About NGMA

All those in attendance at NGMA in-person events agree to abide by the In-Person Meeting Code of Conduct (noted in section above), the Duty of Care for Communicable Disease, and Waiver and Release of Liability for Communicable Disease:

Duty of Care for Communicable Disease

• I agree to abide by all advisories, policies, procedures and protocols established by federal, state and local government agencies and officials; the event venue; or by NGMA that are designed to limit the spread of a communicable disease.
• I will not attend the event if I have received a positive test of a communicable disease within five days of travel, are showing any symptoms, or have been in close contact with a person who has tested positive for or who has symptoms of a communicable disease.
• Should I begin to actively experience symptoms during the event I will self-quarantine immediately and notify NGMA staff at info@ngma.org.
• My failure to adhere to these standards may result in NGMA taking any action it deems appropriate, including but not limited to expulsion from the current and future meetings, with no warning or refund. 

Waiver and Release of Liability for Communicable Disease

• I acknowledge that NGMA cannot guarantee that I will not be exposed to or contract a communicable disease at the event. Further, due to the nature of the facilities, services and programs offered at this event, I understand that attending the event could increase my risk of contracting a communicable disease.
• I understand the risk that I may be exposed to or infected by a communicable disease by attending the event, and that such exposure or infection may result in quarantine requirements, serious illness, permanent disability, and/or death to myself, my spouse, guests, child(ren), unborn child, or relatives.
• I further understand that the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by a communicable disease at the event may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to, NGMA, its officers, staff, contractors, agents, representatives, sponsors, other participants, and any owners and lessors of premises used to conduct the event (“releasees”). I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, BOTH KNOWN AND UNKNOWN, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES, and assume full responsibility for my participation in the event.
• In consideration of being allowed to participate in the event, I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives, and next of kin, acknowledge and agree to RELEASE, COVENANT NOT TO SUE, DISCHARGE AND HOLD HARMLESS the releasees, with respect to any and all liabilities, claims, penalties, suits, demands, judgments, costs, interests, and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and costs) arising from or relating to the illness, disability, or death of myself (or any person who may contract a communicable disease, directly or indirectly, from me), as a direct or indirect result, in whole or in part, of a communicable disease, to the fullest extent permitted by law. THIS WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY INCLUDES ANY CLAIMS BASED ON THE ACTIONS, OMISSIONS, OR NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES, WHETHER AN INFECTION OCCURS BEFORE, DURING, OR AFTER PARTICIPATION IN THE EVENT.

Act of God Policy

If you are forced to cancel your attendance at an in-person NGMA event outside of the published cancellation window due to an emergency, you may be eligible for a refund of some or all of your paid registration fees through NGMA’s Act of God policy. 

Act of God refunds fall outside NGMA’s standard cancellation policy. As such, they require full documentation and review by the executive director of NGMA before approval. 

Why NGMA Offers Act of God Refunds
NGMA understands that unexpected emergencies can arise. This process allows registrants to request an official review when unforeseen, serious circumstances prevent attendance at the last minute. 

However, please note that refunds given for cancellations within the final two weeks before Annual Grants Training or In-Person GMBoK Training are extremely limited. By this point, NGMA has already incurred costs associated with your registration, including payment of processing fees, badge printing, and non-refundable food orders. As a nonprofit, we strive to be responsible stewards of member and registrant funds; minimizing losses from last-minute cancellations helps us maintain lower registration fees. 

Note that only fees associated with event registration are refundable. Feed paid toward membership benefits outside of the conference will not be refunded due to an Act of God. In all cases, the $50 processing fee is non-refundable. 

Circumstances That MAY Qualify for Review
Examples of situations where an Act of God refund may be considered:

• Death of an immediate family member or a funeral/wake occurring during AGT
• Serious illness or injury of the registrant, spouse, child or parent occurring within two days of the first day of AGT
• Car accident occurring within two days of the first day of AGT
• Fire or flood affecting the registrant’s home

Circumstance NOT Eligible for Act of God Refunds
The following situations do not qualify:

• Non-emergency doctor’s appointments for registrants or their family members
• Injuries or illnesses involving pets
• Leaving a current position or role (contact us to discuss a possible transfer)
• Transportation delays
• Impending grant deadlines or loss of a grant
• Travel freezes
• Government shutdowns

Acceptable Documentation
Documentation should verify the date and nature of the emergency. Examples include:

• Letters or documentation from medical providers showing date of care and any travel restrictions
• Obituaries or funeral/wake notices
• Police reports
• News articles

Submitting Your Request
Requests should be submitted via the provided online form. The form fields will include a written description of the circumstances preventing your attendance and a place to submit supporting documentation as outlined above. All requests and supporting documentation for Act of God consideration for 2027 Annual Grants Training must be submitted no later than April 7, 2027. Submissions via phone or email will not be accepted for consideration.