IPMA CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

As a Member of the IPMA, you agree to abide by the IPMA’s Code of Professional Conduct. This Code applies to all Members of the IPMA, including Officers, Directors, Committee Chairs, Task Forces, the Immediate Past President, Staff, contractors hired by the IPMA, IPMA liaisons to other organizations, and other representatives of the IPMA (herein referred to as “IPMA representatives”).

The IPMA’s Code of Professional Conduct prescribes standards for the conduct of all IPMA representatives in all official IPMA spaces, whether on online forums, in virtual meetings, or at in-person events. IPMA representatives shall conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the mission, values, and high standards expected of the Association.

The IPMA is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and healthy einvironment. IPMA’s Code of Professional Conduct is the foundation for creating and maintaining a vibrant, diverse, and safe environment where professionals connect, grow, and develop as leaders without impeding others' journeys. All IPMA representatives engaged in any official activity, including but not limited to meetings, education programs, Committee activities, social events, and day-to-day operations of the IPMA deserve to feel valued and to be treated with dignity and respect. Harassment of any kind, violence, discrimination, bullying, and unprofessional misconduct will not be tolerated, condoned, or ignored.

IPMA will take all reasonable steps to ensure that IPMA representatives are aware of their rights and responsibilities relating to maintaining a harassment-, violence-, and discrimination-free environment. All incidents and complaints under this policy will be promptly dealt with in a confidential, timely, fair, constructive, and respectful manner. Corrective measures, which may include disciplinary measures up to and including dismissal and termination of membership, will be taken against any person breaching this policy.

If, at any time, an IPMA representative is confronted with a problem concerning ethics, conduct, or IPMA Association Policies & Procedures Manual 38 professional responsibilities that cannot be resolved by reference to the policies and procedures set forth below, the representative shall contact the President or Executive Director.

13.1 Professional Conduct

• Uphold the ethical standards of the organization.

• Do not share confidential information discussed in closed meetings or events.

• Do not spread false information.

• Refrain from engaging in defamatory speech.

• Treat every individual in the community with dignity, empathy, respect, and care.

• Show self-awareness in communication: Be mindful of tone, context, and cultural differences.

• Maintain professionalism in all engagements, whether public or private.

13.2 Zero-Tolerance Policy

The IPMA has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination or harassment of any kind, including bullying, offensive language, inappropriate gestures, acts of violence, or any other form of harassment, and expects IPMA representatives to adhere to all applicable Federal laws and regulations. Any engagement in illegal activities, including discrimination or harassment based on a protected class or characteristic is strictly prohibited. The IPMA will act promptly to eliminate discrimination or harassment and impose corrective action against violators of the policy.

The IPMA values diversity and seeks to celebrate the contributions of all people, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, sex, gender, including gender identity and gender expression, socioeconomic status, religion, creed, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, military and veteran status, genetic information, medical condition, sexual orientation, or any other protected class, characteristic, or consideration. The IPMA expects IPMA representatives to value and celebrate the contributions of all people as well.

13.3 Non-Solicitation Policy

IPMA exists to advance the profession of legal management through education, collaboration, and peer connection. Professional networking is an essential benefit of membership, and IPMA encourages members to build authentic relationships and learn from one another. To preserve trust and equitable participation, IPMA maintains a non-solicitation policy that draws a clear line between professional networking and business development activity.

Members may not use IPMA programs, platforms, events, directories, or member relationships primarily to solicit business, market products or services, or drive revenue, except where IPMA has expressly designated a space or opportunity for such activity (e.g., Expo Hall). Solicitation may be overt, indirect, or repeated, and intent will be considered.

The following activities are generally appropriate when conducted respectfully and without pressure:

• Exchanging business cards or contact information as part of a genuine professional conversation.

• Following up only when invited or permission is clearly given.

• Sharing experience, expertise, or resources in response to a question or discussion. IPMA Association Policies & Procedures Manual 39

• Contacting another member to discuss mutual professional challenges or best practices. • Inviting a member to an educational or non-commercial event, provided it is not a disguised sales pitch.

• Building relationships through service, collaboration, and peer support.

The following activities are not permitted unless explicitly authorized by IPMA:

• Sending unsolicited marketing emails, messages, or calls to IPMA members.

• Sharing membership directory information with non-members or third parties.

• Reproducing, copying, or exporting membership directory data for commercial purposes.

• Promoting products, services, or revenue-generating initiatives in IPMA forums, meetings, chats, or events not designated for that purpose.

• Spamming or reposting similar promotional content across IPMA channels.

Each member has the right to determine whether an interaction feels solicitous. Members are encouraged to be direct and respectful if boundaries are crossed. All members are expected to honor such feedback promptly and without defensiveness. Retaliation for declining or reporting solicitation is strictly prohibited.

13.4 Membership Agreement

Upon becoming a member, including upon membership renewal, Members of the IPMA agree to the following Membership Agreement:

As a Member of the International Practice Management Association (IPMA), I agree to uphold and abide by the values, mission, and policies set forth by the association. I acknowledge that IPMA is a professional community built on principles of respect, inclusion, and integrity. My membership is contingent upon compliance with IPMA’s Code of Professional Conduct, and I understand that failure to do so may result in immediate dismissal from meetings or activities and up to revocation of membership without refund.

I understand that these standards apply to all interactions occurring within the IPMA ecosystem, including but not limited to virtual or in-person events, Committee meetings, forums, communication platforms, and any third-party platforms utilized for IPMA activities. These guidelines also extend to any guests I invite or who represents me.

By becoming or continuing as a Member of IPMA, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to abide by the Membership Agreement and Code of Professional Conduct set forth by the association. I understand that violating the Code of Professional Conduct may result in immediate dismissal from meetings or activities or corrective action up to revocation of membership without refund.

13.5 Reporting A Violation

Any IPMA representative may report a suspected violation by emailing info@theipma.org or through direct communication with the President or Executive Director. All reports will be kept confidential to IPMA Association Policies & Procedures Manual 40 the greatest extent possible and handled with urgency and care.

13.6 Investigation Process

Upon receipt of a complaint, the IPMA will initiate a confidential and impartial review. All involved parties will be given the opportunity to share their perspective. Outcomes will be based on a thorough examination of facts, context, and intent. The Executive Committee has the authority to retain outside legal counsel, accountants, private investigators, or any other resource deemed necessary to conduct a full and complete investigation of the allegations.

13.7 Enforcement

IPMA may take any of the following actions depending on the severity and recurrence of the offense:

Disciplinary decisions, including dismissal or membership revocation, will be made at the sole discretion of IPMA leadership, based on a fair review of evidence and with alignment to these policies.

As administrators of IPMA’s Policies & Procedures, and therefore administrators of IPMA’s Code of Professional Conduct, IPMA’s Executive and Deputy Directors, as well as IPMA’s Board members and IPMA Association Policies & Procedures Manual 41 Chairs, have the right to remove violators from IPMA events or meetings, and, with the consent of the Executive Committee, IPMA’s Executive and Deputy Directors can issue written warnings and reminders.

Full membership investigations will be conducted by IPMA’s Board and decisions regarding enforcement actions will be decided by IPMA’s Board.

If a member of the Board is under investigation, the remainder of the Board will conduct the review outside of the presence of the Board member in question.

IPMA reserves the right to amend or update these guidelines at any time.