Giveaway Approval

The Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act signed into law in March 2010 includes the Physician Payment Sunshine Act, which requires pharmaceutical, medical device, biological, and medical supply manufacturers to report to Health and Human Services (HHS) any "payment or other transfer of value" to physicians and teaching hospitals that exceeds $10 in value. Regarding giveaways and in-booth hospitality approved by ASH, it is the responsibility of the exhibiting organization to comply with the aforementioned Act and record or report as required by law.

Exhibitors intending to provide giveaways must complete the Request for Approval of Giveaway Form, which will be included in the online Exhibitor Resource Center, by Friday, October 16. Any exhibitors found distributing materials that have not been officially approved will be required to cease distribution immediately and may have their priority points reduced.

Items must be small in size and made available to all ASH attendees, regardless of registration type or demographics, as long as the supplies last. Please also note the following restrictions:

Commercial Exhibitors

The ASH policy is that all giveaways by commercial exhibitors in the ASH exhibit hall meet the giveaway standards of the PhRMA Code, whether or not the companies have adopted the PhRMA Code. In keeping with the PhRMA Code, all giveaways by commercial exhibitors must provide educational content focused on hematology, in order to be approved. Such giveaways must also be of modest value (not to exceed $10 in value) and available to all registered attendees immediately upon request. Use this link for more information on the PhRMA Code.

Nonprofit Exhibitors

All giveaways by nonprofit exhibitors who are not subject to the PhRMA Code must be of modest value and available to all registered attendees immediately upon request. Giveaways by nonprofit exhibitors who are subject to the PhRMA Code must meet the standards listed above for giveaways by commercial exhibitors. Use this link for more information on the PhRMA Code.

Posters/Handouts

Posters or handouts with information about ASH annual meeting abstracts (such as poster numbers, time/location of presentations, etc.) that are displayed or given away within the exhibit must be approved by ASH. Please contact Alison Beale at abeale@hematology.org for approval.
 

Contests, Lotteries, Raffles, and Games of Chance

Contests, lotteries, raffles, and games of chance must be open to all meeting attendees and be conducted in a professional manner. Prizes must be educational in nature and moderate in value, and any giveaways should also be consistent with the PhRMA Code. Notification of winners, semi-finalists, and runners-up, etc., must take place after the conclusion of the ASH annual meeting.

Contests of any kind must first be approved in writing by ASH. Exhibitors intending to conduct contests, lotteries, raffles, or games of chance must complete the Request for Approval of Giveaway Form through the online Exhibitor Resource Center by Friday, October 16.

Fundraisers

Fundraisers, auctions, or activities held by exhibitors that involve donations to organizations other than ASH Foundation are not permitted. Activities designed to provide donations to ASH Foundation must be pre-approved with a Booth Activity Approval Form submitted through the online Exhibitor Resource Center by Friday, October 16. In order to be considered, a minimum donation of $10,000 (or higher) is required and will be designated for the ASH Foundation’s “Greatest Needs Fund.”  Please contact Eileen McGill, ASH Exposition Management at ashexhibits@spargoinc.com or 703-631-6200 with any questions.