SAGES 2026 Annual Meeting

Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: [Insert Date]

Welcome to sages2026.org, the official website of the SAGES 2026 Annual Meeting. We are committed to protecting your personal data and respecting your privacy rights.

This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, store, and protect information that you provide to us or that we collect when you use our website. This policy is designed to comply with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of data:

a. Personal Information

When you interact with our website (e.g., register, submit abstracts, or contact us), we may collect:

  • Full name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Mailing address
  • Organization or institution
  • Abstract submission or registration details
  • Professional credentials or job title
  • Payment information (via third-party processors)

b. Automatically Collected Information

When you visit the site, we may automatically collect:

  • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Operating system
  • Pages visited and referring URL
  • Device type
  • Time and date of access

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience. See Section 6 for more details.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Register you for the SAGES 2026 Annual Meeting
  • Process abstract submissions and reviews
  • Manage communications and provide customer support
  • Send transactional and informational emails
  • Improve website functionality and performance
  • Ensure compliance with legal obligations

We do not sell your personal data to third parties.

3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), our legal basis for collecting and processing your information depends on the context:

  • Consent: For email subscriptions or optional data collection
  • Contract: To fulfill registration or abstract submission obligations
  • Legal obligation: To comply with applicable laws
  • Legitimate interests: For internal administrative purposes and improving our services

4. Your Rights Under GDPR

If you are located in the EEA, you have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you
  • Correct inaccuracies in your data
  • Request deletion of your data (“right to be forgotten”)
  • Object to processing or request restriction of processing
  • Withdraw consent at any time
  • Data portability (where applicable)
  • Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

To exercise your rights, contact: webmaster@sages.org

5. Your Rights Under CCPA

If you are a California resident, you have the right to:

  • Know what personal information we collect and how it is used
  • Request access to your personal information
  • Request deletion of your personal information (with some exceptions)
  • Opt-out of the sale of your personal information (we do not sell your data)
  • Not be discriminated against for exercising your rights

To submit a CCPA request, email: webmaster@sages.org

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to:

  • Maintain secure login sessions
  • Analyze website usage and performance
  • Remember user preferences

You can manage cookies via your browser settings. By continuing to use the site, you consent to our use of cookies unless you disable them.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, including to comply with legal obligations and recordkeeping requirements.

8. Data Sharing and Security

We may share your information with:

  • Trusted vendors and service providers under strict data processing agreements
  • Abstract reviewers and program committees (where applicable)
  • Legal authorities when required to comply with the law

We implement appropriate administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect your data.

9. International Data Transfers

If you are located outside the United States, please be aware that your data may be transferred to and processed in the U.S. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place in accordance with GDPR for such transfers.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. Please review their privacy policies individually.

11. Children’s Privacy

This website is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors.

12. Updates to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Your continued use of the site constitutes acceptance of any changes.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or your data rights, please contact:

Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)
Email: webmaster@sages.org
Website: https://www.sages.org