2024 Viennese Christmas Ball: Policies, Terms, and Conditions of Participation

As a condition of attending the 2024 Viennese Christmas Ball (the “Event”) hosted by American-Austrian Cultural Society (AACS) on December 7,  2024 you agree to all the following:

• General Participation: All participants must be registered to attend or be on the official guest lists to be admitted to the event. There will be no onsite registration. 

• Cancellations/Refunds: All sales are final and there are generally no cancellations/refunds for not attending the event. Cancellation/refunds may be considered up to 48 hrs prior to the event, only if there is a waiting list. In those cases, please email us at aacs.dc.info@gmail.com. A $20 cancellation processing fee will apply.

• Code of Conduct: All participants are expected to behave respectfully or will be asked to leave without a refund.

• Drinking and Intoxicants: Alcoholic beverages are served during the event and AACS encourages responsible drinking. Alcohol will only be served to those of legal age and participants may be required to provide photo identification. Intoxicated behavior, regardless of the legality of the substance, is not permitted.

• Event Cancellation: If the event is cancelled, the full registration fee will be returned to each participant.

• Force Majeure: AACS shall not be held responsible for any delay or failure in performance of its obligations hereunder to the extent such delay or failure is caused by fire, flood, strike, civil, governmental, or military authority, acts of God, acts of terrorism, acts of war, epidemics or pandemics, the availability of the venue or internet or other similar causes beyond its reasonable control and without fault or negligence. For one or more of such reasons, AACS may postpone, reschedule, or cancel the event without liability on the part of AACS. If the event cannot be held or is postponed pursuant to this section, AACS shall not be liable to attendee for any damages, costs, or losses incurred, including travel or any housing reservations.

• Official Photography/Release/Recording: By attending the event, participants hereby grant AACS permission to take photographs of participants, both individually and with others, while participating in the event, and to record, in audio, video, or other format, that participation. AACS will be the copyright owner of any such photographs and recording(s) and may utilize them in AACS’ business discretion, including for promotional and educational purposes, without restriction and without payment of any royalty to any participant. In this regard, participants authorize AACS to use their images and likeness. Participants hereby release and hold harmless AACS from all claims, demands, causes of action and liability related to said use of such material.

• Payments: Accepted payment methods for registration fees are Visa, Master Card, American Express.

• Personal Information/Data and AACS Membership: Information provided by participants during registration for the ball will be accessible to AACS board members, and potentially other entities supporting the event.  AACS will keep you informed about future events, but you can opt-out from such messages at any time. If you sign-up for a one-year AACS membership as part of the registration, you will receive AACS membership updates and information. AACS does not sell contact information to third parties.

• Smoking: smoking is only permitted at venue designated areas.

• Unauthorized Solicitation: AACS does not allow solicitation by participants or AACS unauthorized parties. Any individuals seen to be improperly soliciting participants will be asked to leave the event without a refund.

• Unsecured Items: Participants are responsible for their items at the event, including valuables, personal items, electronics, purses, wallets, briefcases, backpacks, mobile devices, etc. AACS cannot be held responsible for the loss of any items.

• Waiver of Liability: Each event participant voluntarily assumes all risks associated with their attendance and participation in all related activities, including risks of personal injury, harm, and loss, and even death. Each participant waives any and all claims against AACS, its directors, officers, volunteers, and agents (the “released parties”) for damages or losses caused by the negligence, fault, or conduct on the part of the released parties (excluding gross negligence and willful misconduct), including but not limited to death, bodily injury, illness, economic loss, expenses, or loss or damage to property. By registering, participants acknowledge and understand that attendance at the event includes possible exposure to and illness from infectious diseases, including but not limited to COVID-19

• Student Discounts: We will offer a limited number of discounted tickets for students, subject to active enrollment and an age maximum of 27 years. We may ask for appropriate information to validate the status and reserve the right to cancel the registration if the conditions for the student discount are not met. Participants will be informed in such cases, refunded for the ticket, and offered to purchase full-price, general admission tickets if still available at that point.