Last Updated: January 19, 2026

The Equipment Marketing & Distribution Association (“EMDA,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information when you visit our website, register for events, join as a member, communicate with us, or otherwise interact with our services (collectively, the “Services”).

1) Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:

                  A. Information You Provide Directly
                 ~Contact information: name, email address, phone number, mailing address, company name, title.
                 ~Membership information: membership type, company details, and account credentials (if applicable).
                 ~Event and program information: registration details, attendance preferences, and dietary/accessibility needs (if provided), as well as related communications.
                 ~Payments: we may collect billing contact details, but payment card information is typically processed by our payment processor and not stored by EMDA (see “Payments” below).
                 ~Communications: messages you send to us (e.g., contact forms, emails), survey responses, and customer support requests.

B. Information Collected Automatically
When you use our Services, we may automatically collect:

                 ~Device and usage data: IP address, browser type, device identifiers, operating system, pages viewed, time spent, referring URLs, and clicks.
                 ~Cookies and similar technologies: used for site functionality, analytics, and preferences (see “Cookies and Analytics” below).

C. Information From Third Parties
We may receive information from:
                  ~Event platforms (if used for registration/ticketing),
                  ~Email marketing platforms (newsletter signup/engagement),
                  ~Analytics providers (traffic measurement),
                  ~Payment processors (confirmation that a payment occurred and limited transaction details).

2) How We Use Information
                    ~We use information to:
                    ~Provide and operate the Services (memberships, event registration, communications).
                    ~Process transactions and send confirmations, invoices, and receipts.
                    ~Respond to inquiries and provide support.
                    ~Send association updates, newsletters, and marketing communications (you can opt out).
                    ~Improve and secure our website, prevent fraud, and troubleshoot.
                    ~Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms.

3) Legal Bases for Processing 
If you are located in a jurisdiction that requires a legal basis for processing, we process personal information based on:
                   ~Consent (e.g., newsletter subscriptions),
                   ~Contractual necessity (e.g., membership and event registration),
                   ~Legitimate interests (e.g., site security, analytics, and service improvement),
                   ~Legal obligations.

4) How We Share Information
We may share information with:
                  ~Service providers who help us operate (hosting, email delivery, CRM, analytics, event tools). They may access information only to perform services for us and must protect it.
                  ~Payment processors to complete transactions.
                  ~Event venues and partners when necessary to deliver an event (e.g., attendee lists for check-in). We will share only what is needed.
                  ~Legal and safety purposes (e.g., complying with law, responding to subpoenas, preventing fraud, and protecting rights and safety).
                  ~Business transfers (if EMDA is involved in a merger, reorganization, or asset sale, information may be transferred as part of that transaction).
                  ~We do not sell your personal information in the traditional sense.
5) Payments
Payments for memberships, sponsorships, or events may be processed by third-party payment processors. EMDA does not store full payment card numbers. The processor’s privacy policy applies to their handling of payment data.

6) Cookies and Analytics
We use cookies and similar technologies for:

                  ~Essential site functions (security, login/session management),
                  ~Preferences (language or saved settings),
                  ~Analytics (understanding site usage and improving content).
                  ~You can control cookies through your browser settings. If you disable cookies, parts of the Services may not work properly.

7) Email Communications
If you subscribe to EMDA emails, you can opt out at any time by using the unsubscribe link in our messages or contacting us at celeste@emda.net.
We may still send non-promotional communications related to your membership, events, or administrative notices.

8) Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to:
                  ~Provide the Services,
                  ~Maintain membership and event records,
                  ~Comply with legal, accounting, or reporting obligations,
                  ~Resolve disputes and enforce agreements.
                 ~Retention periods may vary depending on the type of information and why it was collected.

9) Security
We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect information. However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10) Children’s Privacy
Our Services are not directed to children under 13 (or under 16 in certain jurisdictions), and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us information, contact us so we can delete it.

11) Your Privacy Rights (Region-Specific)
Depending on where you live, you may have rights to:
               ~Request access to the personal information we hold about you,
               ~Request correction or deletion,
               ~Object to or restrict processing,
              ~Request data portability,
             ~Withdraw consent (where processing is based on consent).
To exercise rights, contact us at celeste@emda.net. We may need to verify your identity.

12) International Transfers
If you access the Services from outside the United States (or EMDA’s home country), your information may be transferred to and processed in countries with different data protection laws. We take steps to protect information consistent with this policy.

13) Third-Party Links
Our website may link to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Review their privacy policies before providing personal information.

14) Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The “Last Updated” date will reflect changes. Continued use of the Services after updates means you accept the revised policy.

15) Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, contact:
Equipment Marketing & Distribution Association (EMDA)
Email: celeste@emda.net
Mailing Address: PO Box 1208, Statham, GA 30666