Annual Conference Exhibitor Policy & Criteria

Purpose
The Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work (GADE) welcomes exhibitors whose products, services, or organizational missions align with GADE’s values and support the advancement of excellence in social work doctoral education. The exhibitor program is designed to provide GADE members and conference attendees with access to innovative tools, resources, and partnerships that enhance doctoral program administration, teaching, research, and professional development.

Exhibitor Eligibility
Exhibitors must demonstrate a clear connection to GADE’s mission and to the needs of social work doctoral program directors, faculty, and administrators. Appropriate exhibitors may include, but are not limited to:

  1. Academic and research technologies that support teaching, learning, and administration
  2. Research institutes, think tanks, or organizations engaged in social work or related research
  3. Professional and scholarly organizations in the field of social work and higher education
  4. Tools, resources, or services for faculty, researchers, or academic administrators
Recruitment-focused academic programs, degree-granting institutions, or vendors without a clear link to the mission of GADE or the doctoral education community are not encouraged to apply.

Application Process
All potential exhibitors must submit an application form to be reviewed by GADE’s Conference Planning Committee and the Board of Directors. Applications should include:
  1. A description of the organization, product, or service
  2. A statement of alignment with GADE’s mission and doctoral education audience
  3. Contact information for the exhibitor representative(s)
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The GADE Board of Directors reserves the right to accept or decline any exhibitor whose participation is not deemed aligned with GADE’s mission, the annual conference theme, host university policies, or the professional needs of its membership.

Exhibitor Logistics
  1. Exhibitor Fee: See current conference sponsorship levels for pricing.
  2. Includes: One (1) six- to eight-foot table and two (2) chairs.
  3. Schedule: Exhibitor tables may be set up and staffed during conference registration and information desk hours on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday per the conference schedule.
  4. Location: Exhibitor tables will be located in high-traffic areas of the conference venue to encourage engagement with attendees.

Terms and Conditions
  1. Exhibitors must comply with all venue and GADE policies regarding safety, setup, and conduct.
  2. Exhibitors are responsible for all materials, shipping, and equipment needed for their displays.
  3. Exhibitors may not sublet or share their table with another organization without prior GADE approval.
  4. GADE does not guarantee a specific level of attendee engagement or visibility.
  5. Payment must be received in full prior to the conference to secure exhibitor space.
  6. Exhibitors are expected to engage with attendees in a collegial, respectful, and professional manner at all times. Sales activities should be informative and relationship-building rather than aggressive or disruptive. 
  7. Any exhibitor found to be engaging in behavior that is overly solicitous, intrusive, or inconsistent with the spirit of the GADE Annual Conference may be asked to modify their approach or, if necessary, to vacate their exhibit space without refund.
  8. Exhibitors must carry their own general liability insurance and are solely responsible for their materials, equipment, and personal property. GADE and the conference venue assume no responsibility for loss, theft, damage, or injury arising from exhibitor participation. Exhibitors agree to hold GADE harmless for any claims arising from their presence or activities at the conference.

Policy Review
This Code of Conduct will be reviewed periodically by the Board of Directors to ensure it remains current, responsive, and aligned with evolving best practices.

Approval
This policy was approved by the GADE Board of Directors on November 11, 2025.