Photo and video consent
ASHM/INHSU will take photographs, videos and audio recordings of the conference for use in ASHM/INHSU’s news and promotional materials in print, digital, email and other media, including ASHM/INHSU’s website and social media platforms. Event participants grant ASHM/INHSU the right to use any image, photograph and voice in this context without compensation. All media become the property of ASHM/INHSU and may be displayed, distributed or used by ASHM/INHSU.

Delegates submitting questions as part of the Q&A / discussion consent to their questions being made available online as part of the discussion.

Why we ask for your consent
We ask for your personal data to facilitate your registration for this event and / or abstract submission.

Why are we processing your personal data
We ask for your personal data to facilitate your registration for this event and / or abstract submission.

How long will we store your personal data
Your personal data will be retained by us for up to 5 years after the conclusion of this event.

The right to withdrawn your consent
You retain the right to withdraw consent of use of your personal data at any time. Please be aware that a withdrawal of consent before the start of this event will incur a full registration cancellation and cancellation fees as noted in the registration terms and conditions. Please contact us at [email protected] with any inquiries you may have. If you are submitting an abstract the withdrawal of consent will result in your abstract not being submitted for review or inclusion in the conference program.

The right to forget or anonymize your personal details
If you have attended any event with us, we will retain any financial, tax or event attendance records for reporting reasons, but will remove all personal data from our database, leaving an “anonymized” record for reporting reasons.

Other third parties that will have access to your personal data

If you are registering for the conference some of your data will be shared with other organisations and third parties in order to process your registration and / or abstract submission.

These will include:

• Eway (ecommerce provider)
• Should you elect to be on the delegate list, your name, organisation, state and country will be provided to sponsors of this event
• Registration category will only be shared between relevant ASHM/INHSU conference staff working on the 14th International Conference on Health and Hepatitis in Substance Users

If you are submitting an abstract for the conference your data will be shared with other organisations and third parties in order to process and review your abstract

This will include:

• 14th International Conference on Health and Hepatitis in Substance Users organising committee
• 14th International Conference on Health and Hepatitis in Substance Users Abstract Reviewers (your first name, last name and organisation)

Data controller contact

ASHM Health
Level 3, 160 Clarence Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Point of Contact: Conference Secretariat
Phone: +61 (0)2 8204 0770
Email Address: [email protected]

Nominated data protection officer
Name and Title: Amy Sargent
Phone: +61 (0)2 8204 0770
Email Address: [email protected]

We are continually assessing and improving the sustainability credentials of our events, including choosing partners who share the same environmental values as we do. Below are some of the environmental policies that we have introduced to INHSU 2026. 

• Conference program: A limited number of conference programs are printed and made available to conference attendees. Programs are printed on recycled paper and includes only essential information, with the rest available in the conference app
• Lanyards & name badges: We use recycled or eco-friendly material for our lanyards wherever possible. We provide recyclable name badges without a plastic pouch
• Catering: We monitor final delegate numbers for an accurate forecast of catering requirements in order to avoid waste
• Travel: There are lots of options for delegates travelling to attend our conferences who want to offset CO2. Most airline companies offer this as part of their booking process. You can also offset via Atmosfair and Greenfleet
• Meetings and site visits: We endeavour to minimise travel for planning the conferences through the use of teleconference meetings. This removes the need to organise face to-face meetings and to only hold meetings when necessary
• Venue: We aim to work with venues that enforce sustainability practices and policies

The conditions of registration for INHSU 2026 can be seen below.

These terms and conditions govern your purchase of tickets for, and attendance at, events held by ASHM Health (ASHM) as an agent of the International Network on Health and Hepatitis in Substance Users (INHSU). It is your responsibility to review these terms and conditions prior to the purchase of registrations. By purchasing registrations you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions. We reserve the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time and will provide the most recent version on our website.

Payment

Payment or proof of payment must be made in order to receive registration confirmation. We encourage payment to be made at the time of registration to confirm your registration and attendance at any social events. The online form will allow payment by credit card (Visa or Mastercard only) or indication that payment will be by EFT/ bank transfer. Please note your registration is not guaranteed until payment is received.

For registrations made after 11:59pm CEST Wednesday 16 September 2026 payment will be required by credit card online at the time of purchase to ensure payment is received before the delegate is onsite. Secure online credit card facilities are provided by eWay.

Payment Options

All payment options are outlined on the registration site and are included on the tax invoice. If you are paying by credit card, charges will appear on your statement as coming from “ASHM Surry Hills”.

Payments are processed through our PCI-compliant software and payment gateway eWay. CVV numbers are not stored with your credit card data.
If paying by EFT you must accept the bank fees at your end (if applicable). We will not deem registrations as fully paid if we receive them less bank fees.

Please note: INHSU’s standard invoice payment terms are 14 days from the date of issue.

Confirmation

Your record of registration, hotel bookings, and payment will be sent to you via email automatically upon completion of your registration.

Cancellation by you

• Cancellation Requests before 30 days prior to the event: Registration cancellations and amendments must be notified in writing to the Secretariat. Cancellations or changes received before 30 days prior to the event, will receive a refund less a 20% administration fee
• Cancellation Requests after 30 days prior to the event: Cancellations received in writing after 30 days prior to the event will not receive any refund. If cancellation is for medical purposes, we can assist with any documentation required for your insurance claim
  If your request is due to reasons out of your control, you must send your request in writing to [email protected] and provide proof for your request.
• Conference Requests after 30 days prior to the event due to Reasons out of the Delegate’s Control: If your request is due to reasons out of your control such as border closures and government restrictions preventing you from attending the conference, you must send your request in writing to [email protected] and provide proof for your request. After the deduction of a 20% administration fee the remaining cost will be refunded.
• Cancellation Requests due to a denied visa application: If you are required to obtain a visa to travel to the conference, and your visa application is denied, you must send your request in writing to [email protected] and provide proof that your visa application has been denied. A full refund will be issued to you.
  Please note: Refunds will only be issued if your visa application is denied and proof is submitted up to 7 days prior to the conference. If your request is due to not receiving a decision regarding your visa application in time to travel to the conference you are not entitled to a refund.
• Conference Social Functions: No refunds will be provided for social function tickets within 30 days of the function commencing. Tickets can be transferred to another name.

Registration Substitutions

As an alternative to cancellation, your registration may be transferred to another person without incurring any penalty. The Conference Secretariat must be advised of the transfer in writing ([email protected]).

Cancellation by us

Sometimes our events are cancelled, varied, rescheduled, or postponed due to Force Majeure Events or other causes.
In these terms and conditions, a “Force Majeure Event” means any of the following (whether or not foreseeable or anticipated): acts of God, terrorism, war, civil unrest, strike or labour dispute, lack of transportation, breakdown, labour or material shortage, blockade or embargo, supplier failure, epidemic or pandemic, government restriction or recommendation, legal requirement, extreme weather, earthquake, drought, fire, flood, explosion, natural disaster, and/or any other event, cause or circumstance that is beyond our reasonable control.

The conference has to be postponed

In the event that the conference cannot be held and is postponed due to events beyond the control of ASHM/INHSU (incl. force majeure) or due to events which are not attributable to wrongful intent or gross negligence of ASHM/INHSU, ASHM/INHSU cannot be held liable by delegates for any damages, costs, or losses incurred, financial losses, etc.

Under these circumstances, ASHM/INHSU reserves the right to transfer the registration to the postponed conference. If you are unable to attend the new dates, you may, by notifying us no later than 30 days after the originally scheduled date of the postponed conference, obtain a refund for the registration cost less 20% admin fee. The admin fee will be used to cover costs already incurred for the organization of the conference and which could not be recovered from third parties.

• Notification: We will use reasonable endeavours to notify ticket holders of a cancellation, variation, rescheduling or postponement of an event by sending an email to the address provided to us by the ticket holder and putting a notice on our website; however the responsibility to ascertain whether an event has been cancelled, varied, rescheduled or postponed is yours
• Sole remedy: Any refund will be your sole remedy for a postponement or cancellation of an event, and, to the extent permitted by law, ASHM/INHSU will have no further liability to you in respect of any cancellation, variation, rescheduling or postponement of an event for any reason

Format changed to virtual

In the event that the conference cannot be held face-to-face and is amended to a virtual delivery due to events beyond the control of ASHM/INHSU (incl. force majeure) or due to events which are not attributable to wrongful intent or gross negligence of ASHM/INHSU, ASHM/INHSU cannot be held liable by delegates for any damages, costs, or losses incurred, financial losses, etc. Under these circumstances, ASHM/INHSU reserves the right to convert face-to-face registrations to virtual registrations. All registrations will be automatically changed to a virtual registration.

Accommodation Cancellations

A fee may be charged to your credit card by the hotel, in line with their cancellation conditions, if you cancel accommodation after Sunday 23 August 2026.

Liability/Insurance

Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended that all delegates take out their own travel insurance and medical insurance prior to the conference. The policy should include loss of fees through cancellation of your participation in the Conference itself, loss of airfares for any reason, medical expenses and repatriation should travel arrangements have to be altered.

In the event of industrial disruptions or natural disasters, ASHM Health and the International Network on Health and Hepatitis in Substance Users cannot accept responsibility for any financial or other losses incurred by delegates. Nor can the Secretariat take responsibility for injury or damage to property or persons.

Indemnity

Registered delegates are liable for any damages caused by the delegate to the conference venues, accommodations rooms, conference supplier equipment or conference organiser’s equipment. In registering for the conference, the delegate agrees to indemnify the organiser for any damages caused by the delegate to any venue or equipment.

Limitation of Liability

To the extent permitted by law, we exclude all conditions and warranties relating to your purchase of tickets for and attendance at events. Where ASHM’s liability cannot be excluded, such as in relation to Consumer Guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law or other prescribed terms under the legislation, to the extent permitted by law, our liability for breach is limited to the face value of the ticket purchased by you, plus any relevant booking fees.

You agree that if ASHM will not be able to perform its obligations under these terms and conditions and in relation to events to the extent such performance is affected by a Force Majeure Event. To the extent permitted by law, we exclude all liability for consequential loss, which includes any indirect loss, loss of profit, loss of data or loss of reputation.

Image Release

In registering for the conference, delegates consent for ASHM/INHSU, its agents and others working under its authority to take and to have full and free use of video/photographs containing their image/ likeness taken at ASHM/INHSU events and conferences. ASHM/INHSU may only use these images for promotional, news, online/ multimedia, research and/or educational purposes by and for ASHM/INHSU.

Delegates agree that they are not entitled to remuneration, residuals, royalties or any other payment from ASHM/IHSU in respect of their image/likeness or its use. Delegates release, discharge, and hold harmless, ASHM/INHSU and its agents from any and all claims, demands or causes of actions that they may hereafter have by reason of anything contained in the photographs or video. Should a delegate not agree to the above image release, they must advise ASHM by contacting [email protected].

Children at conferences 

Delegates who bring family members or friends that are under the age of 18 years to the conference venue, facilities or functions relating to the conference, are wholly responsible for that child / minor and must ensure that they are supervised at all times by a responsible adult. The conference and the conference organiser bear no responsibility. There may also be content presented, discussed or shown that is not suitable for children. 

Intellectual Property

Some speakers may agree to share their presentation slides and webcasts (where available) with delegates only. This content is not intended for wider distribution – sharing, broadcasting and/or copying of this content is not permitted according to Australia’s intellectual property laws. Please be respectful of these speakers’ intellectual property so that we can continue to offer similar content in future events.

Special Dietary Requirements

Special dietary requirements may not be catered for unless requested before the event registration closing date. Please note down clearly your requirements (where indicated) on your online registration form or email the conference secretariat ([email protected]), with your specifications. Special requests on the day cannot be guaranteed.

Accessibility Requirements

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible conference experience for all attendees. While we will make every effort to accommodate your specific mobility or health requirements, please note the following:

• Budget Limitations:
  Some support options may be subject to budgetary constraints. In the unlikely event that we are unable to fully provide a requested aid or service, we will contact you to explore alternative arrangements.
• Timeline Considerations
  To ensure we can meet your needs, please submit your requirements during registration or no later than COB 4 September 2026. Requests submitted after this date may be subject to availability and may not be guaranteed.
• Collaboration
  For complex or highly specialised requirements, we may need to collaborate with you directly to determine the best possible solution.

Your understanding is greatly appreciated as we strive to create an accessible and welcoming environment for all delegates. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact our team at [email protected] or call +61 (0)2 8204 0770.

COVID-19 Vaccination Acknowledgement

Delegates attending an ASHM/INHSU event in person acknowledge that proof of vaccination or a valid exemption against COVID-19 vaccination may be required by various parties, including venues, transport and accommodation providers. Delegates must agree to comply with the required health and safety processes and protocols in place at the event or forum. You must not attend if have any symptoms of illness associated with the COVID-19 Corona Virus.

INHSU is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and productive environment for all attendees, speakers, organisers, staff, and volunteers at our conferences and events. This Code of Conduct applies to all conference spaces—both physical and virtual—and to all affiliated events. By participating, all attendees agree to uphold the standards set forth here.

Purpose

The INHSU Conference is designed to provide a respectful environment that encourages open dialogue, the exchange of scientific ideas, and professional networking for a diverse, international audience. We are dedicated to ensuring that every participant feels safe, respected, and included.

Due to the sensitive topics that will be discussed during the conference, it is crucial to consider that some of the speakers or participants may have lived experience of stigma and discrimination. Therefore, we invite all sponsors, volunteers, speakers, attendees, media, exhibitors and other participants to refer to the appropriate language guide provided.

Recognising Cultural Differences

INHSU values diversity and understands that our conference gathers individuals from various cultural and social backgrounds. Attendees are reminded to approach interactions with openness, recognizing that language and social norms differ across cultures. While we encourage sensitivity to others’ perspectives, we ask that offense not be taken unnecessarily where differences in language or norms may inadvertently arise.

Expected behaviour

• Treat all participants with respect and consideration. Refrain from using language or engaging in behaviour that may be discriminatory, derogatory, or offensive.
• Engage in discussions and exchanges with a focus on scientific and professional integrity.
• Be aware that expressions intended as jokes may be perceived differently by others. What may seem harmless to one individual could be hurtful to another.
• Do not photograph, record, or share images of attendees without their explicit consent. Event staff may take photos in line with registration terms; however, attendees may opt out by notifying INHSU conference staff

Prohibited Behaviour

Harassment, intimidation, and inappropriate conduct are strictly prohibited. Unacceptable behaviours include but are not limited to:

• Offensive comments related to personal attributes (e.g., gender, race, religion)
• Inappropriate or unwelcome physical contact
• Persistent disruption of presentations or sessions
• Stalking, intimidation, or unwelcome attention
• Recording or photographing individuals without permission

Reporting incidents

If you witness or experience harassment or feel uncomfortable for any reason, please contact conference staff at the registration desk immediately.

For situations with no immediate danger contact:

• Emma Day, INHSU Executive Director [email protected]
• Amy Sargent, ASHM Conference Manager [email protected]

We aim to address concerns respectfully and confidentially. You may report incidents anonymously if preferred.

Response

Unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated.

Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behaviour is expected to comply immediately.

If a participant continues to engage in unacceptable behaviour after being given a warning, the conference organisers may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including expulsion from the conference without warning or refund. In extreme cases the conference organisers will contact the appropriate authorities.

No Retaliation

Retaliation against anyone who reports harassment in good faith is prohibited. Additionally, falsely reporting an incident in bad faith violates this policy.

Acknowledgment

We believe this Code of Conduct reflects the values of our community, and we thank all participants for contributing to a positive and respectful atmosphere at INHSU events. For concerns related to this policy, please contact a conference staff member for assistance.