The www.nafem.org website and www.thenafemshow.org website (“Sites”) are developed by the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (“NAFEM”), a nonprofit organization. When you as a visitor or member (“user”) visits the sites or use NAFEM’s mobile application (available to attendees during an event) or the service NAFEM provides via the Site (collectively, “Services”) NAFEM may automatically collect and use certain information about User.

NAFEM recognizes that User cares about how User’s information is used, and User’s privacy is important to us. This Cookie Policy, available here, and as updated from time to time and effective when posted (“Cookie Policy”), explains how NAFEM may collect and use cookies and User’s Personal Data (as defined below), and the choices User can make about what information User shares.

User should read this Cookie Policy carefully. User should also read NAFEM’s privacy policy which is incorporated herein by reference), available here, and as updated from time to time and effective when posted (“Privacy Policy”), which describes NAFEM’s policy regarding Personal Data. NAFEM may revise this Cookie Policy from time to time and the latest version will be posted on the Site and effective as of the date posted. You should periodically check our Site for updates. By continuing to interact with the Site and Services, User is agreeing and consenting to the uses of cookies and the practices described in this Cookie Policy and the Privacy Policy.

For this Cookie Policy “Personal Data” means any information (such as, but not limited to, name, mailing address, email address, telephone number and the like) that directly, indirectly, or in connection with other information allows for the identification of User as a specific individual.

General Explanation of Cookies. Cookies are small files stored on a computer or mobile device that may later be retrieved from that computer or device by a web server. The technologies NAFEM uses for automatic data collection may include various types of cookies, as well as web beacons, pixel tracking, GIF, IP address, and other technologies. Each of these is discussed below.

Browser Cookies

Browser cookies are small files placed on the hard drive of a computer or mobile device. They may contain certain data, including, but not limited to: the name of the server that has placed it there, an identifier in the form of a unique number, and, an expiration date (some cookies only). Browser cookies are managed by the web browser (Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer/Edge, Safari, etc.) on the User’s computer or mobile device. Different types of cookies which have different purposes are used on the Site.

Essential Cookies

Essential cookies are essential to allow Users to browse the Site and use its functions. Without them, services such as shopping baskets and electronic invoicing would not be able to work.

Performance Cookies

Performance cookies collect information on the use of the Site, such as which pages are consulted most often. This information enables NAFEM to optimize the Site and simplify browsing. Performance cookies also enable NAFEM’s affiliates and partners to find out whether Users have accessed one of the Site pages from the User’s site and whether the User’s visit has led to the use or purchase of a service from the Site, including the references for the service purchased. These cookies do not collect any information which could be used to identify a User. All the information collected is aggregated, and therefore anonymous.

Functionality Cookies

Functionality cookies enable the Site to remember the choices Users have made when browsing. For example, a User’s geographical location can be stored in a cookie so that the Site corresponding to the User’s area is shown. A User’s preferences can be remembered, such as the text size, font and other customizable aspects of the Site. Functionality cookies may also be able to keep track of the products or videos consulted to avoid repetition. The information collected by these cookies cannot be used to identify a User and cannot monitor browsing activity on sites which do not belong to NAFEM.

It is possible that a User will come across third-party cookies on some pages of sites that are not under NAFEM’s control.

NAFEM also may use cookies such as functionality cookies to implement tracking technology on the Site. This allows advertising on the Site to be displayed that is tailored to the User, to understand which parts of the Site’s content interest a User the most, and which service categories are requested. This tracking uses de-identified Personal Data. Some of NAFEM’s service providers are allowed to place cookies on the Site. Those companies may also provide Users with the option of preventing the use of cookies in the future. For more information, contact the relevant third-party provider.

At any time, User can prevent the use of cookies in the future by activating the appropriate setting in User’s browser to refuse to accept browser cookies. However, if User does refuse to accept cookies, User’s experience on the Site may be affected; e.g., User may be unable to access certain parts of the Site. Unless User has adjusted the browser setting so that it will refuse cookies, NAFEM’s system will issue cookies when User directs the browser to the Site.

Local Storage Cookies

Certain features of the Site may use local stored objects (to collect and store information about User’s preferences and navigation to, from and on the Site. Local storage cookies are not managed by the same browser settings as are used for browser cookies.

Web Beacons. Pages of the Site and NAFEM’s emails may contain small electronic files known as web beacons (also referred to as clear gifs, pixel tags and single-pixel gifs) that permit NAFEM, for example, to count Users who have visited those pages or opened an email and for other related Site statistics (for example, recording the popularity of certain Site content and verifying system and server integrity).

Pixel Tracking. In addition to using cookies, the Site may employ “pixel tracking”, a common process which may be used in connection with advertisements on other sites. Pixel tracking involves the use of pixel tags that are not visible to the User and consist of a few lines of computer code. Pixel tracking measures the effectiveness of advertisements and compiles aggregate and specific usage statistics. A “pixel tag” is an invisible tag placed on certain pages of Sites that is used to track an individual User’s activity. NAFEM may access these pixel tags to identify activity and interests that may allow NAFEM to better match NAFEM’s services, and offers with User’s interests and needs. For example, if User visit the Site from an advertisement on another Site, the pixel tag will allow the advertiser to track that its advertisement brought User to the Site. If User visit the Site, and User is linked to another website, NAFEM may also be able to determine that User was sent to and/or transacted with a third-party Site. This data is collected for use in NAFEM’s marketing, research and other activities.

Meta Pixel. We incorporate “pixels” provided by Meta Platforms, Inc. on our Site. This enables us to track user behavior after a user clicks on a Facebook ad and is redirected to our Site. By doing so, we can assess the effectiveness of Facebook ads for statistical and market research purposes and sometimes retarget certain users. Please note that the data collected through this process remains anonymous to us, meaning we do not have access to personal information of individual users. However, Facebook stores and processes this data. Therefore, we are providing you with this information based on our current understanding. It is important to be aware that Facebook may associate this information with your Facebook account and utilize it for its own promotional activities, in accordance with Facebook’s Data Usage Policy available here. You have the option to authorize Facebook and its partners to display advertisements on and off Facebook (see here). Additionally, a cookie may be stored on your computer for these purposes.

GIF. NAFEM may use tiny images known as clear GIFs to track behavior of Users, including statistics on who opens NAFEM’s emails.

IP Address. NAFEM’s servers (or those of its service providers) automatically record certain log file information reported from User’s browser when User accesses the Site. These server logs may include information such as which pages of the Site were visited, User’s internet protocol (“IP”) address, browser type, and other information on how User interacts with the Site. These log files are generally deleted periodically.

Transmitting Personal Information from our Website. We respond to the Global Privacy Control (“GPC”) signal. The GPC signal is a browser-level signal that can reflect the desire to opt-out of having Personal Information shared or sold. Some browsers allow transmission of GPC signal. By broadcasting this signal, we will not transmit your Personal Information to third parties who perform analytics services or who advertise to you based on this information. Please note that when your browser broadcasts the GPC signal, we will limit the functionality of our Website and prevent the Website from transmitting your Personal Information to third parties.

 Other types of cookies or third parties that install cookies

Some of the services listed below collect statistics in an anonymized and aggregated form and may not require the consent of the User or may be managed directly by NAFEM – depending on how they are described – without the help of third parties.

If any third-party operated services are listed among the tools below, these may be used to track Users’ browsing habits – in addition to the information specified herein and without NAFEM’s knowledge. Please refer to the privacy policy of the listed services for detailed information.

Google Analytics:  We use, and/or some of our third-party service providers may use, Google Analytics or other analytics service to help us understand the use of our Site and services. Google Analytics is a web analysis service provided by Google. Google utilizes data it collects to track and examine the use of our Site to prepare reports on its activities and share them with other Google services. Google may use the data collected to contextualize and personalize the ads of its own advertising network. The Personal Data collected and processed may include cookies, usage data, and other internet information. Such service providers may place their own cookies in your browser. This Cookie Policy covers use of cookies by us only and not the use of cookies by third parties. Users may prevent their data from being used by Google Analytics (see information here).

Remarketing through Google Analytics for Display Advertising (Google): Google Analytics for Display Advertising is a remarketing and behavioral targeting service provided by Google that connects the tracking activity performed by Google Analytics and its Cookies with the AdWords advertising network and the DoubleClick Cookie. You may opt out by visiting the opt out web page here.

• Opt Out (https://adssettings.google.com)

AdWords Remarketing (Google): AdWords Remarketing is a remarketing and behavioral targeting service provided by Google that connects the activity of this Site with the AdWords advertising network and the DoubleClick Cookie. You may opt out of the use of the DoubleClick Cookie for interest-based advertising by visiting the Google Ads Settings web page here.

Google AdSense Advertising: We use Google AdSense Advertising (or other search engine or display network advertising) on our Site. Google’s advertising requirements and principles are available here. They are put in place to provide a positive experience for users. We have implemented Google Display Network Impression Reporting.

Facebook Remarketing (Facebook/Meta): Facebook Remarketing is a remarketing and behavioral targeting service provided by Facebook that connects the activity of this Site with the Facebook advertising network. You may opt out by visiting the opt out web page here.

X/Twitter Remarketing (X/Twitter): Twitter Remarketing is a remarketing and behavioral targeting service provided by X/Twitter, Inc. that connects the activity of this Site with the X/Twitter advertising network. You may opt out by visiting the opt out web page here.

How to provide or withdraw consent to the installation of cookies

In addition to what is specified in this document, Users can manage preferences for cookies directly from within their own browser and prevent, for example, third parties from installing cookies. Through browser preferences, it is also possible to delete cookies installed in the past, including the cookies that may have saved the initial consent for the installation of cookies by this website.

With regard to cookies installed by third parties, Users can manage their preferences and withdrawal of their consent by clicking the related opt-out link (if provided by the third party), by using the means provided in the third party’s privacy policy, or by contacting the third party.

Users may follow the instructions provided on the subsequently linked initiatives, such as those by the EDAA (EU), the Network Advertising Initiative (US), the Digital Advertising Alliance (US), DAAC (Canada), DDAI (Japan), or other similar services. Such initiatives allow Users to select their tracking preferences for most of the advertising tools. NAFEM thus recommends that Users make use of these resources in addition to the information provided in this Cookie Policy.

Since the installation of third-party cookies and other tracking systems through the services used within this Site cannot be technically controlled by NAFEM, any specific references to cookies and tracking systems installed by third parties are to be considered indicative.