SOLD OUT Industry Expert Theater (No CEU) Guidelines
Purpose
Industry Expert Theaters (IET) are held in a convenient exhibit hall location and allow exhibitors an opportunity to provide clinical updates and educate attendees on current therapies, disease states, products and pipeline activities while remaining close to the action in the exhibit hall. These promotional presentations are designed for learning and are a great way to provide a higher level of interaction and engagement of professional attendees. Theaters are No CEU educational activities and provide an opportunity for product-specific education. Only exhibitors are eligible to conduct an IET.
Time Slots and Fees
Times are subject to change based on the final HFSA program. Sponsors may indicate a preferred time slot(s) on the application.
A total of eight (8) theaters for 60 minutes each will be available to purchase. Two theaters will run simultaneously in the exhibit hall.
| Date | Time | Duration | Price |
| Friday, Sep 26 | 6:15 – 7:15 PM | 60 min | $36,500 |
| Friday, Sep 26 | 6:15 – 7:15 PM | 60 min | $36,500 |
| Saturday, Sep 27 | 12:45-1:45 PM | 60 min | $42,000 |
| Saturday, Sep 27 | 12:45-1:45 PM | 60 min | $42,000 |
| Saturday, Sep 27 | 5:30 – 6:30 PM | 60 min | $36,500 |
| Saturday, Sep 27 | 5:30 – 6:30 PM | 60 min | $36,500 |
| Sunday, Sep 28 | 12:15-1:15 PM | 60 min | $40,000 |
| Sunday, Sep 28 | 12:15-1:15 PM | 60 min | $40,000 |
Multiple requests for the same time slot will be determined based upon corporate membership status, when the application is received, previous ASM support, and the theater topic. HFSA will confirm via email within approximately two weeks of application (10 business days.)
Responsibilities
Provided by HFSA and NOT Provided by HFSA
| Responsibilities | Provided by HFSA | NOT Provided by HFSA |
| Session Time/Date/Meeting Room Assignment | ✓ |
|
| Basic Theater Set Theater seating to accommodate approximately 125 |
✓ |
|
Standard AV Package:
|
✓ |
|
| Laptop for Presenter | ✓ |
|
| Any additional AV Equipment – Must be ordered via Freeman AV at the sponsor’s expense | ✓ |
|
| Recording – Ordered by sponsor via Freeman AV at the sponsor’s expense | ✓ |
|
| Food / Beverage (encouraged to help draw attendees) Ordered by sponsor at their expense via the convention center |
✓ |
|
| Convention Center and Freeman Contact Information | ✓ |
|
| HFSA Created Sign – Session title, date, time, location and supporter included on sign, inclusive of all IETs, placed near the entrance to the exhibit hall | ✓ |
|
| Additional Signage (See details under Publicity Section) | ✓ |
|
Promotion in ASM Materials
|
✓ |
|
| ASM Meeting Registration for Speakers – All speakers are required to be registered for ASM. | ✓ |
|
| Honoraria | ✓ |
|
| Travel Accommodations | ✓ |
|
| Audience Polling | ✓ |
|
| Pre- and Post-Test | ✓ |
|
| Program Evaluation | ✓ |
|
| On-site Staffing | ✓ |
|
| Two 1-Day Exhibitor Hall Only Badges for On-site Meeting Planners/Staff Representatives | ✓ |
|
| Badge Scanners/Lead-Retrieval Scanners and Staff to Scan Badges | ✓ |
Optional Add-On Opportunities
| Promotional Opportunities | Price |
| Door Drop Opportunity Includes hotel fees. All creative services, print production and shipping are at sponsor’s expense. | $6,000 |
| Push Notifications on ASM Mobile App One (1) push notification sent via the ASM mobile app. The notice will go out 24 hours prior to the program. | $5,250 |
| Industry Email Blasts – A limited number of dedicated Eblasts will be available to purchase so that you can deliver your message to ASM registrants. | $5,250 |
| Virtual Meeting Bag Insert – 8.5" x 11" digital flyer PDF developed by supporter included in the HFSA virtual bag sent electronically to all meeting registrants | $3,500 |
Additional Promotional Opportunities Available HERE including a limited number of dedicated eblasts that can be purchased to deliver your message and promote your theater to ASM registrants. Details can be found HERE.
How to Apply
A topic MUST be included for consideration. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Applications and the assignment of time slots will be based on a combination of HFSA corporate membership status, date application was received, total support for the society, and topic.
Payment
Due within 30 days of invoice. Full payment due by July 1, 2025 or theater may be considered forfeited. Wire transfer payments are encouraged. Contact mpoinelli@hfsa.org for wire transfer account information. Check or money order (drawn on US banks only) must be made payable to the Heart Failure Society of America (Tax ID: 06-1416238) and mailed to: Heart Failure Society of America, 500 N. Washington Street, #10009, Rockville, MD 20849. Sponsors will be responsible for a 3% fee for credit card transactions, which are non-refundable.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds will be issued for cancellations after June 20, 2025. Cancellations made prior to June 20, 2025, will be refunded minus a $7,500 penalty fee. If the sponsor cancels, the slot will be forfeited. Notification of applicant’s decision to cancel the forum time slot must be submitted in writing. HFSA retains the right to utilize canceled forum time slots at its discretion. HFSA reserves the right to revoke an application /contract at its sole discretion.
Important Dates
| Task | Deadline |
| HFSA to Review Application and Assign Time Slot, if approved | Typically, within 10 business days of application. |
| Fee Payment by Sponsor Full payment by July 1, 2025 or IET may be considered forfeited | Within 30 days of invoice |
| Sponsor to send HFSA Event Details to include title and description. If an educational session, include learning objectives and faculty. Information to be used on hfsa.org, mobile app and limited ASM printed material as applicable | July 15, 2025 |
| Deadline to Adjust Event Details to include title and description. If an educational session, include learning objectives and faculty. Information to be used on hfsa.org, mobile app and limited ASM printed material as applicable | August 22, 2025* |
All graphics are due by August 22, 2025, for production. Any changes made to design will incur a surcharge of $500 to cover changes to signage and final schedule. HFSA cannot guarantee any changes after September 3, 2025. No exceptions.
Content
It is the responsibility of the sponsor to adhere to FDA regulations and all other applicable industry guidelines concerning the discussion of products and services. Companies are encouraged to check with their medical affairs/compliance staff regarding these issues.
Products displayed at the IET must meet FDA guidelines and be FDA approved. Applicants are reminded of the FDA restrictions on the promotion of investigational and pre-approved, drugs, devices, and procedures. For more information, visit the Guidance page on the FDA website.
Presentations may reference scientific program or poster content but should not be identical. Presentations referencing scientific session content may take place only after the relevant scientific session has occurred. HFSA reserves the right to have the scientific program chair review and approve content.
Speakers
Speakers may be either meeting attendees, speakers, or abstract presenters. If a speaker’s presentation is like his or her presentation in a scientific session, the scientific session should precede the IET. All IET speakers are required to be registered as attendees at the meeting. As part of HFSA’s review, it will determine if the proposed program appropriately reflects the HFSA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy. It is advised that the IET sponsors keep this in mind when selecting faculty.
ASM registration for speakers is not included in the fee so please keep in mind for budgeting purchases. Sponsor will be responsible for registering.
Logistics
Sponsors will have access to the theater one hour before the assigned presentation time. No additional rehearsal time will be available. Seating, AV, stage, and other physical arrangements cannot be altered or removed.
Plans to use audience response systems or other AV equipment not provided by HFSA must be approved. AV enhancements cannot interfere with the existing meeting room set-up, including the stage, lights, draping, seating, microphones, and projection. The HFSA is not responsible for the costs or arrangements.
Space will be reserved in the back of the IET for food, should the sponsor decide to offer a modest meal or snack. Food and beverage can be ordered through the convention center.
Theater Access
If they wish, sponsors may prohibit or limit access to individuals with Exhibitor badges; however, they must provide signage notifying attendees that access for the presentation is limited to full-access attendees only as well as personnel to assist with crowd control. Individuals with full-access badges cannot be restricted.
Changes in Schedule and Location
HFSA reserves the right to change the location of the IET. It also reserves the right to alter the time schedule if it deems a change would be in the best interest of the HFSA Annual Scientific Meeting. All changes will be communicated to IET sponsors. HFSA will attempt to accommodate requests when deemed appropriate.
Publicity & Materials
Specifications for Print Materials
Keep in mind that HFSA does not sponsor or co-sponsor Industry Expert Theaters (IET). Use of the HFSA name, logo or insignia on materials promoting IET is prohibited. All materials promoting the forum should identify the industry sponsor. The term “scientific session” should not be used in reference to a theater.
All materials promoting the forum must include the following two statements:
- This Industry Expert Theater is not part of the scientific program as planned by the HFSA Program Committee. This event is neither sponsored by nor endorsed by HFSA.
- This event does not qualify for continuing education credit.
Distribution of approved materials from a sponsor’s exhibit booth is permitted. Promotional materials may not be distributed in the aisles, in the convention center lobbies or public areas, or anywhere else in the convention or hotel property.
Artwork is subject to HFSA review and approval. Please allow at least one week for review.
Signage
IET presentations will be listed on signage near the entrance to the Exhibit Hall. Sponsors are permitted to supplement this with floor standing signage approximately 30 minutes before their scheduled time slot immediately at the entrance of their assigned theater only and it must be removed within 30 minutes of the conclusion of their presentation. Signs must be professionally printed, no larger than 30″ x 39″ and may be ordered through Freeman or a contractor of the applicant’s choosing. Proposed copy of signage must be approved by the HFSA prior to printing.
Applicants may display signs promoting their IET within their own contracted exhibit space. Signs may not be placed in other venues or other areas of the convention center.
Use of HFSA Name, Logo, & Insignia
The HFSA name, insignia, logo or other identifying marks may not be used in signs, advertising, or promotions in any media, or on any literature without the express written permission from the HFSA Chief Executive Officer. The HFSA name cannot be included in any advertising, documents, or publications supported or sponsored by another organization or group. The fact that a company conducts a theater at the HFSA Annual Scientific Meeting does not confer permission to use the HFSA name in advertisements or promotional activities. No endorsement by the HFSA of the supporting company or its goods or services, expressed or implied, is permitted or intended. Compliance is expected.
Giveaways
Companies are permitted to distribute from the theater nonexclusive giveaways in accordance with AMA Ethical Guidelines. Sponsors are encouraged to review and adhere to other applicable guidelines and codes of ethics related to giveaways, such as the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) Code of Interactions with Healthcare Professionals, Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals and the Office of Inspector General’s Compliance Program Guidance for Pharmaceutical Manufacturers. Pharmaceutical and device companies are reminded to pay special attention to the recently revised PhRMA and AdvaMed Codes, respectively, which prohibit their members from distributing many traditional giveaway items. Giveaways should be associated with sponsor products or services or be related to the attendees’ work. A giveaway should not exceed a retail value of $10. Within this limit HFSA encourages all applicants to check with their companies’ own medical affairs/compliance staff for applicable guidelines. Giveaways should not be associated with a satellite symposium or unofficial event. All giveaways must be registered with the HFSA.
For additional information on giveaways, including those which are approved or prohibited, see the 2025 Exhibitor Prospectus.
Third-Party Planner
Participants that choose to use a third-party planner to produce and/or market their IET must submit an email to mpoinelli@hfsa.org designating one (1) primary contact who will coordinate all team members and sub-vendors. The contact information should include the contact’s name, company, email address, and phone number. It is the responsibility of the sponsor to ensure that all individuals involved with the planning, production, marketing and/or execution of an IET presentation, including its authorized third-party planner and sub-vendors, are aware of and abide by the policies, rules and regulations contained in these Industry Expert Theater Guidelines as well as HSFA’s ASM Exhibitor Prospectus.
General
HFSA shall have the authority to interpret and enforce these guidelines. All matters not covered by these guidelines are subject to the decision of HFSA. All decisions so made shall be as binding on all parties as the original guidelines. The sponsor or its designated representative is responsible for knowing all guidelines. A sponsor that fails to observe these conditions or the terms of the Industry Expert Theater guidelines may be removed from the theater without refund, and without limiting any other rights or remedies available to HFSA. These guidelines may be amended at any time by HFSA, and all amendments so made shall be binding on applicants equally with the original guidelines. The applicant agrees to operate in strict compliance with these guidelines. HFSA reserves the right to reject, remove or prohibit any presentation in whole or in part, or any applicant, or its representative, with or without giving cause. If any sponsor is rejected for violation of these guidelines, or for any other stated reason, no return of rental shall be made.
Note: These Industry Expert Theater Guidelines are a supplement to the Exhibitor Prospectus. The rules and regulations set forth in the Exhibitor Prospectus are restated and incorporated herein by reference. Any Exhibitor rules and regulations in the Exhibitor Prospectus that apply to the IET will be enforced.
Complete the IET Application to apply for sponsorship consideration. Please address all sponsorship questions to Michelle Poinelli at mpoinelli@hfsa.org and any logistical questions to Amanda Thomas at athomas@etherio.com.
Content last updated on April 14th, 2025 at 10:56 pm