Welcoming Environment and FAQ

Download the APA Rules of Conduct

as of December 2024

Introduction

The American Planning Association (APA) is committed to establishing, maintaining, and protecting a welcoming environment free of discrimination and harassment in any form for everyone. To that end, APA is issuing these Rules of Conduct for all APA functions — both in person and virtual — including its online communities. It is our hope that these Rules will promote a welcoming environment for all who attend APA meetings and other APA functions.

A. SCOPE

The APA Rules of Conduct apply to all participants (members and non-members), guests, sponsors, volunteers, and vendors/exhibitors at all official Association functions, including but not limited to:

1. National conferences and meetings, including meeting breakout sessions, tours, and social events, as well as all meeting-related events that are sponsored by the Association;
2. APA online discussion boards, APA social media groups, and emails addressing APA policies or other APA issues;
3. Meetings, retreats, social events, conference calls and any online or email communications of the APA Board of Directors, AICP Commission, APA Foundation Board of Trustees, Chapter President's Council, Divisions Council, and Student Representatives Council, as well as meetings, calls and digital communications of national committees and task forces; and
4. Meetings, retreats, social events, and conference calls sponsored by any APA Division and any online or email communications involving Division policies or issues.

These Rules also apply to all conduct by members of the APA Board of Directors and AICP Commission when acting in their capacity as leaders, regardless of whether such conduct occurs at an APA function. Members of the APA Board or the AICP Commission will be considered as acting in their capacity as leaders when they are attending an event as a representative of the APA or the AICP, and when they are speaking on behalf of the APA or the AICP.

Coverage

If an APA or AICP member experiences, witnesses, or is accused of harassment or discrimination at the member's own or another institution, at a place of work, at a research facility, or online, but not in a context addressed above, APA will not become involved. We encourage members to contact the appropriate officer/official(s) at that location or institution who handles such issues. The APA strongly encourages all of our chapters to adopt their own rules of conduct that apply to chapter-sponsored events and chapter leaders. The APA will not become involved in incidents at the chapter level, but will consult with any chapter that seeks its input as the chapter considers adoption or modification of its rules of conduct. The APA requests that any chapter that takes disciplinary action against a member based on its own rules of conduct advise APA's Welcoming Environment Committee of that action. Planning Student Organizations should comply with the applicable rules of their sponsoring academic institution.

B. PROHIBITED CONDUCT

To nurture a welcoming APA environment, some behaviors are expressly prohibited. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:

1. Harassment or discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, physical appearance, ethnicity, race, religion, nationality, or any other group identity or basis protected by federal law;
2. Sexual harassment or intimidation, including unwelcome sexual attention, stalking (physical or virtual), demeaning gender-based comments, or unwelcome physical contact;
3. Harassment or discrimination based upon any position of influence;
4. Refusing to provide goods or services to a person or group of people based on gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, physical appearance, ethnicity, race, religion, nationality, or any other group identity or basis protected by federal law;
5. Abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, ridiculing, lewd, or demeaning language, conduct, or presentation materials (visual or auditory);
6. Bullying or defined as a pattern of repeatedly and deliberately harming and humiliating another person.
7. Yelling despite being asked to stop, offensive ridiculing, or threats (verbal or physical);
8. Physical violence or threat of violence; and
9. Retaliation aimed at a complainant or anyone who reports an incident or who aids in a complaint investigation.

Final Comments:

It is important to recognize that the APA is not a law enforcement entity. While we are striving to offer a welcoming environment to all attendees at our functions, we are not responsible for the conduct of any individual. We assume no duty to halt, limit, or address any problematic or illegal conduct, and we disclaim liability for conduct between and among any individuals.

Rather, in adopting and disseminating these Rules, APA's purpose is to encourage appropriate behavior and to address allegedly inappropriate behavior in a fair manner. We want to do what we reasonably can to help assure that all participants and attendees at APA functions are treated in a welcoming manner. It is our hope that these Rules will help to result in a welcoming environment for all who participate or attend APA functions.

What are the dates of the NPC25 Online Conference?

April 23–25, 2025.

What are my registration options?

Refer to the registration page for registration rates.

What's the difference between NPC25 Online and NPC25 Denver?

Almost all sessions at NPC25 Online are entirely distinct from NPC25 Denver. Recordings of the opening and closing keynotes are the only sessions being carried over from the in-person conference. Those who attended NPC25 Denver will learn new things and make fresh connections by also attending NPC25 Online!

Is the full program posted online?

Yes, the NPC25 program is online. The program is updated often, so please check back regularly for the latest information.

Do I get access to the NPC25 Online Conference if I registered for NPC25 Denver?

Yes, all NPC25 Denver attendees get access to NPC25 online, included with their registration.

What time zone is the NPC25 Online Conference?

All times are in Central Standard Time.

I am in the NPC25 Online conference, and my page will not load. Why is my screen blank?

Attempting to view from a government or privately owned entity (federal, state, city, etc.) may require your IT department to "whitelist" the website to view content. Please contact your IT department in advance to access online content and videos.

How do I get access to the NPC25 Online Conference?

To view the NPC25 Online Conference, please go to the American Planning Association website and follow the steps below:

Step 1: Visit the conference website

Step 2: Log in to the upper right corner

Step 3: Click the "Online Program" button on the homepage

Step 4: Click on any session you would like to view

Step 5: Click the "Join Session" button once the session has started. Please note all sessions are listed and available in CDT.

Having Trouble Logging In?

Technical assistance is available through the conference platform at any time by clicking the "Technical Support" link located at the bottom of the screen in the green bar or calling (410) 638-9239.

Will closed captioning be available for online sessions?

Yes, there will be closed captions provided for each session.

Can I view NPC25 Online Conference sessions after April 25?

NPC25 online sessions will be available on demand for two weeks after the event ends through the online program from the APA conference website, starting April 28–May 9.

How can I access recordings of the NPC25 Online Conference sessions after the on-demand period ends?

Recordings from Denver and NPC25 will be available online via a subscription to Passport in the late summer of 2025.

Can my company or other colleagues view the NPC25 Online Conference with me?

Only the registered attendee is authorized to view NPC25 Online content and receive CM credits.

Is it too late to register for the NPC25 Online Conference?

Registration is still open for the NPC25 Online Conference through April 25 p.m. at 11:59 p.m. CT. Anyone planning to purchase NPC25 Online via check must send all checks by Friday, April 16, via FedEx, USPS, or UPS with tracking information. Any checks after this date will be returned to the sender.

Can I register for just one day?

One-day registration options are not available for this conference.

How much is registration?

Refer to the registration page for rates.

What is the last date to register for NPC25 Online?

You can register for NPC25 Online until April 25, 2025, 11:59 PM ET to access sessions online post-conference.

Is there a way to register several colleagues for this conference without doing it under my nonmember account?

No, each attendee must be registered individually, whether through a non-member or member account.

Is group registration available?

Group registration is not available.

Does APA offer any discounted rates (Group, non-profit, etc.)?

APA does not offer discounted registration rates for groups, military, non-profits, AmeriCorps, other associations, etc.

Is it possible to pay through a payment plan?

Payment plans are not available for conference registration fees.

Can I pay with a check for NPC25 online?

You can pay for your registration with a check. If you are mailing a check, please send an email with a tracking number to registrationchanges@planning.org. Make checks payable to the American Planning Association and send them to the American Planning Association, 205 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1200, Attn: Meetings Department, Chicago, IL. 60601. For NPC25 Online, the check must be received by April 11. All checks should be mailed via FedEx, USPS, or UPS with tracking information. Any checks after this date will be returned to the sender.

Can I be invoiced?

Please fill out the Registration Invoice Request Form (regular attendee). This information is also available on the conference website on the registration page. For Speakers, use the Speaker Registration Invoice Request Form.

How can I update my NPC25 registration details?

Once your registration is complete you will be able to log into the program website to access your registration to make updates or purchase additional tickets.

Are the sessions at the online conference only recorded from the in-person conference?

The online conference will offer content and presentations tailored specifically for the virtual format. While there will be certain session videos available, such as the Keynote speech, the online programming is largely separate from the conference program in Denver.

Does registration include access to conference recordings?

You will have on-demand access to the recorded sessions for two weeks after the online conference. After the initial period has passed, recordings will be available later in the year through a Passport subscription.

Can I substitute or transfer my registration to my colleague?

Registration substitutions and transfers are not available.

What is the cancellation policy for NPC25?

The last day to request a cancellation is Friday, March 14, 2025, 11:59 PM ET. Cancellations will be charged a $50 admin fee. Please send a written cancellation request to registrationchanges@planning.org.

I'm a member of the media. How can I get a complimentary media pass?

APA provides a limited number of complimentary media registrations to NPC. To request a complimentary media registration, email Roberta Rewers.

Does APA provide scholarships or free full-access registration?

We do not offer scholarships.

As a speaker who will only be participating in one session, can you register for a single session?

We don't have an option for speakers to register for just one session; however, you can submit a guest registration request. This option restricts the speaker from purchasing tickets or attending any other part of the conference. Only one guest registration per session will undergo a review process. Contact speakerinfo@planning.org for the guest registration form.

Can I earn CM at the conference?

AICP members will have the option to earn CM credits during NPC25. General CM and mandatory Law, Ethics, Equity, and Sustainability and Resilience credits will be available during the conference.

How do I log my CM

To log CM credits, mark your favorite sessions by clicking on the star. Once your CM favorite sessions are marked, click on the "Pending NPC Session Credits" link in your CM Log to find the list of sessions you attended and click add to my log. If you have questions reach out to AICPCM@planning.org.

Will I receive AICP credit if I watch the session later, or do I have to watch the sessions as they are scheduled?

To claim CM credits, it is essential to attend the live session as scheduled in full. If you opt to watch later by purchasing Passport, you can claim your CM at the end of each session you watched.

How can I access recordings from Denver and online sessions after the on-demand period ends?

Recordings from NPC25 will be available online in Passport later this summer.

Will I be able to obtain CLE/AIA/LA CES credits at NPC?

Sessions at NPC exclusively contribute credits toward earning CM. Other credits, such as CLE, LA CES, or AIA, are not available for sessions at NPC.

What is Passport?

Passport is APA's online learning subscription service. For just $180 per year, you get unlimited access to on-demand education and live online webinars, courses, and workshops. This includes recordings from NPC25 and past and future conferences.

How do I sign up for Passport?

Go to planning.org/passport-access to purchase a subscription.