NACo Member County

Non-Member County

State Association

NACo Corporate Member

Corporate Non-Member

Other/Govt/Non-profits

Guest

CIO Forum Only

(July 8)

NACo Member County

Non-Member County

State Association

NACo Corporate Member

Corporate Non-Member

Other/Govt/Non-profits

Duty of Care

National Association of Counties (NACo) considers the safety of all those onsite at the Annual Conference & Exposition in person as our top priority. Duty of Care mission is a living document that will continue to evolve; incorporating innovative features that will further enhance the onsite experience and safety for everyone in attendance.

Name Badges & Lanyards will be available at multiple, separated locations throughout the venue to limit onside queues.

Onsite Medical Services will be provided in conjunction with Prince Georges County Public Health and Marriott International in respect to COVID-19 safety protocols. This includes:

• Temperature and health checks each day before entering the event

• COVID-19 Health Security Plan

PPE will be provided to supplement your own supply

• Access to n95 and disposable surgical masks as needed

• You are also encouraged to bring your own masks

Hand Sanitizer

• Personal-sized hand sanitizer will be provided by to each attendee

• Hand sanitizer stations will be positioned throughout the meeting space

In partnership with Gaylord National, we will be providing:

• Responsible practices to ensure safety between staff and guests and meeting spaces
• Appropriate Signage/floor decals to reinforce spatial distancing and other safety reminders

• Commitment to Clean: enhanced cleaning protocols throughout the hotel, including public spaces, guest rooms and meeting spaces
• Contact Lite Experience: leveraging technology to give attendees the choice on how to interact with hotel associates
• Physical Distancing: reimagining spaces to enable more distance in accordance with best practices and local guidelines
• Redesigned Food & Beverage: offering a wide variety of F&B options including prepackaged, grab & go and plated service

Code of Conduct

We are passionate about advancing excellence in public service to help people and places thrive across America. We value our diversity of thought, heritage and experience. We sustain our ingenuity and impact by harnessing our collective knowledge and by cultivating collegiality, civility and inclusivity. We are steadfast in our pursuit to enrich our membership value exponentially, guided by the belief that stronger counties result in a stronger America.

NACo’s goal is to create a productive, civil and safe environment for all virtual and in-person event attendees. We ask all attendees, including but not limited to members, guests, speakers, staff, sponsors and all others, to abide by NACo’s Event Code of Conduct. By acknowledging this code of conduct, I hereby acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. I will not engage in:

• Harassing, intimidating or discriminatory verbal, physical or visual conduct in any form, to include wearing clothing with graphic, inappropriate or profane images or slogans;
• Verbal abuse of any other attendees, including speakers, staff, hotel employees, sponsors and suppliers;
• Disrupting presentations;
• Distributing promotional materials (other than what has been pre-approved), to include but not limited to advertisements, product announcements or solicitation for services;

Examples of verbal abuse include but are not limited to: using sexually explicit, harassing or profane language, gestures or images while attending any NACo virtual or in-person event. Regardless of platform, attendees are expected to treat others with respect, inclusivity and civility, recognizing that this event is a place for diversity of thought, organization and individuals.

2. I further promise to be mindful of my surroundings and others. I will alert event staff if I notice discriminatory, harassing, aggressive, or exclusionary behavior or speech or other behavior unbecoming of an attendee.

Waiver of Liability

The National Association of Counties (NACo) is offering in-person attendance at its Annual Conference & Exposition in Prince George’s County, Maryland, pursuant to local government orders and public health guidance on such gatherings. NACo is committed to hosting a safe event for all participants and to this end requires all members, guests, staff and supplier personnel to comply with safety precautions specified for Prince George’s County, Maryland and the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in addition to state, local government and CDC guidelines and recommendations.

By acknowledging these protocols and waiver of liability, I hereby acknowledge and agree to the following for myself and my guests:

1. COVID-19. I am aware of the existence of COVID-19, and that my participation in an in-person meeting may cause injury, illness or death to myself and/or my family.
2. Symptoms. I will not attend in-person if I have experienced symptoms such as: fever, fatigue, difficulty breathing, dry cough or other symptoms related to COVID-19 within 48 hours prior to my scheduled arrival.
3. Behavior. While at the event, I will take necessary precautions including, but not limited to, engaging in appropriate social distancing, wearing a mask in public areas and meeting spaces, minimizing face touching, frequently washing my hands and avoiding high-risk environments such as overcrowded bars or restaurants.
4. Masks. I will wear an appropriate mask, as recommended by CDC and the local public health department, at all times, unless otherwise permitted. I understand that masks may be required in ALL public places, outdoors or indoors, even where I am able to maintain 6 feet of distance from others (as per current local regulations). My mask will cover my nose and mouth and can be described as N95, KN95, surgical or multi-layered cloth. I understand that neck gaiters, bandanas and those of synthetic materials are not considered appropriate to use on their own. Face shields may only be substituted for masks for individuals with a documented health exception as allowable by Prince George’s, County, Maryland.
5. Isolation/Quarantine. I will not attend in-person if I must isolate or quarantine because I may have been exposed to a person with COVID-19 or if I am awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test or have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 14 days.
6. COVID-19 Exposure. I will not attend in-person if I have been in close physical contact (six feet or closer for at least 15 minutes cumulatively over a 24-hour period) with a person who is known to have laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 or with anyone who has any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 within the last 14 days.
7. Health and Safety Rules for the Meeting. During the in-person conference and related events/meetings, I will comply with state, local and National Association of Counties (NACo) health and safety requirements, including requirements for mask-wearing and social distancing, respecting the autonomy of other attendees at the meeting, and complying with posted safety guidelines and directives from venue and event staff. This includes wearing a face mask in all event areas that fully covers the nose and mouth, unless in an approved dining area.
8. Daily Health Checks. During the in-person conference and related events/meetings, I will complete the daily health check and submit results to the designated authority. I understand that proof of compliance with these checks may be required to access meeting rooms and events.
9. Choice to Join In-Person or Virtually. Each attendee has the option of attending in person or virtually.
10. Attendance. I choose to attend the conference and related events/meetings in person.
11. Risk Factors – At Your Own Risk. I am aware of the potential risk of contracting COVID-19 from individuals, even if those individuals do not display any symptoms of the virus. I expressly agree that participation in the conference and related events/meetings is undertaken at my own risk.
12. Release of NACo and Affiliated. I hereby release NACo; its employees, officers, directors, or agents; NACo’s members or affiliated entities; and its board members from any liability related to contracting or spreading COVID-19 or becoming ill or incurring any personal injury or death from or related to COVID-19, as a result of attending the conference in person. I assume all risks of illness, injury or death.
13. Waive Right to Recovery. I hereby forever waive any right to recovery for any damages related to contracting or spreading COVID-19, or becoming ill or incurring any personal injury or death from or related to COVID-19 against NACo; its employees, officers, directors, or agents; NACo’s members or affiliated entities; and its board members and agree not to pursue or join any such claims, demands, damages, actions, or causes of action, including but not limited to those that result from any acts of active or passive negligence on the part of any of the foregoing.
14. Expenses Due to COVID-19. Any expenses related to COVID-19 virus prevention or mitigation, including isolation and quarantine, are my sole responsibility. I understand that any medical care will be provided at my sole expense.

I have read and understand this waiver and release of claims, and I understand the risks I am assuming. I am entering into this waiver and release of claims voluntarily. I further understand that violating any portion of this code of conduct may result in removal from event activities without refund or warning and exclusion from attending future events. It is agreed that if my registration was made by someone else, these rules and waivers will still apply to me.

Registration

Can I register someone other than myself for this event?

Yes. To register someone else, use their email address to register and ensure that the profile shown on the screen matches the person you want to register.

I need to register more than one person.

You will need to register each person one at a time. To register someone else, use their email address to register and ensure that the profile shown on the screen matches the person you want to register.

There was a group registration discount for the Legislative Conference, but I don’t see it listed here.

The Annual Conference is not offering a group registration option.

Why is the fee for virtual the same as in-person?

Conference registration fees are the same for in-person and virtual attendance because 1) the registration fee is associated with the voting process at the annual business meeting, and consistency of the fee ensures fairness between voting delegates participating virtually and in-person; and 2) the audio/visual and staffing costs associated with hosting an interactive virtual experience are analogous to the costs of hosting attendees in-person.

 Can I be copied on the email confirmation that goes to the person I register?

No. Please email nacomeetings@naco.org to request a copy of the confirmation email.

I’m a full-time student, is there a discount for me?

Yes. Send an email from your school email address to nacomeetings@naco.org to request a student discount.

I need to reassign a registration to someone else.

Email nacomeetings@naco.org and include: the name and email of the registration you need to transfer and the name and email of the person to whom you would like the registration reassigned.

Can I switch my participation from in-person to virtual OR from virtual to in-person??

Yes. Email nacomeetings@naco.org with details.

How do I book a hotel room?

NACo has negotiated discounted sleeping room rates at the Gaylord National. Only registered conference attendees have access to these rates. Instructions will be emailed to you after you submit your registration.

How will I be able to view the virtual event?

You’ll receive access information by email 24-hours prior to the start of an event.

I didn’t receive access instructions. What do I do?

Please check your spam folder. If you are unable to find access instructions, please email nacomeetings@naco.org.

I need to update information or email address on my registration.

Contact nacomeetings@naco.org and provide the information that needs to be updated or correct email address.

Can I attend committee meetings if I’m not a member of that committee?

Yes, all committee meetings are open, even if you’re not a member of that committee.

I want more information about joining a committee.

Contact committee@naco.org, 888.407.NACo (6226), or visit https://www.naco.org/about/committees-state-associations-and-affiliates

I have questions about my county’s NACo membership.

Visit https://www.naco.org/about/membership or contact membership@naco.org. 

Access

How will I be able to view the virtual event?

You’ll receive access information by email 24-hours prior to the start of an event.

I didn’t receive access instructions. What do I do?

Please check your spam folder. If you are unable to find access instructions, please email nacomeetings@naco.org.

Will committee meetings be recorded?

When available, yes committee meetings will be recorded. Meetings not available for later viewing will be clearly identified.

If I want to attend two workshops that are scheduled at the same time, will workshops be recorded?

Yes. All workshops, keynotes and plenary events will be recorded. Anyone who has registered will have access to these recordings for up to one-year post-event.

Will copies of presentation PowerPoints be available?

Some presentations will be available to attendees. Specific information about presentations will be announced during the session.

General

Can I get Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) for attending NACo conferences or can I get documentation that I attended?

NACo is not accredited to offer CEUs for attending NACo conferences; however, if you are enrolled in a continuing education program, please inquire with that education program about whether they will accept attendance hours at a NACo event towards your CEU requirements, and if so, what documentation is necessary. Please email nacomeetings@naco.org if you would like attendance documentation.

I am interested in speaking at a NACo event; or I would like to suggest a speaker and/or topic.

NACo accepts program proposals and speaker suggestions for our events year-round. Please use this form to submit your program proposal or suggest yourself or someone else as a speaker.

Voting Credentials

What are voting credentials?  

Voting credentials attest to a county’s eligibility to vote. Credentials contain information on the number of votes a county is eligible to cast and the identity of the delegate(s) who are authorized to cast those votes.  

On what issues or for which candidates do counties/parishes/boroughs vote?

Counties vote on proposed amendments to association bylaws, the national policy agenda and elect NACo officers for the coming year. The second vice president is typically the only contested position.

How do I confirm my county is eligible to vote?

A county must be a NACo member “in good standing” in order to vote. “Good standing” is defined as having:
1.) 2021 NACo membership dues paid in full prior to the annual business meeting
2.) at least one individual from the county registered for the Annual Conference, and 
3.) appointed a voting delegate(s).   

What is a voting delegate?  

A voting delegate is someone authorized by your county to cast the county’s votes at the hybrid annual business meeting.  

Who may be a voting delegate?  

Any elected or appointed official or staff member from your county/parish/borough may be a voting delegate. The voting delegate can be appointed by your Chief Elected Official (CEO) or a registered delegate for the conference.    

How can a voting delegate become credentialed?  

Individuals from NACo member counties can designate themselves as a voting delegate when registering online for the Annual Conference. Additionally, in June, voting credentials instructions will be sent to member county chief elected officials and clerks to the county board on appointing a voting delegate. 

What is the deadline for appointing a voting delegate?

We highly recommend appointing your county’s voting delegate prior to Friday, July 9, 2021 so your delegate can participate in training webinars and practice ballots prior to the annual business meeting.

The final deadline for appointing a voting delegate is Sunday, July 11, 2021 at 5 P.M. EDT.  

How does NACo determine the number of votes each county receives?

The number of votes is determined by the amount of dues a county pays. Dues are based on the population of the 2010 census. All counties are entitled to at least one vote. Members with more than $1,199 in dues are entitled to one additional vote for each additional $1,200 in dues or fraction thereof paid.
– Counties with dues of $450 to $1,199 receive one vote 
– Counties with dues of $1,200 to $2,399 receive two votes, and so on
– The maximum number of votes a county can receive is 51 

When does the voting take place?  

This year’s voting will take place in-person and virtually on Monday, July 12, 2021, tentatively at 1:00 p.m. EDT at NACo’s 2021 annual business meeting. Visit NACo.org/Annual to view the current schedule of events. 

Does the voting delegate have to attend in-person?  

No, the county’s voting delegate can participate and cast their vote(s) in-person or virtually.  

How does the voting occur?  

Voting will take place virtually for both in-person and virtual voting delegates using the Election Buddy electronic voting tool. To facilitate the 2021 hybrid annual business meeting, voting delegates will be required to provide their cell phone number to receive their ballot and in case NACo staff needs to contact delegates during the business meeting. 

Will voting delegates receive training on using Election Buddy to cast their ballot?  

Yes, NACo will hold webinars and test ballots for registered delegates prior to the annual business meeting. Real time support will be provided on-site for in-person delegates and through a hotline for virtual delegates. 

Can more than one voting delegate cast their county’s vote at the NACo 2021 Annual Business Meeting?  

Due to the hybrid nature of the conference, we highly recommend appointing one voting delegate per county. That individual should be the one who:
1.) plans to participate in the annual business meeting in-person or virtually and
2.) will cast the county’s vote(s).  

My county has 10 votes. Can we divide or share our votes?  

The vote allocation is up to your county. NACo has no rule on how counties decide to allocate their votes and is not involved in the decision. Counties may split their votes amongst the second vice president candidates, but fractions of a whole vote are not permitted.  

If my county registers for the Annual Conference and no one can attend, can we assign a proxy voter?  

Yes, counties can proxy their votes to another member county in their state or to their state association. Voting delegates can assign a proxy while completing the credentials process while registering online for the conference. Additionally, CEOs and voting delegates will receive instructions on how to proxy votes in June.

Proxy voters or any changes to a county’s appointed delegate must be completed by Sunday, July 11 by 5 P.M. EDT 

What happens if our county’s voting delegate cannot attend the Annual Business Meeting? Do my county’s votes automatically go to the state association?  

No. If the assigned voting delegate does not attend the meeting and the county did not proxy those votes to the state association, those votes will NOT be cast by the state association on their behalf.

If the voting delegate cannot attend the annual business meeting, the county must assign another delegate or proxy their votes by Sunday, July 11 by 5 P.M. EDT. If the county does not assign a proxy for votes and their voting delegate does not participate in the meeting, their votes will not be cast.

If my county will not participate in this year’s Annual Conference, can we still vote?

Per NACo’s bylaws, nonattending counties can only have their ballots cast if:
1.) They pay the conference registration fee within 72 hours of the start of the conference and
2.) assign a proxy voter.  

What happens if there is a dispute over the voting process?  

It is rare, but sometimes irregularities occur with how votes are cast or tallied or how the credentialing process is conducted. As a safeguard, elections of officers may be challenged during the NACo annual business meeting. Challenges are allowed under two circumstances:
1.) A voting delegate may challenge the vote for their state, and their state only.
2.)A candidate running to become a NACo officer may challenge the vote of any state.

At the beginning of the annual business meeting, the Credentials Committee chair will report the total number of credentialed votes, including per state, and move to approve the certified report. This is the point during the business meeting that any state designee or credentialed member may raise any objection or question related to the credentials process and confirm or challenge the accuracy of the overall total, including state and county allocations, as certified by the Credentials Committee.

If a challenge is made, the NACo Credentials Committee will conduct an audit of the votes cast in the state of the challenge.