UNCLASSIFIED

NGAM 7000.1

2

UNCLASSIFIED

3. Determination of a Conference 

4. Approval Criteria

5. Conference Procedures

Glossary
UNCLASSIFIED

NGAM 7000.1

3

UNCLASSIFIED

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ENCLOSURE 1: REFERENCES............................................................. 3

ENCLOSURE 2: GENERAL CONFERENCE GUIDELINES.......................... 4

ENCLOSURE 3: DETERMINATION OF A CONFERENCE........................... 7

ENCLOSURE 4: APPROVAL CRITERIA.................................................... 9

ENCLOSURE 5: CONFERENCE HOSTING, CO-HOSTING, CO-SPONSORING, 

ATTENDANCE AND REPORTING PROCEDURES ................................... 11

TABLE 1: PROCESS FLOW DIAGRAM................................................... 15

GLOSSARY....................................................................................... 17
UNCLASSIFIED

NGAM 7000.1

4

UNCLASSIFIED

ENCLOSURE 1

REFERENCES

(a) DepSecDef Memorandum, “Implementation of Conference Oversight Requirements 

and Delegation of Conference Approval Authority,” 29 September 2012

(b) DoD Deputy Chief Management Officer Memorandum, “Delegation of Conference 

Approval Authority,” 16 October 2012

(c) OUSD(I) Memorandum, “Delegation of Conference Approval Authority and 

Additional Guidance,” 03 December 2013

(d) OUSD(I) Memorandum, “Delegation of Selected Conference Approval Authority,” 

26 December 2012

(e) DoD Directive 5500.7R, “The Joint Ethics Regulation,” 17 November 2011

(f) Procedural Guidance for Conducting DoD Classified Conferences, July 2012

(g) ODNI Memorandum CFO-12-1246, “Supplemental Guidance Regarding NIP Funded 

or Partially Funded Conferences”

(h) The Joint Travel Regulations, Uniformed Service Members and DoD Civilian 

Employees, Appendix R, “Conferences,” 01 October 2014

(i) NGA Instruction 7000.1, “Conference Planning, Execution, and Reporting,” 

(Revised) TBD 25 June 2015

(j) NGA Manual 7210.2, “Administrative Control of Appropriated Funds and 

Antideficiency Act (ADA) Violations,” 01 October 2014
UNCLASSIFIED

NGAM 7000.1

5

UNCLASSIFIED

ENCLOSURE 2

GENERAL CONFERENCE GUIDELINES

1. Conference commitments and obligations. Do not finalize conference plans or make 

any commitments to vendors or hotels that obligate the government to pay appropriated 

funds until the requisite approval, from the appropriate approval authority, is obtained.

2. Use of Technology. Identify and document alternative means to reduce the need for 

physical colocation of Federal employees, including usage of remote collaboration tools 

and other real-time communication methods.

3. Food and Light Refreshments at Conferences. As a general rule, appropriated funds 

may not be used for personal expenses. However, food is permitted when:

a. Meals and refreshments are incidental to the conference;

b. Attendance at the meals and where refreshments are provided is important for 

NGA to ensure full participation in essential discussions, lectures, or speeches 

concerning the purpose of the conference;

c. The meals and refreshments are part of a formal conference that includes 

discussions, speeches, or other business that may take place when the meals and 

refreshments are served, but also includes substantial functions occurring separately 

from when the food is served;

d. The food provided is considered Light Refreshments (see definitions). If approved 

they should be of modest cost.

e. When NGA furnishes light refreshments at nominal or no cost to the attendee 

between regular meal times, no deduction of the attendee’s Meals and Incidentals 

Expense Allowance is required.

f. Light refreshments (including continental breakfast) paid for by NGA are a 

deductible meal if it is served at a meal time.

g. When considering the purchase of food or refreshments, contact the Office of 

General Counsel (OGC) for their recommendation/concurrence. This contact will be in 

the form of a NCERTs Tasker with a courtesy copy to the CFE.

h. Independent charges/fees for light refreshments and snacks are not a 

reimbursable expense. Charges/fees for light refreshments are reimbursable only when 

included as part of the conference registration fee.
UNCLASSIFIED

NGAM 7000.1

6

UNCLASSIFIED

4. Lodging and Meals. Lodging and meal expenses are not authorized and will not be 

approved for attendees who live within the local area of a conference. Consider 

reducing lodging costs for employees attending conferences, (e.g. identify hotels that 

charge a rate that is below the allowable per diem), wherever possible. If meals are 

provided for personnel in a Temporary Duty (TDY) status, NGA must: 

a. Identify the cost of each meal and whether the cost is included in a registration fee 

or contracted separately;

b. Ensure that the appropriate proportional meal rate is used; 

c. Issue a notice to all attendees to ensure travel vouchers are correctly annotated.

5. Conference Fees. When hosting conferences, NGA may provide the entire cost from 

Operations and Maintenance funds without attempting to recover costs through 

conference fees. However, DoD has statutory authority to collect conference fees. If 

fees are collected to recover costs, any amount collected in excess of the conference 

cost must be deposited into the U.S. Treasury as a Miscellaneous Receipt.

6. Membership Fees and Dues. NGA may pay membership fees or dues from 

appropriated funds when the membership is in the Government’s best interest and the 

membership is in NGA’s name. NGA may not pay for individual memberships.

(Reference (j))

7. Entertainment Expenses. Entertainment expenses for conferences and other 

personal expenses not directly required by official duties are prohibited (see prohibited 

conference expenses in glossary).

8. Jointly Hosted Conferences. In the case where NGA and another DoD or IC 

Component is hosting a conference, those Components should designate an Executive 

Agent to obtain approval for the conference through their Component’s appropriate 

approval authority on behalf of the entire DoD per Reference (a).

9. Honoraria. Fees to individuals for speeches, lectures, and presentations, as well as 

travel and hotel costs may be paid by exception with the approval of the NGA Chief of 

Staff (CoS). NGA Components must seek/obtain CoS approval via a Staff Summary 

Sheet (SSS) at least 30 days prior to the start of the conference. This applies to 

conferences NGA hosts, not those hosted by other organizations in NGA facilities. In 

that case, the hosting organization shall pay speaker fees, not NGA.

10. Mementos. The use of appropriated funds to pay for conference and tourist 

souvenirs is not authorized. (Reference (j)). 

11. Use of NGA Seal/Emblem/Logo. A conference sponsored by NGA is an official 

conference. Consequently, official seals and emblems may be used to promote and 

endorse the conference. A conference sponsored by a non-federal entity (NFE) is not 
UNCLASSIFIED

NGAM 7000.1

7

UNCLASSIFIED

an official conference, and the sponsor is prohibited from using NGA’s seals or 

emblems. 

12. Notification of Conferences. In accordance with The Joint Ethics Regulation, DoD 

5500.7R paragraph 3-208 (Reference (e)), official channels may be used to notify DoD 

employees of events of common interest sponsored by NFE’s. However, DoD personnel 

must be careful not to endorse the conference, solicit for the conference or go beyond 

providing factual information.
UNCLASSIFIED

NGAM 7000.1

8

UNCLASSIFIED

ENCLOSURE 3

DETERMINATION OF A CONFERENCE

(Extracted from DepSecDef memo “Implementation of Conference Oversight 

Requirements and Delegation of Conference Approval Authority,” 29 September 2012)

1. General Definition. “Conference” is defined in the Federal Travel Regulation, Joint 

Federal Travel Regulations, and Joint Travel Regulations as, “[a] meeting, retreat, 

seminar, symposium, or event that involves attendee travel. The term ‘conference’ also 

applies to training activities that are considered to be conferences under 5 CFR 

410.404.” However, this definition is only a starting point. What constitutes a conference 

for the purposes of this guidance is a fact-based determination based on an evaluation 

of the criteria established in this enclosure.

2. Additional Indicia of Conferences. Conferences subject to this guidance are also 

often referred to by names other than “conference.” Other common terms used include 

conventions, expositions, symposiums, seminars, workshops, or exhibitions. They 

typically involve topical matters of interest to, and the participation of, multiple agencies 

and/or nongovernmental participations. Indicia of a formal conference often include but 

are not limited to registration, registration fees, a published substantive agenda, and 

scheduled speakers or discussion panels. Individual events may qualify as conferences 

without meeting all of the indicia listed above, but will generally meet some of them. 

Please note that some of the training events may qualify as conferences for the purpose 

of this guidance, particularly if they take place in a hotel or conference center.

3. Local Conferences. Events within the local duty location that do not require advance 

travel authorization may also qualify as a conference for the purposes of this guidance if 

the event exhibits other key indicia of a conference, especially the payment of a 

registration, exhibitor, sponsor, or conference fee.

4. Exemptions. For the purposes of this guidance, the exemptions below apply and 

these types of activities should not be considered to be conferences even if the event 

meets the general definition of a conference in paragraph 1 above. Even where an 

event is considered exempt from this guidance, organizations are expected to continue 

to apply strict scrutiny to DoD’s participation to ensure the best use of government funds 

and adherence with not only all applicable laws and policy, but the underlying spirit or 

principles, including ensuring that only personnel attend events that have a missionessential need to do so, that expenses are kept to a minimum, and that participation in 

any associated social events be limited and restrained to the greatest degree 

practicable to avoid the appearance of impropriety. Exemptions from this guidance 

should be granted sparingly and only when events fully meet the definition and intent of 

the criteria below:
UNCLASSIFIED

NGAM 7000.1

9

UNCLASSIFIED

a. Meetings necessary to carry out statutory command and staff oversight functions. 

This exemption would include activities such as investigations, inspections, audits, or 

non-conference planning site visits.

b. Meetings to consider internal agency business matters. This exemption would 

include activities such as meetings that take place as part of an organization’s regular 

course of business and do not exhibit indicia of a formal conference as outlined above.

c. Meetings necessary to carry out planning or execution of operational or operational 

exercise activities or pre-deployment, deployment, or post-deployment activities. This 

exemption would include activities such as planning and preparation for, as well as 

execution of, war games, military exercises, and operational deployments.

d. Bi-lateral and multi-lateral international cooperation engagements that do not 

exhibit indicia of a formal conference as outlined above focused on diplomatic relations. 

This exemption would include activities such as International Military Education and 

Training events, Traditional Commander's Activities, and other regional assistance 

programs. It would also include the activities of the Department’s Regional Security 

Centers that do not exhibit indicia of a formal conference as outlined above.

e. Formal classroom training. This exemption would include activities such as regular 

courses of instruction or training seminars that do not exhibit indicia of a formal 

conference as outlined above, offered by institutions of higher learning or professional 

licensure/certification.

f. Change of Command, award, funeral, or other such ceremonies.

g. Events where the primary purpose of DoD’s participation is military or civilian 

recruiting and/or recruitment advertising.
UNCLASSIFIED

NGAM 7000.1

10

UNCLASSIFIED

ENCLOSURE 4

APPROVAL AUTHORITY

1. Do not finalize conference plans or make any commitments to a vendor that obligates 

NGA’s appropriated funds until the required approval has been obtained from the 

appropriate approval authority.

2. Prior to hosting, co-hosting, co-sponsoring, or attending any conference; NGA team 

members must obtain the appropriate approval.

3. The required approval level is dependent upon (1) the total cost of the conference, (2) 

nonfederal entity co-sponsorship, and (3) spousal travel per References (a), (b), (c), and 

(d). Enclosures 4 and 5 of this manual address conference costs and descriptions of 

items to be included in total conference costs. 

4. Conferences - NGA Hosts, Co-hosts and/or Co-sponsors

a. The NGA Component Director must approve all packages for conferences hosted, 

co-hosted, and/or co-sponsored by the directorate regardless of value. 

b. Final approving authority for hosting, co-hosting, and/or co-sponsoring conferences 

is shown below:

(1) Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence (USD)(I):

(a) Conferences with a total cost to DoD of $500,000 and above.

(b) Conferences with a co-host or co-sponsorship relationship or no cost 

contract with a nonfederal entity, regardless of total conference cost.

(c) Conferences that include spousal travel, regardless of total conference cost.

(2) Director, NGA (D/NGA). Conferences with a total cost to DoD below $500,000 

and equal to or greater than $100,000.

(3) Deputy Director, NGA (DD/NGA). Conferences with a total cost to DoD below 

$100,000.

5. NGA Employee Attendance at Conferences 

a. The NGA Component Director must provide initial approval of attendance to all 

conferences by directorate employees. 

b. Final approving authority for attending conferences hosted by non-DoD entities:
UNCLASSIFIED

NGAM 7000.1

11

UNCLASSIFIED

(1) USD(I):

(a) Total cost of attendance for all organizations under the purview of the 

USD(I) (NGA, Defense Intelligence Agency, National Reconnaissance Office, National 

Security Agency, Defense Security Service) is $100,000 or more.

(b) NGA’s participation is substantial and NGA reasonably expects participation 

of other agencies under the USD(I) purview will push the cost over $100,000.

(2) D/NGA, DD/NGA, or CoS. Total cost of attendance for all organizations under 

the purview of the USD(I) is less than $100,000.

c. Conferences hosted by other DoD components (and therefore approved in 

accordance with DoD conference guidance) do not require the conference level 

approval prior to attendance discussed above in 4.b.(1) and 4.b.(2). NGA employees 

must obtain NGA Component approval prior to attending conferences hosted by other 

DoD components. 

6. For National Intelligence Program (NIP) funded conferences of $100,000 or more, a 

courtesy copy of the package requesting approval for the conference will be delivered 

by the Financial Management (FM) Component to the NGA Executive Secretariat 

(ONE) for forwarding to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) per 

Reference (g).

7. If modifications are required to a previously approved conference that involve either 

an increase in cost or an increase in number of attendees, the modification must be 

approved by NGA Component Director with notification to FM.

8. If, as the date of the conference approaches, it becomes apparent that conference 

costs for hosting, co-sponsoring, and/or attending will exceed the estimated cost and 

breach the next higher approval threshold, approval must be obtained from the higherlevel approval authority as soon as possible. FM must be immediately notified when this 

occurs.
UNCLASSIFIED

NGAM 7000.1

12

UNCLASSIFIED

ENCLOSURE 5

CONFERENCE HOSTING, CO-HOSTING, CO-SPONSORING, ATTENDANCE, AND 

REPORTING PROCEDURES

1. Due diligence and strict fiscal responsibility will be exercised to determine whether 

conferences are justified and appropriate. Technology-based solutions will substitute for 

TDY travel whenever practical. Approval of locations and budgets will be made in

accordance with these guidelines. 

2. Upon decision to host, co-host, co-sponsor, or attend a conference, the NGA 

Component: 

a. Appoints an NGA Component primary point of contact.

b. Develops a detailed justification explaining the benefit to NGA and the 

consequences if NGA does not participate.

c. Estimates conference costs and enters the data into the appropriate cost calculator 

for each participant, according to the instructions found in the automated cost calculator 

tool. All participants in NGA hosted conferences should be included even those 

attending virtually (VTC, Conference Call, etc.), so that full participation can be 

captured. The cost calculator tool is provided by FM to the NGA Component conference 

point of contact (C/POC) when appointed. Detailed instructions on how to use, and 

information on what cost to include in, each calculator can be obtained from the user’s 

guide by clicking on the icon within the tool. 

3. In addition, upon decision to host, co-host or co-sponsor a conference, the NGA 

Component must:

a. Select a location for the conference, taking into consideration the following:

(1) NGA-sponsored conferences will be hosted at Intelligence Community (IC), 

DoD, or other cost-free government facilities, when such facilities are available, 

practical, and suitable for the conferences. Reasonable alternatives, including 

consideration of alternate locations and dates, must be exhausted prior to hosting a 

conference at a non-government facility.

(2) Selection of a non-government site, other than one demonstrated to be the 

most cost-effective solution considered, is prohibited. A cost comparison of a minimum 

of three sites must be considered to ensure the greatest cost-benefit solution for NGA. 

A cost-benefit analysis will be documented, submitted to FM during the quarterly 

reporting process and retained in accordance with NGA’s records retention policy 

whenever selected facilities charge a fee.
UNCLASSIFIED 

NGAM 7000.1

13

UNCLASSIFIED 

(3) After the proposed conference facility has been selected, a threat assessment 

and vulnerability assessment should be prepared to ensure the proper protection of 

personnel and other assets. However, a vulnerability assessment is not necessary for 

conferences held at sites on a military installation or where the Force Protection 

Condition is “ALPHA” or below per Reference (f). Security and Installation Operations 

(SI) shall assist NGA Components in the completion of Vulnerability Assessments. 

(4) Before booking an event at NCE, ensure the conference has been entered into 

the automated conference tool. 

(5) Cost comparison factors to consider should include, but not limited to, a 

determination of adequacy of lodging rooms at the established per diem rates, overall 

convenience of the conference location, fees, availability of meeting space, equipment, 

supplies, and commuting or travel distance of attendees. 

b. Prepare draft agenda.

c. Coordinate with SI to ensure that conferences scheduled to be hosted at NCE

follow the proper SI facility reporting and approval requirements. This will require FM 

coordination on the Conference Center request form. 

d. Obtain OGC approval for food/light refreshment, if applicable.

4. Conference Reporting Process

a. FM will conduct quarterly data calls to collect estimates for all known planned

conferences as well as actual costs for all previously submitted conferences (hosted 

and/or attended). The results of these data calls will be used to respond to various 

internal and/or external requests and in the quarterly consolidated approval process. 

b. FM will provide to the C/POC a summary listing of all conferences submitted by

the NGA Component within the automated conference tool that meet the reporting 

requirement. 

c. The NGA Component prepares an internal SSS for NGA Component Director

approval for the conferences listed on the summary spreadsheet provided by FM. The 

SSS must reflect the summary spreadsheet as an attachment. By signing the SSS, the 

NGA Component Director attests to the accuracy of the statements in the request, 

including the cost-benefit analysis and cost estimate. 

d. The C/POC provides FM all required conference information/documentation as

requested within the N-CERTS data call. Note: Failure to provide required 

documentation for a Conference Approval Package (CAP) will result in the removal of 

the conference from the quarterly consolidated approval process. 
UNCLASSIFIED

NGAM 7000.1

14

UNCLASSIFIED

e. For planning purposes, the following provides information regarding the quarterly 

schedule for submitting conference reporting to FM via the automated conference tool. 

Note: actual reporting dates and additional reporting instructions will be provided by FM 

via an N-CERTS data call.

(1) First fiscal year submission by mid-August (4th quarter actual costs and future 

estimates).

(2) Second submission by mid-November (1st quarter actual costs and future 

estimates).

(3) Third submission by mid-February (2nd quarter actual costs and future 

estimates).

(4) Fourth submission by mid-May (3rd quarter actual costs and future estimates).

5. Approval Process

a. As indicated in Enclosure 4, after obtaining the initial approval for conference 

hosting, co-hosting, co-sponsoring, and attendance to a non-DoD sponsored 

conference by the NGA Component Director, conferences must be finally approved by 

the USD(I), the D/NGA, DD/NGA, or CoS. The approval process requires the 

submission of conference requests to the USD(I) and NGA Executive Leaders (i.e., the 

D/NGA, DD/NGA, or CoS) on a quarterly schedule.

b. Conferences requiring USD(I) approval must be submitted to USD(I) no later than 

45 days before the conference event. NGA Components must consider this requirement 

as they prepare and submit the conference request packages to FM to obtain timely 

USD(I) approval.

c. Consolidated Quarterly Approval Process

(1) FM will consolidate all NGA Components’ CAPs via the reporting process for 

the USD(I), D/NGA, DD/NGA, and CoS. Therefore, all conference requests must be 

submitted to FM for review.

(2) FM shall perform the following actions:

(a) Review cost calculators for compliance with oversight guidance and 

mathematical accuracy.

(b) Prepare necessary SSS, Decision Memorandum, and/or routing slip.

(c) Collate and submit the quarterly approval package to:

i. Obtain Chief Financial Executive (CFE) coordination signature.
UNCLASSIFIED 

NGAM 7000.1

15

UNCLASSIFIED 

ii. Obtain OGC coordination to confirm that sponsoring, co-sponsoring, or

attending a non-DoD entity conference complies with legal requirements. 

iii. Obtain the NGA Office of Corporate Communication (OCC) coordination

to ensure the conference is in alignment with NGA’s strategic goals.

iv. Submit consolidated conference request packages requiring USD(I) or

NGA Executive Leader’s approval to the ONE.

(3) ONE will perform the following actions: 

(a) Review package and prepare for D/NGA, DD/NGA, or CoS signature. 

D/NGA, DD/NGA, or CoS approves or disapproves (if applicable). 

(b) Submit to oversight (if applicable). 

(c) Notify all parties of decision. 

(4) During the approval process, if a conference is disapproved or needs 

additional information, it will be removed from the quarterly consolidated approval 

process. The NGA Component will be responsible for obtaining final approval using the 

ad hoc approval process discussed below. 

d. Ad Hoc Approval process:

(1) When a NGA Component identifies a conference that requires USD(I) or NGA 

Executive Leader approval after FM has submitted the quarterly consolidated 

conference approval request or has been notified their CAP was removed from the 

quarterly request, the NGA Component must: 

(a) Perform all required actions included in paragraphs 1 through 3 of this 

Enclosure. 

(b) Notify FM after entering all NGA Component Director approved ad hoc 

conferences within the automated cost calculator tool. 

(c) Complete an SSS and explain why the conference was not included in 

FM’s quarterly data call and the mission criticality. 

(d) Obtain FM coordination. 

(e) Obtain OGC coordination to ensure compliance with legal requirements. 

(f) Obtain OCC coordination to ensure the conference is in alignment with 

NGA’s strategic goals.
UNCLASSIFIED 

NGAM 7000.1

16

UNCLASSIFIED 

(2) FM will work with each NGA Component to complete each ad hoc approval 

package and assist with the routing. 

6. NGA Component Directors must maintain all conference documentation in

accordance with the NGA records retention policy. 

7. When required, OCC shall release public disclosure of conferences and the related

costs as provided by FM. 


UNCLASSIFIED 

NGAM 7000.1

19

UNCLASSIFIED 

GLOSSARY 

DEFINITIONS 

Conference A meeting, retreat, seminar, symposium, training, or event that 

involves attendee travel and/or conference expenses. The term 

conference also applies to training activities considered to be 

conferences under the following conditions:

a. The announced purpose of the conference is educational

or instructional

b. More than half of the time is scheduled for a planned,

organized exchange of information between presenters

and audience

c. The content of the conference is germane to improving

individual and/or organizational performance, and

d. Development benefits will be derived through the

employee’s attendance

Exclusions to conference reporting requirements are as follows:

- Meetings that discuss business matters internal to NGA or 

other topics with little relevance outside the agency and 

that have no conference-related expenses incurred 

(excluding travel-related expenses).

Formal classroom training. This exemption would include 

activities such as regular courses of instruction or training 

seminars. These activities may be offered by government 

organizations, institutions of higher learning or professional 

licensure/certification, or other training entities. However, events 

are not exempt simply because they offer continuing education 

credits or the equivalent.

- See Enclosure 3 paragraph 4 for additional exemptions.

Conference 

Expenses

All direct and indirect conference costs paid by the Government, 

whether paid directly by agencies or reimbursed by agencies to 

travelers or others associated with the conference, but do not 

include funds paid under Federal grants to grantees. Expenses 

include any associated authorized travel and per diem expenses, 

rental of rooms for official business (facility fee), audiovisual use, 

light refreshments, registration fees, ground transportation, and 
UNCLASSIFIED 

NGAM 7000.1

20

UNCLASSIFIED 

Light 

Refreshments

National 

Intelligence 

Program 

(NIP)

No Cost 

Conference

Prohibited 

Conference

Expenses

other expenses as defined by the Federal Travel Regulation 

(References (d) and (h)).

Assorted food and drink for morning, afternoon, or evening 

breaks excluding alcoholic beverages and including coffee, tea, 

milk, juice, soft drinks, bottled water, donuts, bagels, fruit, 

pretzels, cookies, chips, muffins, and similar items.

A funding program that encompasses the bulk of the activities of 

the major national civilian and defense intelligence agencies; 

national-level DoD intelligence, foreign counterintelligence, and 

reconnaissance activities; and other intelligence programs within 

the U.S. Government designated for inclusion in the NIP by the 

head of the executive department involved, the DNI, or the 

President.

A conference that meets the above definition of a conference but 

has no costs associated with it whatsoever, including no minor 

expenses such as local travel.

Entertainment-related expenses are expressly prohibited as part 

of NGA conferences, and approval authorities must ensure that 

funds, including those paid through travel disbursements or 

conference fees are not used to pay such expenses. Examples of 

entertainment-related expenses that are prohibited include

 paying for motivational speakers (as opposed to speakers

with specific subject-matter expertise in the topic of the

conference),

 hiring of musicians or other entertainers to perform at

conferences,

 procuring extraneous promotional items, decorations, or

other goods or services for participants that are unrelated

to the purpose of the conference,

 procuring tickets to recreational activities outside of the

conference setting, or using funds to produce nonsubstantive audio/visual materials.
UNCLASSIFIED 

NGAM 7000.1

21

UNCLASSIFIED 

Common sense and good judgment must be used throughout the 

conference planning process. If there is any doubt as to the 

appropriateness of certain expenses, coordinate with appropriate 

officials, including legal counsel (Reference (a)).