AFFILIATED GROUP RULES & REGULATIONS
These Affiliated Group Rules and Regulations (the AGRR) are by and between Networking User Group, Inc., DBA US Networking User Association (herein referred to as USNUA), and the individual, individuals and/or organization as defined on the last page of this document (the Group Leader and/or the Members, collectively the Members). This AGRR shall commence and be effective on the date of signing (the Effective Date).
WHEREAS, The USNUA is a member-focused community organization who manages multiple regional groups (the Group) for the purpose of education and the open exchange of knowledge and ideas in computer networking and network technologies, and the Members wish to open and manage a local Group or Groups in their region (the Region) as defined on the last page of this document for the purpose of holding regular on-line and/or in-person Events (the Event or Events).
GROUP DIRECTION, POLICY, RULES AND REGULATIONS:
1. Statement of Policy
a) All Groups are closed and representative under the US Networking User Association.
b) Group Membership can be revoked at any time and for any reason at the discretion of the USNUA.
c) Group is ultimately managed by the USNUA. The Group in its entirety may be closed/terminated at any time and for any reason at the discretion of the USNUA.
d) The Events will be open to anyone in the technology and networking community.
e) Events are for technology related topics and discussion only. No discussion of politics, religion, current events or anything that is not relevant to the stated mission of the USNUA is permitted.
f) The Events are intended as educational assemblies for the attendees, therefore no direct selling shall be allowed at any time during the Event.
g) Orders and transactions involving the exchange of product for payment are prohibited at the Event.
2. Nature Of USNUA Groups
The USNUA is a member-focused community where technology and the open exchange of knowledge and ideas takes center stage. Offering a strictly sales-free environment, our Groups consist of a growing community of network engineers and technology experts dedicated to the exchange of ideas.
The USNUA is comprised of multiple associated regional Groups throughout the world. Each regional Group is comprised of a volunteer Group Leader and volunteer Members who are dedicated to building the Networking User Group (NUG) community in their areas. The Group is in charge of planning, advertising and running Events locally, as well as helping to draw in both sponsors and attendees for the Events in their Region.
3. Nature Of USNUA Group Events
Group Events are primarily held in-person or on-line and offer a welcoming environment where members, keynote speakers, presenters and partners participate in educational dialogues. Members, invited guests and attendees actively exchange ideas, tips, and experiences related to professional network engineering, design, administration, and other related technologies.
The structure of Group Events can vary, but typically include a keynote speaker followed by a 3-5 person panel discussing relevant topics. Attendees are welcomed with food and drink during the Event, which is hosted by our sponsors. Selling or discussing a specific product is expressly prohibited, as the goal of the USNUA and its Groups is to discuss technologies, best practices, personal growth and development, and the direction of the industry overall.
4. Costs & Fees
There are no costs or fees associated with starting, managing or closing/terminating a Group.
5. Group Closure/Termination
A Group may be closed/terminated at any time by unanimous decision of its Members. Notice of closure must be presented in writing to the USNUA, and signed by each Member and the Group Leader.
If Group is closed while an Event Group is responsible for is pending, any cancelation fees charged to the USNUA for cancelation of any orders related to the Event (venue, food & beverage, marketing materials, etc.) will be charged to, and payable by, the Group Leader under NET15 terms.
6. Volunteer Status
Group Members, Leaders, managers, helpers and anyone affiliated with the Group or Event are independent unpaid volunteers for the purposes outlined in this document. Nothing shall be interpreted or construed as creating or establishing the relationship of employer and employee, partner or agent between the parties involved and the USNUA.
7. No Affiliation
A Group may not be affiliated with, managed or controlled by any company or organization outside of the USNUA, and individuals cannot run a group on behalf of, in association with, or by proxy for any company or organization other than the USNUA.
8. Sponsorships
Sponsorship opportunities are available to any relevant industry company or organization. Individual sponsorships are not permitted. All Sponsorships must be approved by the USNUA, and can be refused anytime at the discretion of the USNUA.
9. Finances & Group Ledger
Managed by the USNUA, the Group Ledger will hold the financial accounting information for the Group. Sponsorships obtained by or on behalf of the Group will be added to the Group Ledger. In turn, Group and Event expenses will be deducted from the Group Ledger.
A Group must secure enough sponsorship funds to cover the cost of the Event and any related expenses at least thirty (30) days prior to the Event date in order for the Event to be held. If a Group has not reached the required funding, the event may be canceled at the discretion of the USNUA.
A Groups Ledger may hold a maximum of five-thousand $5,000.00 dollars in funds to be used for any current and future events, and/or outstanding debts. The Group Ledger is for accounting and reporting purposes only. All funds are the property of the USNUA, and my not be offered, guaranteed, distributed or consigned by anyone except USNUA officers, and then only at the discretion of the USNUA.
10. Group Expenses
Group member hotel stays, travel, Event swag and any additional expenses are not reimbursable unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the USNUA.
11. Managing Of Events
Group Responsibilities: It will be the responsibility of the Group to manage the Event locally. This includes choosing the venue, choosing the date and time of the Event, choosing the menu (under the guidance of the USNUA), and managing the Event on the day-of.
Managing The Event: Day-of management of the Event will include arriving early to make sure the venue is set up as desired; USNUA Group signage and swag is present and displayed; the food service is on schedule; the audio-visual equipment is present, set-up and working; the sponsor signage and screen presentation is active and visible as directed by USNUA Event guidelines; the guest speakers and panelists know the schedule of events, times, queues and are prepared; and to assist attendees with seating, food service, beverages and any other questions they may have during the Event.
Event Venue, Catering & Payments: Event venues will be chosen by the Group, with the guidance of the USNUA. Any advance payment due to reserve the venue and all subsequent payments will be made by the USNUA on behalf of the Group with the corresponding funds being deducted from the Group Ledger. All food and/or beverage service choices/orders must be approved in advance by (and at the discretion of) the USNUA.
Venue Regulations: It will be the responsibility of the Group to make sure the Event adheres to any venue rules, local ordinances, health & safety codes and/or fire department regulations.
Audio-Visual & Presentation: The Group will need to ensure that the venue chosen will provide adequate audio and visual capabilities for the Event, such as a presentation screen, projector or television, speaker system and microphone. If the venue chosen does not provide this equipment, it will be the responsibility of the group to procure it for the Event.
Event Marketing: Event marketing will be largely handled by USNUA personnel through the USNUA website and through the USNUA MeetUp event management service, and at the discretion of the USNUA. Group may market its own Events locally and through their own social networks as they see fit, as long as the marketing is in accordance with USNUA standards and guidelines.
12. Use Of Logo, Scheme, Naming Convention & Service-Marked Materials
Participation by any person in a USNUA Group or Event does not entitle the person to use the USNUA name or logo, or its likeness, or scheme or naming convention, other than with reference to the Group or Event or otherwise by written approval from the USNUA. As a service-marked brand, any person or persons not actively affiliated with the USNUA, or removed from the USNUA, are not permitted to use the USNUA name or logo, or its likeness, scheme or naming convention. This includes, but is not limited to, the convention (xx)NUG, Networking User Group, Network Users Group, Networking User Association and US Networking User Association.
13. Intellectual Property
Group Members represent and warrant to the USNUA that no materials used in or in connection with its Event infringe upon the trademarks, copyrights (including, without limitation, copyrights in music and other materials used or broadcast by Group), or other intellectual property rights of any third party. The USNUA shall not be liable and expressly disclaims all liability for infringement or alleged infringement of the trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property of any third party arising out of the actions of a Group or its Members.
14. Americans with Disabilities Act & Similar Non-U.S. Statutes
Group shall be responsible for making their Events accessible to persons with disabilities, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or similar statutes as may apply outside of the United States, and shall hold the USNUA harmless from any consequences of failing to do so.
15. Distribution of Marketing Materials & Swag
The USNUA reserves the right to approve or deny, and/or cease distribution or presentation of, any materials which the USNUA in its sole discretion determines are contrary to the best interests of the USNUA, its members, its mission, or Events. All marketing materials and swag must be pre-approved by the USNUA prior to the Event.
16. Authority of Management/Enforcement of Rules & Regulations
The USNUA shall have the power to create, adopt, manage and enforce all Group Rules and Regulations and Event guidelines with respect to the management, terms, conditions, nature, procedures and eligibility of the Groups and their Events.
17. Group Members Liability & Hold Harmless
The Members release the USNUA and its directors, officers, employees, agents, and members, and each of them, from any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, or expenses including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs of litigation relating to or arising out of any injury to any Group or Event personnel or to any other person or any loss of or damage to any property of Member or any other property where such injury, loss, or damage is incident to, arises out of, or is in any way related to Member's participation in the Event. Member shall be responsible for any such injury, loss, or damage, and any expenses relating thereto. The terms of this provision shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement.
Limitation of Remedies: In no Event will the USNUA be liable for any lost profits, lost savings, incidental damages or other economic consequential damages, even if the USNUA has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The USNUA will not be liable for any damages claimed by the Member based on any third party claim. In no Event will the USNUA be liable for any damages caused by failure of a Member to perform their responsibilities.
Force Majeure: The USNUA will not be responsible for cancellation, postponement or other circumstances cause by, based on or relating to situations beyond its control, including but not limited to: acts of God, (e.g. rainstorm, flood, wind, damage by the elements, earthquake, tornado, other natural disasters, etc.), terrorism, infectious disease, war, fire, strikes, acts or orders of governmental authorities, or third-party responsibility.
18. General
All matters and questions not covered by the Rules and Regulations are subject to the decision of the USNUA. These Rules and Regulations may be amended at any time by the USNUA, and all amendments that may be so made shall be equally binding on all parties affected by them, as are the original regulations. In the Event of any amendment or additions to these regulations, written notice will be given by the USNUA to such Groups and/or Members as may be affected by them.
19. Attendee Lists & Information
Attendee information may be collected for the purpose of aggregate data to promote Event attendance numbers to prospective sponsors and relevant parties. Attendee lists must be OPT-IN only, and attendee information is to be considered strictly confidential and proprietary and shall not be sold, distributed or otherwise provided to any outside organization, consultant or service without the express written permission of the USNUA. Any violation of this policy may result in the termination of the Group and barring of its Members to participate in or attend any future USNUA Events.