The INO has several written policies to clearly define expectations of our members when meeting together.

INO’s Antitrust Policy

Antitrust laws apply to trade organisationss as well as to businesses. The International Nanny Organisation is a not-for-profit education organisation, but since a large portion of our members are owners or officers of for-profit companies such as Nanny Referral Agencies and a variety of other business endeavors that support our industry, it is important that we address the following concerns as a safeguard against violation of the state and federal statutes.

Members of the International Nanny Organsiation’s Board of Directors and our Organsisation Associate and full members are to refrain from discussing at this and all meetings the financial aspects of their business pertaining to disclosure of prices, profits, commissions, discounts, purchase agreements, contracts, costs of services or materials, or any other matter which could be construed as causing injury to a competitor or of unreasonably restraining trade.

The Ten Don’ts of Antitrust

1. Don’t discuss prices with competitors. INO will not knowingly allow any discussion of pricing at an Organsisation meeting where competitors are present.
2. Don’t divide customers, markets or territories with competitors.
3. No person or company shall be unreasonably excluded from INO membership or participation where such exclusion may impair such person or company’s ability to compete effectively in the industry. This includes vendors and advertisers.
4. Don’t agree upon or attempt to control a client’s price. Standardization is to deprive customers of legitimate choices and is seen as a discriminatory action against competitors and is referred to as price fixing.
5. Don’t attempt to restrict a client’s activity. Exclusive contracts inhibit a customer’s legitimate choices.
6. Don’t offer a client prices or terms more favorable than those offered to other or competing clients.
7. Don’t require a client to buy service or products only from you.
8. Don’t use one product as bait to sell another.
9. Don’t disparage a competitor’s product or service unless the statements have been verified as factual.
10. Don’t make sales or services conditional on reciprocal sales or service.

During informal or social discussion at the site of an INO meeting, which may be beyond the control of its officers and chair-people, all representatives (members) of the Organisation are expected to observe the same standards of personal conduct required of the Organisation in its compliance with antitrust guidelines.

In order to ensure compliance with antitrust laws, the officers, directors and staff of INO will make every possible effort to properly supervise INO sanctioned meetings.

INO’s Suitcasing and Outboarding Policy

One of the biggest benefits for our attendees at the conference is their ability to network with other attendees. Attendees are able to talk to child caregivers and industry businesses in a professional but social atmosphere. Sharing information about yourself, your career, and your business is not only allowed but it is encouraged. However, there is a line between networking and what is called “Suitcasing” and “Outboarding.” These practices (defined below) are strictly prohibited. The INO relies on income from sponsorship and exhibitions in order to run a successful conference from year to year. Suitcasing and Outboarding work to take that income away from the INO and can cause the cost of the conference to increase for everyone. 

What is Suit-casing?

Suit-casing is when a company either registers as an attendee or has no badge at all when they should be registered as a sponsor of the event. They are actively trying to recruit business from attendees – by handing out flyers in hallways, leaving printed material on tables, etc. – without paying to be a sponsor, vendor or advertiser. This is directly stealing revenue from the conference, as well as stealing from the official sponsors. It is deceitful and confusing to the attendees.

INO’s Suit-casing Policy: Only contracted Sponsors, Exhibitors, and Advertisers are permitted to advertise their products, services or company at the conference. Unless approved by the INO Conference Coordinator, all company displays and product sampling must occur within the contracted sponsored event or exhibitor space and only by those that have an exhibitor table. This includes, but is not limited to: 

• Selling products out of a bag or “suitcase”
• “Roaming” characters
• Handing out flyers randomly
• Approaching exhibitor booths to sell products
• Leaving and/or distributing product information in public spaces in the hotel, and within the conference contracted floor space ( meeting rooms, banquet rooms, etc.) 

Companies found doing so will have their materials confiscated and disposed of properly. Attendees may be asked to leave the conference and forfeit their badge. Additional penalties may apply. 

Sharing of your individual business cards is permitted. Furthermore, discussing your company and business with individuals that you meet in general sessions as well as breakout workshops and the Vendor Marketplace is encouraged. However, when an attendee decides to buy a registration with the direct intention to sell their products without purchasing a booth, sponsorship or advertising; they have essentially stolen from the INO and its attendees. 

What is outboarding?

Outboarding is similar and even more damaging. This person or company has recognized that the INO has brought together their attendees in one place. When a person or company that should be a sponsor of an event instead decides to host their own competing event, capitalizing on the presence of attendees without previously notifying the event organizers, without consent; they make a conscious decision to lure people from the INO Conference and host an event off-site without the consent of the organization. Many times, they even use the event organizers brand to confuse attendees into thinking this is a sanctioned event. When an Out-boarder does this during conference hours, they have just taken customers and revenue from other exhibitors, sponsors, and speakers. It is fraudulent and is harmful to attendees by confusing them into thinking they are supporting the official event when really, they are not.

INO’s Out-boarding Policy: This practice is considered unethical and is condemned by the International Nanny Organisation. It includes practices such as:

• Coat-tailing 
• Piggybacking
• Co-location of events
• Educational workshops, and large-scale hospitality events, particularly during event hours. 

Any person or company known to be hosting an event during INO Conference official hours (see below) may lose opportunities to sponsor, exhibit, speak or attend future events.

• Dates and times TBD

There are exceptions to this rule. Some “unofficial events” are held with the blessing of INO and individuals are encouraged to make plans with other attendees at the conference. We cooperate with organizers all the time. For example, the Thursday evening NCS dinner is a long-held tradition among attendees and many businesses use the INO conference to thank their customers in the evening. Educators often have events before the conference starts or after the INO Conference has ended. These are done in cooperation with INO. In addition, the INO also works in cooperation with other events to hold our Board Meetings. Anyone can reach out to the INO Board to request permission to do so. Email conference@nanny.org 

We encourage attendees who observe a violation of our policies to contact the conference coordinator immediately. Should you have any questions or concerns, please email conference@theinternationalnanny.org or reach out to the Conference Coordinator on-site.

Conclusion

Event organizers sell a product just like any other business. Our product is the INO Annual Conference. We spend a significant amount of money promoting our product. We bring as many qualified people as we can to one place all at the same time. We set the prices for our products and we create the terms and conditions (T&Cs) around how we are willing to provide our products. We create these T&Cs to protect our attendees, speakers, and sponsors from unethical people and companies. Our goal is to create a level playing field for everyone. We ask that all attendees respect the INO and conference attendees by purchasing a sponsorship, exhibitor space or advertising if they intend to sell their product or service at the conference. This is their opportunity to share their product or service.

Conference Child-friendly Policy

Children under the age of 2 are permitted in any session, event, or gathering hosted by the INO unless prohibited by law. This includes infants and young toddlers who are in the stage of life where they are needing a high-level of care. In order to accommodate all attendees, we request all present be more respectful, helpful, and patient than in a normal business situation.

For parents with children present, please be mindful of your seating position during each session and select a seat near the door. When your child becomes vocal or otherwise distracting from the content, please swiftly step outside and attend to your child’s needs. Additionally, you are most welcome to nurse your child in the manner you and your baby are most comfortable with, as well as quietly pace in the back with your child.

For those without a child in attendance, we encourage you to exercise your support for working-parents in their desire to learn and be a part of our community. As an organization formulated and upheld by childcare professionals and industry experts, please keep the spirit of unity and patience for our community’s littlest ones’ (brief and inevitable) noise. Please leave seats near the exits available for attendees with children to facilitate a smooth and quick exit for them if needed.

Conference Code of Conduct

The International Nanny Organisation (also referred to as INO) is committed to providing a wonderful experience for all its members, guests, speakers, sponsors, and attendees of the 2022 Conference. We aim to provide a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all participants and with this in mind, it is critical to set a Code of Conduct so that each person attending one of our conferences and events has a positive and rewarding experience. 

We invite all sponsors, volunteers, speakers, attendees, vendors, and others (“Participants”) to help us realize, create, and maintain a safe, respectful, and positive experience for everyone. We have established this Code of Conduct to provide guidelines to Participants and to ensure that all participants understand what behavior is expected, and what behavior will not be tolerated at an INO event. INO expects all Participants to abide by this Code of Conduct at all events. This includes conference-related social events at off-site locations, and in related online communities and social media. INO is dedicated to providing a harassment-free and inclusive event experience for everyone regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disabilities, physical appearance, body size, ethnicity, nationality, race, age, religion or any other protected category. Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion, technology choices, sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography, or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

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

Sponsors are also subject to the anti-harassment policy. 

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, the conference organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the conference with no refund.

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of conference staff or a Board Member immediately. Conference staff and Board Members can be identified as they’ll be wearing branded clothing and/or badges. If you need help identifying a Board Member or Conference Staffer, please ask the hotel/venue’s front desk attendee. 

Conference staff and all Board Members will be happy to help participants contact the hotel/venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the conference. We value your attendance and want your experience to be positive.

We expect participants to follow these rules at conference and workshop venues and conference-related social events.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF ASSUMPTION OF RISK

This Acknowledgement of Assumption of Risk (“Acknowledgement”) is a written acknowledgement and agreement between the International Nanny Organisation (“INO”) and members and guests who voluntarily attend INO and INO-sponsored events (the “Participant”). Sponsored events include conferences, in-person meetings, and other events sponsored by INO (“Events”). The Participant hereby acknowledges and agrees to the following:

1. Voluntary Participation. Participant understands and confirms that participation in any Event offered by INO is completely voluntary.
2. The Assumption of Risk. Participant understands and acknowledges that there may be potential risks involved in and related to participation in an Event. Participant assumes all risks, known and unknown, in any way connected with the participation in the Event. Participants accept full responsibility for any liability, injury, loss, damage, or death in any way connected with participation in the Event. Participant releases INO and its officers, employees, board members, volunteers, or other agents (collectively, “Releasees”) from all liability or claims which may arise from participation in the Event.
3. Consumption of Alcohol. Participants twenty-one (21) years of age and older may consume alcohol during an Event should they choose to do so. However, alcohol consumption is at the Participant’s own discretion, risk, and liability. Excessive alcohol consumption is not condoned by INO. The Participant hereby assumes all risks involved with the consumption of alcohol, and unconditionally holds Releasees harmless.
4. Specific Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk Regarding Communicable Diseases, including COVID-19. Participation in Events includes possible exposure to, and illness from, infectious diseases including but not limited to MRSA, influenza, and COVID-19. While rules and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious illness and death does exist. Participants knowingly and freely assume all such risks, both known and unknown, even if arising from the negligence of Releasees or other Participants and agree to hold Releasees harmless with respect to all illnesses, disability, death, or other loss arising from exposure to any communicable disease at any Event. Participant agrees that if at any time Participant is experiencing symptoms of any illness, Participant will not attend any Event, or if already attending an Event, will immediately leave such Event. Keeping everyone safe is our main goal and by attending this event, you are agreeing to support this goal.
5. Governing Law. The construction and meaning of the terms and provisions of this Agreement will be interpreted in accordance with the laws of Texas.
6. Binding Effect. Participant acknowledges that this Agreement is binding upon Participant’s heirs and assigns, personal representatives, beneficiaries and next of kin.

Conference Cancelation Policy

Should the situation change and you are unable to attend the conference because of border closings, you will be offered a full refund regardless of how close it is to the conference. 

Up to March 1, 2022 you can:

• Receive a refund minus $89 and you will be given access to the Digital Conference

Up to March 15, 2022 you can:

• Transfer your registration to someone else for $25 transfer fee

After March 15, 2022 you can:

• Receive a 50% refunded and access to the virtual recordings if you test positive for COVID or have close proximity exposure to someone who tests positive for COVID. We reserve the right to ask for proof of COVID test.
• Please note that after this point our costs are set and this 50% refund reflects a loss of income for the INO. 

Conference COVID Safety Policy

Please note: These policies are based on CDC Recommendations for large events and are in-line with many large events around the country.  Should the CDC alter its recommendations: either loosening or tightening their recommendation, the INO Board of Directors will consider revision to this policy. 

You can expect from the:

• Hotel:
  • You can find the current COVID protocols for the NYNY Hotel and Casino which is part of the MGM Resorts Group. 
• INO:
  • Hand sanitizer stations.
  • Extra space (not at capacity) in rooms especially meal rooms where people will be unmasked to eat.
  • A new KN95 Mask each day for those that don’t have one. 
  • Rapid COVID tests for those that begin exhibiting symptoms and want to self test

All speakers, attendees, and guests will be asked to adhere to the following policies regarding safety from COVID:

• Masks
  • Masks must be worn during the event hours (KN95 or N95 masks recommended), indoor at all times when less than 6 feet from any other individuals including but not limited to workshops, keynote, Registration table, Exhibitors Hall, when getting food/beverages, and at any other common areas of the event.
  • Masks can be taken off when eating or drinking but replaced when done. Chairs at meal tables will not be placed at capacity allowing extra space during meal times.
  • We ask attendees to be thoughtful about wearing masks when outside especially if they are very close to other individuals.
  • Speakers can take off their mask if they are 10 feet away from the audience during the presentation.
• COVID Vaccines
  • All Attendees, Speakers, and Guests must be fully vaccinated or receive a negative PCR COVID test within 72 hours of the event.
  • This information will be collected and securely housed by a third party data service.
  • We will ask that all attendees privately look at the daily COVID checklist we will provide in the Conference Program before attending any conference events.

Any guests attending your presentation, ticketed meals, or receptions with you, will be subject to the same rules.

Release of Liability

• I acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID and that the CDC and many other health authorities recommend practicing social distancing.
• I agree that while participating in this conference given by the International Nanny Organisation(INO) or any of its representatives or attendees, I will follow recommended safety and prevention guidelines* during the event to the best of my abilities.
• I further acknowledge that the INO has put into place preventive measures to reduce the spread of COVID. These measures are listed above.
• I further acknowledge that the INO cannot guarantee that I will not become infected with COVID. I understand that the risk of becoming exposed and/or infected by COVID may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to the staff or representatives of the INO and service providers at the location as well as other attendees at the conference.
• I understand that by attending this conference, I may potentially be increasing my risk of exposure to COVID.
• I hereby release and agree to hold the INO and its representatives harmless from, and waive on behalf of myself, my heirs and any personal representatives now and in the future of any and all causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and compensation for damage or loss to myself and/or property that may be caused by an act or failure to act by the contracted venue or that may arise in any way connected to the services provided by the INO. I understand that this release discharges the INO, and its representatives from any liability or claim that I, my heirs or any personal representatives may have against the INO with respect to any bodily injury, illness, death, medical treatment or property damage that may arise from, or in connection to, any services received from  he INO. This liability waiver and release extends to the company together with all owners, partners and employees. 
• I attest that if any of the following occurs, I will notify the INO as soon as possible:

• I begin to experience any symptoms of illness such as cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat or new loss of taste or smell.
• I am exposed to anyone with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID.
• I am diagnosed with COVID and will not yet be cleared as non-contagious by local or state public health authorities in time for the event. *See Cancelation Policy for refund information*
• I begin experiencing potential symptoms of COVID during the time of the event and furthermore agree that I will immediately remove myself from the event and not return.
• I develop and am confirmed to have COVID within 14 days after the close of the event.
• The INO will not share the identity of anyone with the above mentioned occurrences but will share with all in-person attendees that they may have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID.

INO’s Privacy Policy

This privacy notice discloses the privacy practices for www.nanny.org. This privacy notice applies solely to information collected by this website. It will notify you of the following:

• What personally identifiable information is collected from you through the website, how it is used, and with whom it may be shared. 
• What choices are available to you regarding the use of your data. 
• The security procedures in place to protect the misuse of your information. 
• How you can correct any inaccuracies in the information. 

Information Collection, Use, and Sharing. 

We are the sole owners of the information collected on this site. We only have access to/collect information that you voluntarily give us via email or other direct contact from you. We will not sell or rent this information to anyone. 

We will use your information to respond to you, regarding the reason you contacted us. We will not share your information with any third party outside of our organization other than as necessary to fulfill your request, e.g. to ship an order. 

Unless you ask us not to, we may contact you via email in the future to tell you about specials, new products, or services, or changes to this privacy policy. 

Your Access to and Control Over Information

You may opt out of any future contacts from us at any time. You can do the following at any time by contacting us via the email address or phone number given on our  website.:

• See what data we have about you, if any. 
• Change/correct any data we have about you.
• Have us delete any data we have about you. 
• Express any concern you have about our use of your data. 

Security

We take precautions to protect your information. When you submit sensitive information via the website, your information is protected both online and offline. 

Whenever we collect sensitive information (such as credit card data), that information is encrypted and transmitted to us in a secure way. You can verify this by looking for a closed lock icon at the bottom of your webs browser, or looking for “https” at the beginning of the address of the webpage. 

We will use encryption to protect sensitive information transmitted online, we also protect your information offline. Only employees who need the information to perform a specific job (for example, billing or customer service) are granted access to personally identifiable information. The computers/services in which we store personally identifiable information are kept in a secure environment. 

Links

This website contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when we leave our site and read the privacy statements of any other site that collects personally identifiable information. 

If you feel we are not abiding by this privacy policy, you should contact us immediately via email at info@theinternationalnanny.org. 

With the INO’s transition to a Virtual Summit instead of an in-person Conference, many might think that this policy does not apply. However, the described policy below will still be in effect. Please be respectful and if you intend to sell your services or products during the one-day virtual event, purchase a Virtual Vendor Booth. It is $150 and includes both a virtual booth and a full day registration.

Join our mission to elevate and nurture the quality of childcare.