In addition to the rules and conditions described on the Home Page and the detail pages of events, here are additional MI rules:
“Chatham House Rule”: When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed. Participants can share information without identifying the speaker or other participants.
The Chatham House Rule is a set of guidelines for sharing information while respecting the privacy of participants. It’s often used at meetings and events to encourage free discussion. It creates an environment where people express their views without worrying about their reputation or official position. It also helps people understand and resolve complex problems.
Chatham House is an international affairs think tank that uses the Chatham House Rule at its events. The Chatham House Rule is used around the world to encourage inclusive and open dialogue in meetings. The rule can be used to encourage innovative and original thinking. It can help people feel comfortable speaking up, even if their views differ from their organization’s.
The Chatham House Rule is not legally binding, but an expectation of how people should behave.
“What is shared in the room stays in the room” is another MI rule that protects the confidentiality of information and communications shared in the meetings by participants.
The “Cellphone Basket Rule” or “Cellphones Off Rule”: MI provides pads and pens for participants to take notes. All cell phones will be put in a basket in the center of the room, visible to all. The rule prevents phones ringing during meetings, distractions, as well as recording. Participants may comply with the rule by first turning off their cell phones, and voluntarily putting them in the basket. If anyone refuses to put his/her phone in the basket, he/she still needs to turn off his/her phone.
“No video or audio recording” rule is mandatory, to protect all participants and all information involved in all MI meetings, events, and activities.
