The 2024 joint meeting of the AFO, SCO-SOC, and WOS is a pro-social media event; we actively encourage the sharing of conference content. Sharing ornithological science with the public via social media is one way to educate the public, which can only help the support of the science and its application. 

Presenters are encouraged to include personal and/or project social media handles and project hashtags on slides (at least the opening/title slide, but recommended to use on all slides) and posters. For those without personal/project handles or hashtags, consider including the conference hashtag (#AFOSCOWOS24) or a social media icon on slides to let people know you are supportive of them posting about your work on social media.

Presenters must opt out if they do not want their presentation or research to be featured in social media posts: this is best achieved by placing a “no social media” symbol on slides or materials. If presenters do not opt out in this manner, conference organizers and/or attendees can share published research presented at the conference without consent. 

Anyone may participate in conversations on the host societies’ respective social media channels, but:

• Please give credit to presenters/researchers whose presentation and/or research are featured in your post.
• Host societies have the right to delete posts or comments containing spam, irrelevant remarks, or items that do not align with their mission/integrity.
• Personal attacks, promotion of violence or illegal activities, offensive material, or profanity will be deleted.
• Host societies reserve the right to ban users who violate this policy.
• Conference attendees are expected to abide by the meeting code of conduct (note: will be posted soon), and all those engaging on social media are asked to maintain respect, courtesy, inclusivity, and support in their conduct to ensure a safe, hospitable, and productive environment for all. Discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation will not be tolerated.

Additionally, it is recommended that presenters and those sharing on social media be mindful of how photos of birds (and other animals), especially birds in the hand, may appear to the public: Are safe and taxonomically appropriate grips being used? Does the bird appear in any way to be stressed, disheveled, or in an unnatural position? Is it a “trophy shot” (prolonging handling time), or was it taken during banding and provides educational material such as molt? For further suggestions on sharing photos of birds in the hand, see the guidelines written by the North American Banding Council at http://www.nabanding.net/photographic-guidelines/.