LAST UPDATED: August 4th, 2024

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​Introduction

MEAD is an exclusive gathering of prominent policymakers and leaders from the U.S. and the Middle East, providing a unique platform for in-depth discussions aimed to enhance alliances, craft sound regional policies and form strategic partnerships in defense, intelligence, business, energy, finance, government and technology.

Our 2024 Summit will focus on the evolving dynamics of Middle East-U.S. relations, regional security conflicts, and potential shifts in Middle East policies ahead of the upcoming presidential elections, and the recent regional events.

 

Our invitation-only, non-profit, apolitical Summit is co-chaired by Amb. Tom Nides, Amb. David Friedman, Amb. Dennis Ross, and former Dep. National Security Advisor Elliott Abrams.

Format

Limited to 200 hand-picked speakers and guests, including select members of the media, every MEAD attendee is by definition – an active participant, and will be provided with his/her designated seat and microphone.

Confirmed participants undertake to strictly adhere to the Chatham House Rule at all times, ensuring confidential and open dialogue, with the exception of certain sessions that are expressly announced as “open to the public”.

Our speakers and audience come from diverse, bipartisan backgrounds, including current and former: heads of state, senators and ministers, MPs and members of the House, national security advisors, business and finance leaders, thought leaders and experts with influence or interests in the Middle East and foreign U.S. policy.

Our Policy

We stand firm in our commitment to integrity, inclusivity, and impartiality. As a non-profit, we are not affiliated with any political party, government, or predefined agenda. We have also not received funding from any political party or government, ensuring that our platform remains a bastion of objective dialogue and innovation.

Entry to MEAD is not a commodity to be bought, nor can our stage be sponsored for promotion. Content is the sovereign ruler of our discussions, where the merit of ideas, the depth of analysis, and the potential for impactful change dictate our agenda. Diversification of opinion isn't just encouraged; but pivotal.

We foster a rich tapestry of perspectives, welcoming voices from across the spectrum of political, social, and economic thought. This enables us to cultivate an environment where strategic dialogues can profoundly shape public discourse, reinforce security and stability, and pave the way for a future where collaboration and understanding transcend borders and boundaries alike.

F.A.Q.

1. Am I expected to participate in the entire Summit? Yes, please.

2. Does MEAD cover my expenses? We don’t cover air-travel or accommodation, but may have a (limited) special rate at the Waldorf Astoria.

3. Are you providing food and beverage? Gala dinner on both days, as well as breakfast and lunch on Sep. 9th.

4. What is the dress code? Business casual.

5. Will Kashrut be observed? All meals will be Kosher-certified catering.

6. Will I be able to network during the Summit? Definitely. We’ll have ample breaks between sessions, and a variety of private and semi-private areas to hold meetings throughout the venue.

7. Can I record, tweet, film or publicly quote sessions? You may quote what’s being said, or tweet that you are present, but no mention of the speaker’s name.

8. I have more questions, who do I speak to? Please email guests@meadsummit.com.

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Middle East America Dialogue (MEAD), its agents, subsidiaries and affiliates (also referred to as "MEAD" “we”, “us” or “our”) runs policy and/or other types of events, gatherings and related activity (“Events”) (under the auspices of a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization A.K.A MSF Inc.), connecting people and ideas that change the world, with an emphasis of advancing dialogue between the United States and the Middle East. By attending any of our Events, including but not limited to the MEAD Summit at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington D.C. on September 8-9th 2024, you hereby irrevocably agree as follows:

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1. Chatham House Rule

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Abide by the Chatham House Rule. This rule stipulates that participants are free to use the information received during the Events, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed without their explicit permission. This commitment ensures a free and open discussion, encouraging the sharing of ideas and insights without attribution. By agreeing to this policy, participants undertake to respect the privacy and confidentiality of fellow participants or speakers and the integrity of the Events. Any breach of this rule may result in immediate removal from the Events and potential disqualification from future participation.

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2. Recording and Photography​

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​For security reasons, to allow participants seating further from stage a viewing option through screens, and for other intents and purposes, our Events utilize CCTV and IMag. You may be photographed, filmed or otherwise recorded by or on behalf of MEAD throughout the venue, both during as well as in-between sessions. By attending our Events, you hereby irrevocably grant to MEAD the right to photograph, film, or otherwise record your appearance, likeness, voice and name (your “appearance”), and to own, license, assign and/or use your appearance (or any portion thereof) in perpetuity, throughout the world, in any manner, and in any medium now known or hereafter created including, without limitation, in connection with the specific Event(s) you attend and other programming and the advertisement and promotion thereof. You agree that you are not entitled to any payment or other remuneration hereunder in connection with our recording and/or use of your appearance, for your presence in the Event(s) or otherwise and, accordingly, you hereby waive any right to bring any action or claim in law or equity against MEAD in connection with the same. You further acknowledge that you are at least 18 years of age.

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3. Code of Conduct

Participants are expected to behave in a respectful and professional manner at all times during the Events. Disruptive, discriminatory, or inappropriate behavior, including but not limited to harassment, will not be tolerated. MEAD reserves the right to remove any participant who violates this code of conduct and to disqualify them from future participation in MEAD Events.

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4. Confidentiality

Participants may receive confidential or proprietary information during the Events. By attending, you agree not to disclose, distribute, or otherwise make available any confidential information to any third party without the prior written consent of MEAD or the relevant participant. This obligation of confidentiality remains in effect in perpetuity, even after the conclusion of the Events.

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5. Liability and Indemnity

MEAD, its agents, subsidiaries, and affiliates, as well as the Events' production company(ies) engaged by MEAD are not responsible for any personal injury, loss, or damage to personal property that may occur during the Events. By attending, you agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless MEAD and its representatives as well as the Events' production company(ies) from any claims, liabilities, damages, and expenses arising from your participation in the Events, including but not limited to any breach of these terms.

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6. Compliance with Laws

Participants must comply with all applicable laws and regulations while attending the Events. Any illegal activities will be reported to the appropriate authorities, and the participant involved may be removed from the Events and barred from future participation.

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7. Amendments

MEAD reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time without prior notice. Any such amendments will be effective immediately upon being posted on the MEAD website (Privacy Policy, Policy Statement and/or Terms and Conditions sections) or otherwise made available to participants. Your continued participation in the Events constitutes acceptance of any such amendments.

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IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO ANY OF THESE TERMS, PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND THE EVENT(S) AND KINDLY INFORM US OF YOUR DECISION NOT TO ATTEND AT GUESTS@MEADSUMMIT.COM. THANK YOU.