Guild of Taxidermists Policy for Payment of Conference Contributors

The conference is an important aspect of the Guild and this policy gives a framework for when payments are deemed acceptable or not acceptable for those who contribute to the running, presentation, judging and other aspects of the conference. Any payments made should be itemised on the Treasurer's’ report for full transparency. Any payments made are at the discretion of the Guild committee.

Organisers

The conference is organised by members of the guild on an entirely voluntary basis, generally committee members. No payment for time spent organising the conference is acceptable, it is understood that people volunteer their time for the benefit of the guild.

However, reimbursement for any materials and services needed for the organisation of the conference will be paid provided appropriate evidence is provided to the Treasurer.

Judges

Judging is split into two categories – Invited Judges (e.g. foreign judges), and Guild member judges. Judges often do not benefit from all the presentations and talks at the conference and therefore some form of payment is considered acceptable for judges.

• Invited Judges – The guild will offer to cover the cost of travel to the conference location, the cost of accommodation while judging at and attending the conference and also meals during the conference.
• Guild member judges - The guild will offer a £50 reimbursement for the time spent judging during the conference.

Speakers/Presenters

• Guild Members – Guild members will not be paid for their time spent preparing or delivering their presentation/demonstrations. It is expected that the guild members would be attending the conference whether they were presenting or not, and therefore no payment for travel or conference costs are appropriate. However, if the circumstance occurs where a member would not be attending, but the conference organisers wish them to attend to conduct a presentation, full or part payment for travel/conference may be offered at the discretion of the Guild Committee.
• If there are any materials required for the presentation/demonstration then the cost for these can be reimbursed provided an appropriate request/evidence is provided to the Treasurer.
• Non-Guild Members – Non-Guild members will not be paid for their time spent preparing or delivering their presentation/demonstrations. In some circumstances it may be acceptable to offer full or part payment for travel/conference attendance, at the discretion of the Guild Committee. This should be limited to single day attendance of the conference where appropriate.
• It is not expected that sales presentations would be paid for, other than providing food.

Stall Holders

Stall holders will not be paid for their attendance at the conference. If it is deemed by the Guild Committee that the stall is an integral part of the conference, then full or part reimbursement for the conference cost may be offered.