Waiver of Liability

By registering for and attending in-person the annual conference (including all events and tours) organized by the Society of Environmental Journalists (“SEJ”), I certify that my participation is completely voluntary. I understand and fully realize my participation may involve exposure to a variety of inherent hazards and risks, foreseen and unforeseen. These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious personal injury, property damage and death (“Injuries and Damages”), from exposure to the hazards of travel and group assemblies.

I certify that SEJ has not tried to contradict or minimize my understanding of these risks. I know that Injuries and Damages can occur by natural causes or activities of other persons, animals, event participants, event leaders or third parties, as a result of negligence or other reasons.

I understand the inherent risks of Injuries and Damages involved in activities during SEJ’s annual conference (including events and tours) and I am responsible to exercise extra care and prudent judgment for my own person and for others around me in the face of such hazards. I further understand that during SEJ activities there may not be rescue or medical facilities or expertise available as necessary to deal with Injuries and Damages to which I may be exposed.

I agree to abide by all health and safety guidelines and recommendations established by federal, state and local government agencies and officials, and the event venues, including but not limited to posted policies and procedures at the annual conference by SEJ, Royal Sonesta Houston, Rice University, or other service providers and affiliates engaged for the event (collectively “Affiliates”). This includes, but is not limited to, adhering to any requirements and restrictions during the event established by SEJ and its Affiliates. These requirements and restrictions may consist of completing a health survey/screening, vaccination requirements, masking requirements, engaging in appropriate physical distancing, frequent handwashing, and other activities.

To the fullest extent allowed by law, I hereby agree to WAIVE, DISCHARGE CLAIMS, and RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS FROM LIABILITY the Society of Environmental Journalists, its officers, directors, employees, agents and leaders from any and all liability on account of, or in any way resulting from Injuries and Damages, even if caused by the negligence of SEJ, its officers, directors, employees, agents and leaders, and others connected with SEJ’s conference (including events and tours). I further agree to RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS the Society of Environmental Journalists, its officers, directors, employees, agents and leaders from any claims, damages, injuries or losses caused by my own negligence while a participant in SEJ’s annual conference (including events or tours). I understand and intend that this assumption of risk and release is binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns.

I understand that this release discharges SEJ and its Affiliates from any liability or claim that I, my heirs, or any personal representatives may have against them with respect to all negligent or other acts, injuries, claims, demands, suits, damages, settlements, and liabilities of any kind (including reasonable attorney’s fees and legal costs) (collectively, “Liabilities”), including, without limitation: bodily injury, disease or illness, transmission of COVID-19 or other communicable disease, death, medical treatment, or property damage, known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, that may arise from, or in connection to, my attendance at the SEJ annual conference.

I certify that I am not physically disabled or under any mental disorder which would prevent me from legally signing this Waiver of Liability or from participating in SEJ’s annual conference (including events and tours). I also certify that I understand the English Language, that I can read written English, and that I understand everything written in this Waiver of Liability.