Convention Policies

Refunds

No refunds will be issued without approval of the NMRA Meetings & Trade Shows Department.  Refunds will not be issued for ticketed convention events unless the event is cancelled by the convention.  If you purchased an event ticket but are unable to use it, you may sell the ticket directly to another convention attendee. Convention staff cannot purchase and resell unused tickets.

Unacceptable Behavior

The convention committee reserves the right to remove any person or persons from any convention activity if, in the opinion of a member of the convention committee or an officer of the NMRA, the person(s) behavior represents conduct that is objectionable, poses a safety risk to others, or is offensive or inflammatory.  This includes profane or threatening language or statements.  A person removed during a tour is responsible for their own return transportation.  Persons removed from a convention activity will not receive a refund.

Use of Private Autos for Convention Activities

The NMRA does not use, sanction, or provide insurance coverage for those using personal automobile transportation at the convention.  Use of personal transportation for convention activities is strictly at the user’s own risk.  The NMRA only sponsors official tours with commercial transportation.  Convention attendees shall have no right of action against NMRA, its Officers, Trustees, Committee Members, and others working with NMRA in providing this convention, and expressly release and  covenant not to sue NMRA, its Officers, Trustees, Committee Members, and others working with the NMRA as part of the convention, with respect to any matters regarding use of personal transportation at the convention.

Badges and Security

Every individual registered to attend the convention will be issued a convention badge at check-in or on-site registration, to be worn in a clearly visible manner in the provided badge holder at all times.  Your badge is your admission ticket to all non-extra fare ticket convention activities and the National Train Show.  The convention badge provides a general level of security by permitting effective exclusion of those who are not registered or otherwise associated with the convention. Any individual not wearing a convention badge may be asked to leave. Lost badges will be replaced at the convention office.  If you find a badge, please return it to the convention office.

Event Tickets

Every individual registered for an extra fare activity will receive their tickets at check-in or on-site registration.  The ticket is your admission to all extra fare convention activities.  Contact the convention office staff about lost tickets.  Consider writing your name and/or convention registration number on the back of your tickets for identification at the convention office.  

If you purchased an event ticket but are unable to use it, you may sell the ticket directly to another convention attendee. Convention staff cannot purchase and resell unused tickets.

If you find a ticket, please return it to the convention office. 

Every individual must be registered for the convention to attend or participate in an extra fare activity, including tours and social events.

Attendance by youth under age 18

Any child on a tour will be charged a full fare.  Attendance at the convention and all convention-related events and activities by youth up to age 18 years old is subject to the NMRA At-Risk Persons Policy.  This means youths under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times during all convention activities.  There are NO EXCEPTIONS.  Your compliance with the At-Risk Persons Policy helps avoid an unpleasant situation where an unaccompanied youth under age 18 must be asked to leave an event or activity. 

Recording of Clinics

Clinics may not be recorded or live streamed without permission of the clinician and the head of the NMRA Meetings & Trade Shows Department.

Smoking

Smoking and vaping are prohibited in the Chattanooga Convention Center.

Firearms

No firearms are permitted with the exception of a security person hired as a certified (off or on duty) police officer employed by the City of Chattanooga, Sheriff of Hamilton County, State of Tennessee or a U.S. Federal Agency.