Drug Policy Alliance

Conference Policies

Change to Conference Agenda:

Please note that the agenda is subject to change so check the website often for updates.

Badges:

When you check in, you will receive a conference package with a name badge.  It is very important that you remember your badge as it is required for entrance to the sessions. If you lose your badge it can be replaced for a small fee.  You must wear your badge at all times during the Conference. 

What to Wear & Bring:

Attendees generally wear business casual or casual attire.  You may want to bring along a light jacket or sweater, as the temperature in meeting rooms is often difficult to control.  During the day, you will be moving throughout the convention center, which is a large facility.  For your convenience, please wear comfortable walking shoes.  We will not have a bag check, so be sure to travel light.  You will receive a conference bag once you arrive for all of your program materials.

The Albuquerque Convention Center practices green policies and therefore does not place water in all of the meeting rooms; water coolers are placed in the hallways.   Because our air is so dry and you can become easily dehydrated, we recommend bringing a water bottle with you so that you can refill at your convenience.

Security:

For the enjoyment of all participants, inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and violators will be removed from the premises.

Do not leave personal items or conference bags unattended anywhere in the convention center, including the foyer. 

Please note that for the security of conference attendees, the Albuquerque Convention Center has security cameras located throughout the facility.

Smoking:
Sleeping Rooms: The Hyatt Regency has a limited number of smoking rooms available.  Reserve your room early to be sure they can accommodate your request. Individuals found smoking in sleeping rooms designated non-smoking may be assessed with a charge for deep cleaning the room.

Meeting space: Albuquerque has implemented a Clean Indoor Air Act; therefore, smoking is NOT PERMITTED in any public space within the Albuquerque Convention Center. 

Restaurants/Bars: Albuquerque has a Clean Air Act and has banned smoking in all restaurants, bars and public spaces across the state.

Medical Marijuana:

The Drug Policy Alliance worked with hundreds of community advocates, patients, and community organizations over the last seven years to pass the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act in New Mexico. The bill passed the New Mexico State Legislature and was signed into law in the spring of 2007 making New Mexico the 12th state in the country to allow legal access to medical marijuana.

Please note that New Mexico does not recognize medical marijuana cardholders from other states – the only states that do are Montana, Michigan and Rhode Island, so, if a patient from California, Colorado, Hawaii, etc. attends the conference they will a) not have any legal protection and b) will be unable to access the state-licensed cannabis production facilities.

Substance Use:

We recognize that everyone at the conference is working to change drug-related laws and might have differing philosophies regarding drug use than the current administration.  However, please remember that drug use is illegal and we must respect the laws of the community we are in.

Photo/Recording Waiver:

There may be photography, audio or video recording at the conference.  By entering the event premises you give consent to the use of your photograph, likeness or video or audio recording in whole or in part without restriction or limitation for any educational, promotional, or any purpose for distribution in Drug Policy Alliance online and printed publications or any publication in other media and release DPA, their officers and employees, and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, recording, digitizing or publication of interviews, photographs, computer images, video and/or sound recordings.  A full release can be found in the terms and conditions of your registration.  If you do not want to be photographed or videotaped, please notify the individuals capturing the information.