This Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by and between ESCO Institute Ltd., including its division HVAC Excellence (collectively “ESCO”), and the undersigned Attendee, Presenter, Exhibitor, or Sponsor (collectively, “Participant”).

Exhibitor/Presenter/Attendee./Sponsor.

By registering, signing, or attending, the Participant acknowledges and agrees to the following terms and conditions. ESCO reserves the right to amend these terms at any time.

(Applies to all Exhibitors, Presenters, Attendees, and Sponsors)

The participant undersigned hereby irrevocably consents and authorizes the use by ESCO INSTITUTE, LTD., its officers, employees, and agents, and HVAC EXCELLENCE, a division of Esco Institute, Ltd. (all of the aforementioned collectively “ESCO”) of undersigned’s image, voice, name, and/or likeness as follows:

ESCO shall have the right to film, photograph publish, re-publish, broadcast, re-broadcast, adapt, exhibit, perform, reproduce, edit, modify, make derivative works, distribute, display, sell, or otherwise use or reuse the undersigned image, voice, name, and/or likeness in connection with any product or service in all markets, media, technology now known or hereinafter developed in ESCO’S products or services, as long as there is no intent to use the image, voice, name, and/or likeness in a disparaging manner.

The undersigned waives the right to inspect or approve the finished product in which the undersigned’s likeness, image, voice, name, and/ or sound appear. Footage may be displayed via the Internet or in any medium throughout the world and in perpetuity.

ESCO may exercise any of these rights itself or through any successors, transferees, licensees, distributors, or other parties, commercial or nonprofit. The undersigned acknowledges receipt of good and valuable consideration in exchange for this Release Form, which may simply be the opportunity to appear or represent itself, or its agent, employer, or otherwise in the promotional and advertising materials as described above. No compensation will be paid to the undersigned for the terms described in this Release Form.

If this Release Form is signed by a business or entity (“Organization”), the Organization warrants and represents that it has the authority to act on behalf of its officers, employees, agents, or other parties (“Others”), consent on behalf of Others, and to bind Others to the terms of this Release Form.

The undersigned also confirms that the undersigned is over the age of eighteen (18) years old and has full authority to sign this Release Form.

All Event content, logos, trademarks, and materials are the property of ESCO or its licensors. Reproduction, recording, or distribution of Event content is prohibited without prior written consent.

The Participant, including all employees, officers, directors, agents, students, and representatives (“Participant And Affiliates”), agrees to comply to the following standards and rules:

1. Participant And Affiliates will not disparage or make negative comments (as determined in ESCO’s sole discretion) about any person, business, educational institution, trade union, government, industry group, or other entity (all of the aforementioned collectively referred to as “Other Entities”).
2. Presenter And Affiliates will not slander or defame any Other Entities.
3. Presenter And Affiliates will not use profanities, vulgar, or offensive language.
4. Presenter And Affiliates will conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner.
5. Present And Affiliates will limit discussions and presentations to topics relevant to the HVACR industry.

Violation of this section grants ESCO the right to revoke participation, with no obligation to refund fees or other payments.

The Participant agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless ESCO, its officers, directors, employees, agents, affiliates, and representatives (each, an “Indemnified Party”) against any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, settlements, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from acts, omissions, or participation in the Event.

Participant expressly agrees to advance attorneys’ fees to any Indemnified Party in order to allow such party to retain legal counsel.”

• Registration grants access only to scheduled activities. Travel, lodging, and personal expenses are the sole responsibility of the Participant.
• Participants must wear official event badges, which are non-transferable. Lost badges may be replaced onsite for a fee.
• Sharing, falsifying, or reusing badges is strictly prohibited and may result in removal and legal action.

ESCO reserves the right to remove any Participant for disruptive or inappropriate behavior, at its sole discretion, without refund.

Guests may access the exhibit hall, including food and beverage functions, only if full registration fees are paid.

Special dietary requests must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the Event and may incur hotel surcharges.

Unauthorized solicitation outside of contracted exhibit spaces is prohibited. Violators will be removed without refund and may be banned from future events.

All food and beverages must be provided by the hotel. Outside food and drinks are prohibited.

• A valid email address is required for registration confirmation.
• Participants are responsible for ensuring event emails are received (add @escogroup.org to safe sender list).
• A cell phone number is required for ALL Local in-person attendees in case of emergency.
• Opting out of communications does not release Participants from responsibility to stay informed.

Cancellation

Attendees may cancel their registration up to 90 days prior to the Event, and HVAC Excellence will refund the registration fee less a $50 cancellation fee. Any cancellations made within 89 days of the Event will not be honored. Attendees who register for the Event, but do not attend, are still responsible for Event payment. Substitutions (subject to availability) may be arranged at the sole discretion of HVAC Excellence in accordance with the Attendee Change Policy below.

Cancellation Request

All Event cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to HVAC Excellence.

Refunds

Refunds will be processed within six weeks of the Event conclusion.

Changes and Substitutions

Attendee substitutions may be may to any registration, more than 30 days prior to the event. Substitution requests received within 30 days of the event may subject to a processing fee. Once name badges, or Event credentials are issued, no substitutions may be made.

No Substitutions After Credentials Issued

Once Attendee has received their event credentials, they cannot be changed, substituted, or reissued to another individual.

Lost Badges and Login Credentials

If badges and or credentials are lost, replacements will only be issued onsite.

ESCO does not sell, rent, or share attendee information, except with event sponsors.

The Event is provided “AS-IS.” ESCO DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ACCURACY OR MERCHANTABILITY.

Except as otherwise provided herein, if ESCO breaches any terms of this Agreement, Participant’s sole remedy is a refund of the cost of the Conference. In no case is ESCO subject to consequential, punitive, or exemplary damages as a result of a breach of this Agreement.

• Invalid provisions shall be limited without affecting the remainder of the Agreement.
• Governed by the laws of Illinois, with exclusive jurisdiction in Illinois courts.

Participants shall reimburse ESCO for attorneys’ fees and legal costs incurred in enforcing this Agreement.

Nothing herein creates an agency, partnership, or employment relationship.

In the event ESCO cannot host the Event or Conference, in whole or in part, at the time, date, and location originally scheduled, due to any strike, lockout, labor trouble (legal or illegal), civil disorder, failure of power, restrictive governmental laws and regulations, riots, insurrections, war, shortages, accidents, casualties, acts of God, natural disasters, disease, pandemics, terrorism, or any other instance that is beyond ESCO’S control (all collectively referred to as “Force Majeure Events”), ESCO (at its option and in its sole discretion) may re-schedule or cancel the Event or Conference.

ESCO reserves the right to change event format, date, or location, including shifting to a virtual format, due to a Force Majeure Event. No refunds will be issued after the cancellation deadline; credits may be offered.

Failure to enforce any provision shall not constitute a waiver of rights.

Any individual who chooses not to sign this agreement forfeits their right to attend, present, or exhibit at the conference. No refunds are available outside of the normal refund policy(s) for the conference and it’s related events.

(Applies to Presenters)

• Presenters agree to deliver sessions professionally and in compliance with ESCO guidelines.
• Presenters are responsible for their own travel and lodging costs.
• One complimentary registration per session is provided; additional presenters may be required to pay fees.

(Applies to Exhibitors)

ESCO reserves the right to accept or reject applications. Denied applicants will receive a refund of exhibit fees paid to ESCO Institute for this event.

• Space is assigned based on exhibitor level, priority points, and availability.
• ESCO reserves the right to relocate booths as necessary.
• Exhibit design must comply with ADA and safety regulations.

• Space is secured only upon receipt of a signed contract and full payment.
• Cancellations before September 1 (prior year): refund minus 50%.
• Cancellations on/after September 1 (prior year): no refund.

• Booth activity must not interfere with neighboring exhibitors.
• Giveaways must align with event goals.
• Early dismantling is prohibited and may affect future participation.

• All shipments must go through the event decorator; direct hotel shipments will be returned.
• Exhibitors are responsible for all shipping and handling fees.

• Exhibitors are solely responsible for their property and must maintain insurance coverage.
• ESCO assumes no liability for theft, damage, or injury.

Violations may result in removal without refund and forfeiture of exhibit fees.

Exhibitors of the conference will be given 30 days to secure a spot for the next conference, prior to general exhibitor registration opening to the public.

ESCO reserves the right to designate the time for installation and dismantling of exhibits. All exhibits must remain intact until the close of the show. Installation and dismantling of exhibits must occur only during the installation times designated in the official exhibit schedule, which will be provided by our designated show decorator.

Spaces not set-up or occupied within two hours prior to show opening will be forfeited by the organization. ESCO has the right to resell, reassign, or use any unclaimed space without refund to the exhibitor.

(Applies to Sponsors)

• All sponsorship sales are final.
• Benefits and visibility are subject to availability and sponsorship level.

(Applies to Manufactures and Wholesalers)

1. Purpose

The National HVACR Education Conference (“Conference”) is committed to full compliance with all applicable U.S. antitrust and competition laws.

This policy is intended to promote fair competition, prevent even the appearance of collusion, and protect all participants, including manufacturers and distributors.

2. Policy

A copy of Esco’s Antitrust Policy Statement is attached.

3. Disclaimer

The Conference does not endorse, facilitate, or permit coordination among competitors.

All business decisions must be made independently and unilaterally by each participant.

This Conference is an educational event, not a forum for business coordination. Any discussion that could be interpreted as limiting competition is strictly prohibited.