FAQs

1. Do I need to be vaccinated and/or wear a mask to attend the conference?

Conference organizers will follow CDC recommendations and will refer to COVID-19 Community Levels when informing participants about decisions pertaining to health and safety precautions for the Animal Law Conference. To ensure the health and safety of attendees, speakers, and staff, we recommend the following precautions:   

  • Do not attend the conference if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection and leave the conference if you develop such symptoms.  
  • Wear a mask in crowded indoor settings. Masks will be made available at the event for attendees who prefer to wear a mask.  
  • Review and implement the current CDC guidance for protecting yourself from COVID-19.  

2. Will the conference be live streamed and/or recorded?

The entire conference will be livestreamed via our virtual event platform, except for the Friday Welcome Reception. To register to attend the conference virtually, click here. Access information will be provided to virtual registrants a week before the event. Registrants will receive access to all sessions live and on-demand after the conference. 

The sessions will be recorded and posted to the Animal Law Conference YouTube channel after the conference. Subscribe to the YouTube channel to be notified when new videos are posted. 

3. Will there be vegan food options available at the conference?

All meals, snacks, and drinks at the conference will be vegan/plant-based. We will also have gluten-free options available at all meals.

4. What is the dress code?

We don’t uphold a strict dress code for the conference, but most attendees choose to dress in business or business casual.

5. Can I bring a guest to the Friday Welcome Reception or Saturday Banquet Dinner?

If you are attending the conference in-person and would like to bring a guest to the Friday Welcome Reception or Saturday Banquet Dinner, you must purchase a ticket for your guest. Please contact events@aldf.org for more information.

6. Does the conference have an anti-harassment policy?

Yes, the conference does have an anti-harassment policy which must be followed by all attendees and speakers. To view the policy, click here.

7. Does the conference have a DE&I policy?

Yes, the conference does have a DE&I policy which must be followed by all attendees and speakers. To view the policy, click here.

8. Does the conference have a sustainability policy?

Yes, the conference does have a sustainability policy. To view the policy, click here.

9. How  can I offset emissions of my flight?

Flights are a major contributor to greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide (CO₂). The fuel burned during flights contributes to global warming when released into the atmosphere. A carbon offset is a credit for emissions reductions, and buying offsets helps individuals take into account the environmental costs of air travel.

Atmosfair is a good resource for calculating the CO₂ impact of your air travel, allowing you to choose your departure and arrival airports, aircraft type, and more. The offset costs are invested in renewable energy projects curated by Gold Standard, an organization founded by the WWF and other NGOs to ensure carbon emissions reduction projects maintain the highest levels of environmental integrity and contribute to sustainable development. Carbon offsets are calculated in Euros on the Atmosfair site, but you can use an online currency converter to check the price in USD or other currencies.

10. Will Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits be offered?

The conference will be approved for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits pending approval by a state bar association. Most states accept credits from other mandatory CLE states, but please check with your local bar association to confirm. Anyone seeking CLE credits should submit approval paperwork to their local bar association or retain the certificate of attendance which will be provided to attorneys who register for the conference.

11. Where do I find written materials for CLE participants?

Materials submitted by the speakers will be posted on the conference website and on the virtual event platform a few weeks prior to the conference. PowerPoint presentations will also be posted after the conference, pending approval by individual presenters. We will not provide printouts of written materials. 

12. Will the conference content be appropriate for all audiences?

Conference presenters are asked to include an audience warning before showing graphic content in their presentations. Given the nature of the subject matter, however, it’s reasonable to assume that some presentations will contain content which may be upsetting, e.g. photo or video evidence that depicts animal cruelty. Attendees may choose to look away or leave the room during these moments, if they would prefer not to see this type of content. Younger attendees may register at the discretion of their parent or guardian.

13. I registered for the conference but am no longer able to attend. What is the refund policy?

Refunds are available until October 11, 2024. If you need to cancel your registration, please contact events@aldf.org 

14. Is the venue ADA accessible and/or can my special accommodation request be fulfilled?

Yes, the Hilton Portland Downtown is ADA accessible. See more information about the Hilton Portland Downtown’s ADA accessibility here. You may also contact events@aldf.org to request a special accommodation.

15. Are companion animals or service animals allowed at the conference?

Hilton Portland Downtown welcomes two pets with a combined weight of 75 lbs for an additional fee of $50 per stay. Dogs, cats, birds, and even small ponies are all allowed. Well-behaved pets may be left unattended in the guest rooms but must be crated for housekeeping. Pet amenities include bowls, treats and a toy. The hotel is right next to a large university park which has waste stations.

16. I am a law student and cannot afford to travel to the conference. What can I do?

The Animal Legal Defense Fund is offering a limited number of travel grants for members of our student chapters. You can find the travel grant application here. Livestream tickets are also available for those who prefer to attend the conference virtually.

17. How can I sponsor the Animal Law Conference?

Sponsorship information is available on our website here.