS Board of Directors has issued this Conduct Policy. It applies to ACS Volunteers, i.e., it applies to individuals conducting the business and affairs of the ACS without compensation for that conduct. It also applies to attendees at ACS meetings. Volunteers and meeting attendees should at all times abide by this Conduct Policy. Specifically:
1. Volunteers should understand and support ACS’s vision and mission.
2. Volunteers and national meeting attendees should contribute to a collegial, inclusive, positive, and respectful environment for their fellow volunteers and attendees, as well as for other stakeholders, including national meeting vendors and ACS staff.
3. Volunteers and meeting attendees must avoid taking any inappropriate actions based on race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, political affiliation, presence of disabilities, or educational background. They should show consistent respect to colleagues, regardless of the level of their formal education and whether they are from industry, government or academia, or other scientific and engineering disciplines.
4. Volunteers and meeting attendees should interact with others in a cooperative and respectful manner. Volunteers and meeting attendees should refrain from using insulting, harassing, or otherwise offensive language in their ACS interactions. Disruptive, harassing, or inappropriate behavior toward other volunteers, stakeholders, or staff is unacceptable. Personal boundaries set by others must be observed. Harassment of any kind, including but not limited to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment will not be tolerated.
5. Volunteers must obey all applicable laws and regulations of the relevant government authorities while acting on behalf of the ACS. Likewise, meeting attendees must obey all applicable laws and regulations of the relevant government authorities while attending ACS meetings. Volunteers and meeting attendees alike should also ensure that they comply with all applicable safety guidelines relating to public chemistry demonstrations.
6. Volunteers and meeting attendees should only use ACS’s trademarks, insignia, name, logos, and other intellectual property in compliance with ACS regulations and directives as may be issued from time to time.
Violations of this Conduct Policy should be reported promptly to the ACS Secretary and General Counsel or to the Chair of the ACS Board of Directors. In cases of alleged persistent and/or serious violations of this Conduct Policy, the Board shall review the evidence and shall take such actions as may be appropriate, including but not limited to requiring volunteers to leave their volunteer position(s); precluding volunteers from serving in Society volunteer roles in the future; requiring meeting attendees to leave the meeting; and precluding meeting attendees from attending future ACS meetings. ACS, through its Board of Directors, reserves the right to pursue additional measures as it may determine are appropriate.
If you are feeling unsafe or uncomfortable at any point in the meeting, feel free to visit one of the ACS Operations offices below and notify an ACS staff person.
ACS Operations Offices
ADA Compliance
ACS is dedicated to ensuring that no individual with a disability is excluded, denied services, segregated, or otherwise treated differently because of the absence of auxiliary aids and services identified in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you have an emergency or need immediate assistance during the meeting, please contact any ACS Operations Office.
The Indiana Convention Center is ADA compliant. It has wheelchair ramps, automatic doors, passenger elevators, and accessible restrooms for those who need them. Brailed instructions/directions are strategic located throughout the convention center and pay phones with (TDD) hearing-impaired functions are on each level of the building.
Audio Taping, Photography & Videotaping
No Image Capturing or Recording Please
The capturing of images, sounds, or stream, downloading, or rebroadcasting of technical session (oral or poster) speakers or presentations is strictly prohibited within the ACS meeting platform.
Registration Cancellation/Refund
You can cancel your existing registration and social events or request a refund before the meeting in accordance with the ACS registration cancellation policy. All refunds are issued via the same method used for payment. Refunds are processed within 30 days after the conclusion of the meeting. By adhering to the following cancellation procedures, registration cancellations received by July 31, 2023, are entitled to a full refund, less a $50 administrative fee.
Registration refund requests made after July 31, 2023, will not be honored and no refunds will be issued for registrations.
Contact the ACS Registration Call Center on Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM (Eastern) at 508-743-0192 or email acs@expressreg.net
Registration Upgrades or Category Changes
If you would like to change your registration category from in-person to virtual or upgrade from virtual to in-person, please contact the ACS Registration Call Center on Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM (Eastern) at 508-743-0192 or email acs@expressreg.net. Requests must be made by July 31 2023.
Electronic Devices
As a courtesy to other meeting attendees, electronic devices must be operated in silent/vibrate mode within technical or educational sessions. Cell phone conversations are not permitted in meeting rooms.
Literature & Product Distribution
Promotions, posters, and literature distribution by attendees, sponsors, or divisions during the meeting must be done within their own meeting room space, with the exception of designated marketing opportunities. Only ACS Operations Office staff is authorized to place any promotional items in public meeting space. Items left in violation of this policy will be removed and discarded.
Literature distribution at specific division tables is under the control of that division. You must secure permission from the division before placing any items on its table.
Smoking
ACS policy prohibits smoking in all official meeting venue rooms during ACS functions. Additionally, as a reminder, the Convention Center and hotels are self-determined smoke-free environments at all times.
All attendees and presenters are required to wear their badge at all official meeting events, including technical and poster sessions.
Badge holders are recyclable and biodegradable, and attendees are encouraged to discard their holders in the Recycle Bins placed throughout the meeting venues.
Badge Replacement
If you misplace your badge and need a replacement, please go to Attendee Registration (Moscone Center, South Lobby).
Badge replacement fees:
Payment accepted via credit card only.
ACS Fall 2023 is a rewarding and stimulating experience and we want to make sure you enjoy your time in San Francisco!
During your stay, you’ll see the official San Francisco Welcome Ambassadors! They are ready to help improve your visitor experience. They are knowledgeable and can assist you with any safety questions or concerns, help you find an attraction or make restaurant recommendations. You can find them out and about, 7 days a week, in some of San Francisco’s most popular neighborhoods - including Chinatown, North Beach, and SoMa. San Francisco Welcome Ambassadors are wearing orange jackets. Other Ambassadors are wearing light blue (Yerba Buena District) or royal blue (Union Square area) jackets based on the locations they are stationed.
San Francisco Welcome Ambassadors (in Orange Jackets) will be available the following days/hours:
Yerba Buena District (light blue jackets) and Union Square (royal blue jackets) ambassadors will be available from 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM during show days.
Contact 415-701-2311 for one-stop reporting public safety and cleanliness issues within the city. Also, the city provides ambassador escorts. If you would like an escort location, please call the number at least 30 mins prior to required departure for an escort.
For extra security, ACS made an investment to hire San Francisco Police Department Officers in addition to security guards during ACS Fall 2023. If you need immediate assistance, the SFPD will have a presence at the Moscone Convention Center, the Hilton Union Square and the Parc Hotel.
SFPD will also patrol the areas near the convention center from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Outside of the convention center, please call 911 if you have an emergency or call 415-553-0123 for non-emergencies.
Additionally, we want to make sure that you follow the same safety precautions in San Francisco that you would at home. No city or town is exempt from the problem of crime. Be mindful of your surroundings as you enjoy the meeting and San Francisco. You can also find additional tips for keeping safe in San Francisco here.
ACS Membership Services, 415-978-3607
ACS Information Booths
ACS Governance Office, 415-923-7547
ACS Fellows Office, 415-923-7546
ACS Journals Office
ACS Operations Offices
ACS Society Programs Office, 415-923-7548
Attendee Registration, 415-978-3603
Career Navigator LIVE!
Exhibitor Registration
Housing Assistance Booth, 415-978-3604
ACS Wellness and Serenity Room
ACS Press Center, 415-978-3606
Shuttle Bus Desk
Speaker Ready Rooms
All presenters are encouraged to use the room to rehearse their presentation and to test their computer compatibility with the LCD projectors.
ACS will provide a "Standard HDMI Cable" in meeting rooms. Additional equipment (such as asile microphone, screen, laptop, etc.) may be ordered on-sie through the venue's ACS Operations Office. Speakers will need to pay by credit card for the additional cost for this equipment unless the current division officer (chair, treasurer, program chair) signs for the charges. Additional equipment is based on workshop space, equipment availability and at the sole discretion of ACS Operations staff.
Oral Presentation Equipment
Each standard technical session meeting room is equipped with the following:
• LCD projector
• Screen (wide screen)
• Lectern
• Lectern Microphone or Lapel Microphone
• Laser Pointer
• Complimentary laptop computer
Attendee certificates will be available for print at Member Services area in the Moscone Center South Lobby
Available Services:
Attendee Registration
Moscone Center South Lobby
Hours of Operation:
Hilton San Francisco Union Square, Satellite Registration
Hours of Operation:
ACS Board Members and VIPs who have badge concerns should go to the Governance Office, Hilton San Francisco Union Sqaure, Union Square 23-24.
Location: Moscone Center South Lobby
Visit the ACS Resource Hub to network with attendees or to speak with someone at the following areas:
Hours of Operation:
Visit the ACS Information Booths located in Moscone Center South and Moscone Center West:
Hours of Operation:
ConferenceDirect, the meeting’s official housing bureau, staffs the Housing Assistance Booth where attendees can get immediate assistance with their housing concerns.
Housing Assistance
Location: Moscone Center South Lobby
Hours of Operation:
The Moscone Center (MC) is the primary venue for ACS Fall 2023 and it will be the site for most of the technical sessions and the Expo Hall & Career Navigator Live!. Some technical sessions and ticketed events will take place in nearby hotels that are in walking distance to the MC or accessible via shuttle bus.
Shuttle Bus Service
Parking at the Moscone Center
The Moscone Center does not have on-site parking.
For information about parking around The Moscone Center, please click here.
SFO is the preferred airport for visiting San Francisco. It's phenomenally well-connected to dozens of domestic and international cities, and serves as the west coast gateway for much of the Asia-Pacific region. It's also one of the cleanest, safest, and most unique airports in the world. How many airports have you been through that have their own accredited museum or a dedicated Wag BrigadeOpens in new window?
Once you land at SFO, it's easy to get into the city itself. Here are a few different ways:
Bay Area Rapid Transit's, or BART's, all-electric trains are a fast, inexpensive, and dependable way to get from SFO to San Francisco. Once you have your luggage, follow the signs for AirTrain, a free tram service to all terminals. Take either the Red or Blue AirTrain line to the Garage G and BART stop in International Terminal G.
BART fares are based on distance traveled; the greater the distance, the higher the fare. A round-trip fare from SFO to downtown San Francisco is $19.30 ($9.65 one-way). Buy your Clipper Card at the SFO BART station and load it with the necessary fare. Then place your card at the designated slot on an entry gate. Walk through and proceed to the platform. Board the San Francisco/Antioch train.
When you arrive at your destination, you must scan your Clipper Card again to exit the station. If you don’t have enough money on your ticket to exit, don’t worry. You can add more at the Add Fare machine in the station.
With app-based transportation services, including LyftOpens in new window and UberOpens in new window, you can arrange to ride with drivers using their personal, non-commercial vehicles via smartphone. These services pick up passengers on Level 5 of the Domestic Garage. This videoOpens in new window demonstrates how to find your ride at SFO. Fares and travel times vary according to demand and traffic.
Several privately-owned, shared-ride vans provide service between SFO and passenger-specified locations. The one-way rate from SFO to the city center is approximately $17. Depending on the number of passengers, shared ride vans may make multiple stops, so the travel time can vary. In the Domestic Terminals, shuttles pick up passengers curbside on the Arrivals Level. In the International Terminal, passenger pick-up is on the Arrivals Level roadway center island.
SFO is served by a number of taxi and limousine companies. Taxis depart from roadway islands on the lower level outside the Arrivals/Baggage Claims area in all terminals. Uniformed taxi coordinators work from 7 a.m. until 1 a.m. to ensure a smooth process for travelers. All cabs are metered. The travel time to popular drop-off points in downtown San Francisco is usually around 30 minutes (depending on traffic) and fares range from $45-60.
For a limousine, arrange service in advance with your company of choice or upon arrival via the Lodging, Transportation and Attraction Boards, which provide free phone connections to participating limousine operators. These boards are located on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level of all terminals. Contact the service provider for pricing and availability.
The San Mateo County Transit Agency (SamTrans) runs public buses between SFO and downtown San Francisco on the SFO, 292, and 398 lines for $2-$5 one-way for adults. Find SamTrans bus stops in the following locations at each terminal:
Taking BART from OAK is an easy and low-cost option to get to San Francisco. After you’ve picked up your luggage, look for BART signs in the baggage claim. The station is located across from the Terminal 1 baggage claim area and a short walk from Terminal 2. Board a train for the quick eight-minute ride from OAK to the BART Coliseum station, where you can transfer to the BART train bound for your final destination in San Francisco.
OAK trains depart every 5 minutes from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Service is less frequent at other times. Round trip BART fares from OAK to San Francisco ($22), downtown Oakland ($17.20) or other East Bay cities are less than half the cost of taxis or shuttles to the same destination.
Caltrain provides commuter rail service along the San Francisco Peninsula. From the San Jose Airport, take the Airport Flyer-VTA Route #60 bus to the Santa Clara Transit Center. A new shuttle departs approximately every 15-30 minutes from 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. One-way fare is $2.
Caltrain fares are based on the number of zones that are partially or wholly traveled through by the passenger. There are two Caltrain stops in San Francisco: 22nd Street and Fourth Street. Both are in Zone 1. Allow a minimum of 60 minutes to arrive in San Francisco. Occasionally, the trip might take longer.
Prices vary for shuttle service from SJC. There are also multiple options and special prices for traveling groups.
Amtrak offers a comfortable and enjoyable way to get to San Francisco. The city is served via Thruway bus connections at Emeryville. Ride with the convenience of amenities and picturesque scenery right outside your window as you explore what the Bay Area has to offer.
The Capitol Corridor, also operated by Amtrak, serves 18 stops between Sacramento and Silicon Valley.
Locations:
Mamava Pods
Locations:
Parent/Infant Room
The Parent/Infant Room gives new parents the privacy to care for their infant children and can be accessed at any time.
Onsite Childcare
Tel: 415-978-3602
Complimentary child care will be available for parents in the Moscone Center during the meeting. Days of operation are Saturday, August 12 - Thursday, August 17 and welcomes children ages 3 years to 14 years old.
Hours of Operation:
Preregistration is required and the pre-registration deadline is Friday, August 4.
ACS is not responsible for lost items. Owners with acceptable identification can retrieve lost items turned into an ACS Operations Office during office operating hours. Found items lost in the Moscone Center are retrievable from the ACS Information Booth, South and West during the hours of operation. Lost items not claimed by the close of the meeting are given to the venue’s security office.
The Luggage & Coat Check Station is located in Moscone Center South Lobby. Items left beyond the published hours of operation are given to building security at the end of each day. The service is complimentary.
Hours of Operation:
Free Wi-Fi service is available in all public concourses throughout the Moscone Center and the ACS Hotels. The login information is the same for all locations:
Each meeting venue holding technical sessions will have a Speaker Ready Room. All presenters are encouraged to use the room to rehearse their presentation and to test their computer compatibility with the LCD projectors.
Speaker Ready Rooms:
Hours of operation are:
All presenters are encouraged to use the room to rehearse their presentation and to test their computer compatibility with the LCD projectors.
ACS will provide a "Standard HDMI Cable" in meeting rooms. Additional equipment (such as asile microphone, screen, laptop, etc.) may be ordered on-sie through the venue's ACS Operations Office. Speakers will need to pay by credit card for the additional cost for this equipment unless the current division officer (chair, treasurer, program chair) signs for the charges. Additional equipment is based on workshop space, equipment availability and at the sole discretion of ACS Operations staff.
Expo Networking Break: 12 PM - 2 PM; Mon-Wed
Exclusive Expo and Poster hours: 12 PM - 2 PM; Mon-Wed
View the Expo & Career Navigator LIVE! Floorplan to plan your visit!
Access the Poster Hall Map
Access the SciMix Author Directory PDF
Poster Sessions
Guidelines
Sci-Mix
Access the SciMix Author Directory PDF
Monday, August 14; 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Things to Know: