SfN Communications Policy
SfN Communications Policies
The following policies are meant to facilitate awareness of research presented at the SfN annual meeting, while safeguarding sensitive information, data, and research finding that are not yet available to the public. The policies are in place for all meeting attendees, exhibitors, and media.
Questions about scientific communication for attendees and presenters should be directed to the Meeting Services Department at program@sfn.org. Questions about policies related to public communication may be directed to the Media and Communications Department at media@sfn.org.
Embargo Policy
Information and data included in abstracts submitted for the SfN annual meeting are embargoed until the start of the SfN presentation or press conference. Abstract presentations may not be presented at another meeting or published in an archival scientific publication before the scheduled SfN presentation date unless it is at a published satellite event or SfN-hosted press conference for Neuroscience 2018. All authors must abide by SfN's embargo policy.
Coverage of an abstract, lay summary, data, or supplemental material is strictly prohibited until the embargo is lifted. Promotion of general topics, speakers, or presentation times is permitted and encouraged within the stated guidelines.
Exhibitor Communications Policies
Promotion of outside products, organizations, or services is prohibited outside the exhibitor's booth space. SfN's Exhibitor Prospectus provides exhibitors with a comprehensive overview of Neuroscience 2018.
Exhibitors may apply for authorization to film, take photos, or record within their exhibit space by emailing media@sfn.org. Authorization is grated on a case-by-case basis by SfN communication staff. If approved, individuals are responsible for protecting their content, enforcing the media communication policies, and preventing the unauthorized capture of any content outside of their exhibit space.
Photography and Electronic Recording Restrictions/Cell Phones
Photography, video, filming, tape recording, and all other forms of recording are prohibited during the poster sessions, lectures, symposia, minisymposia, nanosymposia, courses, workshops, and on the exhibit floor. Such recording is only permitted during press conferences and in the Press Interview Room. Other arrangements must be made in advance in the Press Room. Cell phone use in sessions is prohibited. For arrangements to photograph the exhibit floor, contact exhibits@sfn.org.
Press Communications Policies
Media credentials are reserved for working media from accredited organizations attending the meeting for the purpose of editorial coverage. To expedite registration, review the required credentials. Press credentials are provided at SfN's discretion and do not indicate SfN endorsement. All decisions are final.
Members of the media must follow the meeting communication policies regarding embargoes, filming and photography, and social media. Photography, video, audio recording, and cell phone use by credentialed reporters are permitted during press conferences or in the Press Interview Room. Unless explicit SFN approval is given, all other recordings and photography are prohibited during the meeting, including on the poster and exhibit floors.
In order for outside press releases to be distributed in the SfN Press Room, they must be directly related to science being presented at the meeting and are under embargo for release until the start of the presentation. Press releases and related materials may be accepted at SfN's discretion and do not indicate SfN endorsement. All decisions are final.
SfN does not share, rent, or distribute media registration information.
Social Media Policy
SfN encourages the use of social media before, during, and after the annual meeting, so long as it falls within embargo and communications rules. Please note the following guidelines:
- Do not capture or share details of any unpublished data presented at the meeting.
- If you are unsure whether data is unpublished, check with the presenter before sharing the information.
- Respect presenters' wishes if they indicate the information presented is not to be shared.
This policy does not apply to researchers participating in SfN's press program, which includes promotion in a press conference and/or a press release, or inclusion in tip sheets for the media.
Stay up to date with Neuroscience 2018 by following SfN @SfNTweets.
