Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions

By receiving a registration to attend the annual American Literary Translators Association (ALTA) conference (the “Conference”), the holder of the registration (the “Attendee”) automatically agrees to the terms and conditions set forth below (the “Terms and Conditions”). These Terms and Conditions apply to each attendee registered for the Conference. Any person, delegate, accompanying person, student, media representative, speaker, or exhibitor who is present at the conference is considered an attendee.

ALTA reserves the right to render, in its sole and absolute discretion, all interpretations and decisions in connection with the Terms and Conditions and to establish further regulations binding upon Attendee as may be deemed necessary to the general success and well-being of the Conference and/or any person(s) affiliated therewith. ALTA's decisions and interpretations shall be final in all cases.

Rules, Regulations & Attendee Conduct. Attendee agrees to abide by all fire, safety, and health regulations of the local, city, state, conference hotels, and locations where the conference is held. Attendee must comply with all applicable federal, state, local and ordinances, as well as ALTA policies and procedures as set forth below. Participants in violation of such rules and/or who behave in an unsafe or careless manner while attending the conference may be asked to leave immediately and will be held responsible for their actions. Attendee acknowledges that such violations may result in the attendee being removed from the Conference and barred from returning without refund of the Attendee’s registration fee. Attendee likewise acknowledges and agrees that all attendees of the conference have the right to enjoy the conference equally. Disruptive behavior that interferes with the conduct of reasonable business at the Conference, or any other attendee’s safety or comfort, may result in the attendee being removed from the Conference and barred from returning without refund of the Attendee’s registration fee.

Safety. ALTA has a zero tolerance policy for predatory, abusive, harassing, or threatening behavior and is committed to maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for all our attendees. Reports of harassment, assault, physical or verbal abuse, or any other unwelcome, threatening, or abusive behavior may be made to any ALTA board member or ALTA staff member and will be treated seriously and with respect. Attendees may be asked to leave the conference if their behavior is deemed abusive or inappropriate. In the event that an attendee is asked to leave the conference, they will forfeit their registration and other conference fees. 

Indemnity. To the extent permitted by law, the Attendee agrees to protect, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless ALTA, the Conference hotel(s) and convention centers where the Conference is being held, and their respective employees, officers, directors, and agents against all claims, losses, or damages to persons or property, governmental charges or fines, and costs (including reasonable attorney's fees) arising out of or connected to the actions or failure to act in accordance with the Terms and Conditions by Attendee, its employees, officers, directors, or agents, except those claims arising out of the other party's gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Accessibility. ALTA is committed to making arrangements that allow all members of the association to participate in the convention. Please see our ALTA's Accessibility page for more information, or contact Program Manager Kelsi Vanada with questions or needs (or by phone at 520-621-1757).

Papers. ALTA is not a paper conference, so full papers are unavailable to be circulated before, during, or after the panels. However, speakers are asked to bring five copies of any handouts, papers, slides, or visual materials, even in draft form, for the use of members who wish to follow the written text. Speakers who use handouts should prepare some copies in a large-print format (14- to 16-point type size). Speakers should indicate whether they want their papers and handouts returned. If your session or reading will be interpreted, you must agree to provide copies of your notes or translations to the interpreter in advance, so that they may have adequate time to prepare.

Virtual Panel Participation. Guided by ALTA’s long-standing policy that panel presentations not be read, the organization generally does not allow virtual panel participation at the in-person conference. Our goal is to preserve the integrity of the ALTA conference as one that promotes dialogue and builds community–qualities that are difficult to obtain over a video link. However, the ALTA Conference Committee will consider special petitions for virtual presentations in cases of last-minute emergency (please contact ALTA's Executive Director Elisabeth Jaquette to make this request). We recognize that the cost of conference participation can be burdensome, especially for those with limited or no conference funding; please consider applying for a Travel Fellowship, entering the Complimentary Registraton Lottery, or participating in the Work Exchange Program in exchange for a waived registration fee. Find out more about these opportunities on our Registration web page.

Alcohol & Drugs. ALTA supports and enforces all laws of the state and municipality where the Conference is held in all matters concerning alcohol and other controlled substances. It is considered unlawful to furnish or give any liquor, malt, or brewed beverages to minors, visibly intoxicated persons, habitual drunkards, or those prone to intemperate habits. It is also illegal for minors to purchase or possess alcohol and to be visibly intoxicated. All medically unsupervised possession of controlled substances is prohibited. The manufacture, delivery, sale, and possession of an illegal substance could result in legal action.

Smoking. Smoking is not permitted in the meeting rooms. Smoking is permitted in designated areas only.

Lost Registration Badge. Attendee’s registration badge must be worn at all times during the Conference. Access to the Conference facilities will not be granted to those without proper credentials. If an Attendee loses, misplaces, or forgets his or her name badge, a replacement fee may be charged for the creation of a new registration badge. Once the new registration badge is released to the Attendee, the lost badge will become invalid.

Modification of the Conference Program. ALTA reserves the right to modify the program, which is published as an indication only.

Registration, Hotel, & Travel Accommodations. Registration includes admission to ALTA meetings, panels, readings, and public events for the duration of the conference period. Meals, lodging, and travel are not included. Hotel accommodations are subject to availability and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Salvatory Clause. If there is a determination that any part of the Terms and Conditions is ineffective or impracticable, then the validity of the Terms and Conditions remaining is not impaired.

Photography & Filming. Professional photographs, audio, and video will be captured during the conference. Attendees hereby grant ALTA and its representatives permission to photograph and/or record them at the conference, and distribute (both now and in the future) the attendee's image or voice in photographs, videotapes, electronic reproductions, and audiotapes of such events and activities. 

Force Majeure. Attendance at the Conference is subject to acts of God, government authority, disaster, or other emergencies, any of which make it illegal or impossible for ALTA, the Conference hotel(s), or event locations to provide the facilities and/or services for the Conference, or make it illegal or impossible for the Attendee to utilize the hotels or convention centers for the Conference. A registration may be canceled for any one or more of such reasons by written notice from ALTA to the Attendee without liability on the part of ALTA.

Cancellation. In the event the Conference cannot be held or is postponed due to events beyond the control of ALTA, ALTA shall not be liable to Attendee for any damages, costs, or losses incurred, such as transportation costs, accommodations costs, or financial losses. Under such circumstances, an Attendee may choose to have their registration fee refunded in full.

Attendee Registration. Conference registration sales are final and nonrefundable, and may not be transferred to another individual.