Organizing an MIT Workshop or Conference

To follow export control regulations when organizing or co-sponsoring a conference (foreign or domestic) through MIT, submit the Event and Program Vetting form and review:

  • Participants and other third parties
  • Event format and location
  • Information presented

Contact MIT Export Control with any questions.

Screen speakers, attendees and third parties

Screen the following to ensure they do not include individuals, organizations, companies, universities, or government agencies located in comprehensively sanctioned countries or listed on U.S. restricted party lists.

  • Invited speakers, co-chairs, and any co-sponsoring organizations
  • International attendees and their organizations
  • Sponsors
  • Vendors
  • Facilities
  • Financial transactions

Co-sponsors must also comply with applicable U.S. sanctions and export control regulations.

Determine the event format

Consider whether the event will be a presentation-style conference or a hands-on workshop. Hands-on workshops may involve additional export control considerations depending on the technologies, equipment, or technical information involved. Contact MIT Export Control if your event will be a hands-on workshop.

Consider the event location or platform 

Determine whether the event will be hosted on campus, abroad, or virtually (e.g., via Zoom or another platform), as the location and format may affect export control or sanctions compliance requirements. After you submit this information in the Event and Program Vetting form, MIT Export Control will reach out with more details.

Limit MIT presentations and discussions to fundamental research

MIT speakers and participants should only share information within the scope of fundamental research and not disclose export-controlled or proprietary technical information in any of the following:

  • Presentations
  • Discussions
  • Q&A sessions
  • Informal conversations