Since its founding in 1976, CTAM has been unique in the industry as a conference producer focused on educational programs without the direct selling and circus-like atmosphere commonly found at trade shows. While CTAM conferences feature networking and social events, the organization manages the level of sponsorship to maintain a relatively non-commercial atmosphere. CTAM requests that all sponsors contact CTAM before contracting for promotions.

Policy
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The educational programs at all CTAM conferences will be non-commercial. CTAM produced panels and educational programs may not be used for sales efforts. No premiums or commercial materials can be distributed during educational activities. 

CTAM may offer sponsorship opportunities for specific CTAM functions, including the product demonstration areas open during non-educational time slots. Refreshment break, demonstration area or social event sponsors may distribute premiums or literature during the functions that they sponsor. CTAM sponsors are accorded special benefits based on their level of sponsorship. However, CTAM does not endorse sponsors or their products.

CTAM may rent small meeting rooms or suites at the conference venue, which may not be used during General Sessions. Non-CTAM functions (educational, social or meetings), which are intended to attract CTAM conference attendees may not be held at the conference venue or off-premise while a CTAM educational or social function is being held. CTAM does not allow promotion of non-CTAM functions at CTAM’s venue(s). CTAM will designate the “Non-Commercial Zone” around conference venues to delineate the area covered by this policy (see map). 

CTAM may offer sponsored presentation opportunities during designated non-educational hours. These presentations will be promoted in conference materials as part of the sponsorship. Premiums and literature may be distributed during the presentations.

CTAM may offer limited promotional opportunities in conference hotels and convention centers to sponsors, such as banners and lighted signs in the conference venue, branded lanyards and room keys. 

Press conferences must be approved by CTAM and may be held only during time periods scheduled by CTAM.

News and information publications may be distributed to CTAM conference attendees’ hotel rooms, if required bin fees have been paid. Premiums and promotional literature may be placed inside attendees’ rooms. CTAM retains the right of approval over premiums and promotional literature; marketers must submit the proposed room drop to CTAM one week prior to the conference. CTAM controls the hotels’ dark television channels and will sell their use as a sponsorship during a conference, giving preference to legitimate video publications.

Recent examples of proposed marketing ideas that were not allowed under CTAM’s Non-Commercial Policy include: have bartenders at the conference hotel wear a company’s tee-shirts; put a company logo on 1) hotel door knobs, 2) coffee cups in the hotel restaurants and 3) CTAM badges; have cartoon character voices place guest wake-up calls; have costumed characters circulate among attendees, dress bus drivers as cartoon characters; have gobo lights outside the hotel feature a company logo; use pub bins for promotional materials; and place signs for “legal” off-premise events in conference hotels.

As a general policy, CTAM will not participate in industry functions intended to promote specific companies and their products or services.

To avoid any last minute hassles, please contact Seth Morrison with specific questions - seth@ctam.com or 703.837.6546.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and CTAM members, thank you for your support of CTAM’s non-commercial policy.

Download the Non-Commercial Policy.